This week’s “In the Field Friday” is Nicole McMullen, from Monclova, Ohio. She graduated this past spring from Ohio State ATI with an Associate of Science in Agriscience Education. She will transition to the Columbus campus of The Ohio State University this fall to continue her education.

This summer she is completing a virtual internship with John Deere as a marketing/sales intern for Harvester Works. The June 15^th launch of the new X9 Combine Series and Front-End Equipment is the focus for the team. This summer she is responsible for setting up weekly U.S. dealer meetings to receive feedback from dealers using demo machines and equipment. Creating a Harvest 2020 Game Plan is her second project. This project requires Nicole to work with U.S. and Canadian team members to ensure the dealers will have support from the field team for demos and clinics. Through her internship she has been able to network with John Deere employees from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and Germany, as well as interns across the country.

“Take every opportunity that is offered to you, even if unsure about it,“ Nicole said. She earned this internship during the career fair at MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences) Region V Cluster in October of 2019. “I was focused on learning more about MANRRS,” Nicole adds, “but it opened the door to network with recruiters in a more personalized setting.”

If you would like to learn more about organizations at the Ohio State ATI, visit ati.osu.edu/currentstudents/campuslife/clubs.

By: Emily Bookless

Rachael Ramsier is an associated faculty and program coordinator for the Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership (ACEL) program at Ohio State ATI.

She completed her associate degree in Agriscience Education at Ohio State ATI before finishing her bachelor’s degree at the Columbus campus. She later completed a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration at The Ohio State University. Now, she is working on her PhD through the ACEL department at OSU.

“Some of my best memories started on the ATI campus, and I made friends for life,” said Ramsier. “I have always felt the ACEL program was home to me, and I am so grateful for the opportunities the department has given me.”

Her advice to those in the ACEL program is to gain experience in the agricultural industry and not limit yourself to only taking internships that might be in a classroom or extension office. She recommends pulling from real life experiences in agriculture to inspire and teach your youth, whether it be in the classroom or in a 4-H youth development setting.

Ramsier’s advice for incoming freshmen is to explore the ATI campus by taking advantage of the opportunities you have to learn and grow. “The best advice given to me from my parents was to live on campus. At the time we lived in dorms across the road, which was awesome,” said Ramsier. Ohio State ATI now has an apartment village on campus, which has replaced that residence hall. Her favorite part of being a faculty member is connecting and interacting with students.

Ramsier balances her work by hanging out with family, exploring the outdoors, raising livestock, and helping her children with their 4-H projects.

By: Nicole McMullen
Today we are highlighting Ohio State ATI 2019 graduate, Samantha Augustine. Samantha graduated December 2019 with an Associate of Science in Agricultural Communication from Ohio State ATI. After graduation, she transitioned to the Columbus campus of Ohio State to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communication with a minor in Meat Science.

Samantha will be a communication intern with the Ohio Pork Council, located in New Albany, Ohio. The focus of the internship is to promote the pork industry throughout the state of Ohio. Her responsibilities include member communication, consumer communication, and education through Porkline magazine, social media, event planning, and e-newsletters. Creating graphics for the various media will be her focus.

COVID-19 changed the end of the school year and affected many students’ internships. “During this difficult time as current or future students,” Samantha reminds us, “it’s important to remember to accept the failures and or setbacks that come your way, handle it, learn from it, and move on.”

To keep up to date about The Ohio State University response to COVID-19, visit safeandhealthy.osu.edu.

By: Nicole McMullen
We would like to introduce Lisa Leienberger for our In the Field Friday. She graduated this past May with an Associate of Science in Agribusiness from Ohio State ATI. In the fall, Lisa will transition to the Columbus campus of OSU to earn a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Applied Economics. This summer she will be an intern at Richwood Financial, located in Richwood, Ohio.

Lisa will be an assistant within the finance department. The focus of the internship is to learn and understand the roles and responsibilities of a financial advisor. Lisa’s responsibilities include creating social media content, building relationships with clients, and completing basic transactions.

Becoming involved both on campus and with an employer is important. Lisa adds, “the more connections you make, the better off you will be.” It is also important to remember to enjoy the time on campus because you will miss it more than you think.

To learn more about clubs and organizations on campus visit: ati.osu.edu/currentstudents/campuslife/clubs.

By: Nicole McMullen
This week, we will feature Ryan Patton, from Logan, Ohio. Ryan will be entering his second year studying Agriscience Education at Ohio State ATI this fall. This summer he is an ambassador for the Ohio Soybean Council’s GrowNextGen program based out of Worthington, Ohio.

As an ambassador, Ryan travels across the state of Ohio teaching agricultural lessons. The lessons can be used for people of all ages to learn about soybeans and the impact they have on the agriculture industry. Soy ink is the most notable demonstration because of the complexity of the lesson planning and execution of it. Ryan will be able to use what he learned this summer when he becomes an agriscience educator.

Having a good internship will help in having a good college experience, so begin to look for one early. “Use an internship as a learning experience,” adds Ryan, “regardless of what it is.” He reminds us that they are meant to help you grow, build your network, and help make decisions regarding the future. Lastly, it is important to seek help if needed and accept advice from your advisors.

To learn more about Ohio Soybean Council’s GrowNextGen program, visit: https://grownextgen.org/

Program Excel Staff in our ATI Bookstore!

Students use Program Excel for a variety of resources—all individualized for each student’s needs and interests. Some of the resources include: a personal academic mentor for college navigation and making a great college experience, an early trip to Ohio State’s Columbus campus to tour our college and experience a day on campus, professional coaching to prep you for difficult college courses, scholarship (free money) searches, personal career preparation, and much more.

There are several groups of staff members at Ohio State ATI that work very closely together. One such group is our Program Excel staff, who help students in a multitude of ways!​​ Program Excel has been in place at Ohio State ATI for over 30 years. It is funded by a US Department of Education TRIO grant. We have seven Program Excel staff members, who have a combined 97 years of experience at Ohio State ATI!

When asked about the benefits of coming to college, the Program Excel staff agrees that it is “an investment for the future you, academically and with the connections you make.” They explain, “College gives you the opportunity to get great preparation for your career and enrich yourself personally. You will benefit from this experience for the rest of your life.” They also advise students to come to college ready to try new activities and to utilize campus services.

Our Program Excel staff’s favorite thing about Ohio State ATI is our students! They love getting to know them, learning about their interests, and finding out where their college paths takes them. Program Excel will be reaching out to students in late July or early August, so watch your BuckeyeMail email for their message!