A Love for Agriculture
It took some time to sort out her path, but the chance to work in agriculture is where Sami McDonald knows she wants to be.
A senior Agribusiness major, Sami originally arrived at Midland as a biology major, wanting to become a veterinarian someday. She then altered those plans to become a teacher, but an injury her sophomore caused her to reevaluate everything.
“I suffered a brain injury and missed about three weeks of school. When I came back, I decided I wanted to find a different way to be involved with livestock. Agriculture was important to me, so I wanted to give back to the industry. I visited with Dr. Nick Schreck (Dean for Dunklau School of Business) and he told me everything that Agribusiness offered.”
She has immersed herself not only in the Agribusiness program but is one of the founding members and current president of the Agribusiness Club. “We do a lot of fun things and Erik Hoegemeyer (club sponsor and Assistant Professor of Agribusiness) is great about letting us run with our ideas. It’s been fun to see the club continue to grow and we get to meet with lots of great partners.”
Her love for animals began in elementary school when a birthday present from her parents spurred an interest in horses. “My parents got me horse-riding lessons and I loved it. I got to know other kids in the group, and it became a real passion for me. I’m very lucky to have parents who allowed me to pursue my interest.”
That interest grew to competing in rodeos while in high school, and eventually landed her a job as a horse trainer. “I now have several horses of my own and I will always love being around horses.”
Sami spent her first two years at Midland as part of the Dance team, and it was her love for dance that piqued her interest in the school. “Midland wasn’t really on my radar, but I came here for a dance clinic and got a chance to visit with the coach. Once I visited Midland, I realized it felt like home, and people knew you by your name. It gave me a chance to continue dancing, and stay close to home.”
She feels a connection of being close to home every day on campus. Her dad, David, is a System Administrator at Midland, and her younger brother, Nate, is a sophomore at Midland and a member of the men’s wrestling team.
“I’m probably in my dad’s office almost every day. If I’m having a bad day, he’s there to lend me support or give me a protein shake.”
Sami’s experience at Midland has been enhanced by her involvement with the Howard Hanson Honors program for the past four years and her service as a Resident Advisor for the past two years (Beegle Hall and Miller Hall).
“I have had so much fun with the Honors program and enjoy doing the research projects and going to events. I have really enjoyed my time as an RA. I love being around the residents, as well as the other RAs. It’s given me a way to be involved and has given me an extra form of community.”
After graduation in May, Sami is planning on attaining her Masters in Agricultural Communications. “My plan, for now, is to leave Nebraska for a little while and get my Masters. I would like to pursue work in Ag Communications in journalism, media, or agriculture policy. I think that is the best avenue for my personality.”
Sami McDonald is a senior Agribusiness major from North Bend, Nebraska.
