Classification: Junior

Why did you decide to come to Texas Tech University?

All throughout high school, I was planning on attending a different university in Texas to pursue a degree in chemical engineering, but after a campus visit and advising appointment with CASNR, my entire future plans changed for the better. The year before my senior year, I visited Texas Tech, took a campus tour and talked to a CASNR advisor. I was amazed by the friendliness of the staff and how they made everyone feel like a person instead of a number. Coming from a smaller high school, I worried about being treated like a number, but Texas Tech did an amazing job welcoming me and making me feel at home. Also, for my degrees in Food Science and Meat Science, Texas Tech, in my opinion, was superior, making Tech the logical choice for my future. However living eight hours away, I did not make this decision lightly, and after months of praying and thinking, I announced my decision to attend Texas Tech in my graduation speech. The quality of this university outweighed the distance and now I could not imagine myself anywhere else. I fell in love with Tech and the people in Lubbock from the first moment I entered campus and it has been by far the best decision of my life.

Describe your educational experience in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences?

My educational experience has exceeded any expectation; preparing me for my future career and life. I have been blessed with the best professors, friendships and opportunities though this department. Being a Food Science and Animal Science, Meat Science option double major, my classes have been rigorous but very rewarding. I feel very prepared for internships and the real industry. Through an opportunity from the Meat Science department, I spent the summer in Australia and New Zealand on an internship which has proven to be one of the best experiences of my life. Also, my involvement with the judging program and extracurricular activities has been very instrumental to my time at Tech. These programs adopted me and led me to the best friendships and memories that I will cherish forever. Overall, I am not the same person I was when I enrolled in my first Animal and Food Science class; I am someone who has one of the greatest educations, friends and memories that will be instrumental in all of my future endeavors.

What is your advice to potential students interested in this field of study?

Animal and Food Sciences is a booming industry full of opportunities, making it the ideal industry to enter as college graduate. For someone with a passion in the agricultural industry, this department will provide the education and opportunities needed to become more than successful. If I could do it again, I would not change much, besides finding my niche sooner. My advice for other students is to become involved and find your niche, and passion. My niche outside of the classroom is in a meat cooler, judging; however I know the majority of students in this department have found their home in undergraduate research, the Pre-Vet Society, the Food Science Club, Block and Bridle, and other programs. Focus on whatever you are passionate for. Passion is a key instrument in this field of study and will allow you to become even more successful. This industry values hard work and dedication, allowing students to thrive through their own efforts. Therefore, being involved in your passions and striving for excellence in all that you do will allow you to make the most out of your time at Tech and your career.

What was your favorite part of Texas Tech?

The people are my favorite part of Texas Tech which sounds weird to anyone who knows me as I am a complete introvert, but my experiences at Tech would be nothing without the people I have shared them with.  The professors, advisors and students make this journey worth all of the trouble. This department has the absolute best professors and faculty that go out of their way to ensure the success of the students, and I can promise you will not find that type of genuine care and generosity at other universities or even other departments. Also, the students that are Animal and Food Science majors are some of the best people I have ever met. They work hard, play hard and are genuinely good people that I am lucky to call my friends. I have had the greatest experiences over the past two years, and I am so blessed to have shared them with so many amazing people.


For more information about the Department of Animal and Food Sciences' undergraduate degree plans, please contact Kayla Rathmann atkayla.rathmann@ttu.edu.