For many Ohio State ATI students, their first campus visit was the moment they began to picture themselves as Buckeyes. Meeting with faculty, connecting with an admissions counselor, and touring campus with a current student gave them the chance to ask questions, see classrooms and facilities, and imagine what life here could look like.

Here’s what some of our first-year students shared about how their campus visit helped them find their fit at Ohio State ATI:

Tanner Dungan, Eaton, Ohio

“As soon as I stepped on campus, I knew this was the place. It felt like a home away from home. Staff members and even other students reminded me of everything I loved about my hometown with just a little added distance.”

Rhylee Eichhorn, Troy, Ohio

“The first time I visited ATI was during my sophomore year of high school for a judging clinic hosted by the ATI livestock judging team. I was immediately impressed by the opportunities ATI offered. When it came time to choose where I wanted to go, there was no doubt in my mind ATI was where I needed to be!”

Gabe Clark, Dalton, Ohio

“When I visited Ohio State ATI, I loved how accessible and close everything was, but most of all I loved the experiential learning. When I toured the farms, I knew right then and there that this is where I wanted to go. I grew up on a farm, and animals have always been very intriguing to me, so it was exciting knowing I would be at a place with facilities readily available to help me learn.”

Andi Schuch, Shreve, Ohio

“I knew ATI was the place for me the first time I visited. The environment and people were welcoming and made me feel like I was at home. I couldn’t picture myself starting my college journey anywhere else.”

At Ohio State ATI, we offer Saturday Open Houses, a Presidents Day visit, and weekday visit opportunities. Be sure to visit campus soon and start your own Buckeye journey. Register at ati.osu.edu/visit.

By Lilly Cappitte

College visits can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between the campus tour and the informational sessions with faculty, the whole experience can quickly become a blur. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you are visiting Ohio State ATI this fall, make the most of it. Picture yourself living, studying, and growing here.  

Here at ATI, talking to an admissions counselor is one of the most important parts of your visit. They are the experts on the admission process, and they can answer any question you might have. From deadlines to questions about majors, or even good places to grab lunch in Wooster, they know it all. Take advantage of this while you are on campus. When I visited last year, I had no clue what major I really wanted to pursue. It is because of the conversation I had with the admissions counselor that I am in the major that is the perfect fit for me today, agricultural communication. 

Another important part of your visit is imagining yourself living here. Don’t just focus on what you see; try to picture the moments in between. As you walk past the outdoor seating areas, can you see yourself relaxing there between classes? Can you imagine yourself studying in the library, or grabbing a coffee at the CFAES Wooster Café? For me, the answer was an immediate “yes.” This campus felt like the perfect place to call home. If you can picture yourself feeling comfortable, supported, and able to grow on campus, it is a strong sign that you are in the right place.  

Finally, recognize what makes ATI unique compared to other schools. The tight-knit community feel, smaller class sizes, and the hands-on experiences are all things to appreciate about this campus. Here, all your professors will know you by name and will be huge contributors to your success as a Buckeye. If this is something that is valuable to you, ATI might just be the perfect fit. 

Choosing a college can be intimidating, but how you go about making that choice is important. Trust your instincts, ask plenty of questions, and take everything in. You’re not just choosing a school; you’re choosing a place to grow into the person you want to become. 

By Kimber Carney

Moving into college is a first-time milestone filled with excitement, anticipation, and maybe a bit of nervousness. It marks a new chapter of your life, which could feel a little overwhelming. However, with some preparation and a positive mindset you can make your move-in day smooth and stress-free. Here are a few tips to get through the day without stress! 

Reach out to your roommates early on 

Reaching out to your roommates can help make sure you have everything needed for your apartment without bringing duplicates. It can also help you form connections with each other and find similarities with your living styles. 

Bring cleaning supplies 

Cleaning the apartment before bringing all your things in is always a good idea to get a fresh start in your living space. A quick wipe-down can make the space feel more comfortable and hygienic. Additionally, moving can be messy and accidents may happen. Spills or unexpected dirt and dust may appear. It’s important to bring a few extra cleaning supplies so you can continue to clean throughout the year. 

Pack your essentials so they’re accessible 

You may not be fully unpacked when you want to go to bed or need something that you use every day. Keeping all of your daily essentials in one bag or boxed together will help you find them easily when you need them. 

Bring friends or family to help unpack 

Unpacking everything and getting items put in the correct area is quite a feat on your own. If it’s possible to bring friends or family members to help unload the car, unpack, and put away things even if they only help for a short time, it makes a difference. This can also make your apartment feel more like home while you get introduced to the new space.   

Moving into college is an exciting and nerve-wracking experience, but with a little preparation, you can make the process much smoother. Remember to stay organized, keep a positive mindset, and embrace change. Your new adventure is just beginning, and every step you take will bring you closer to making college life unforgettable. Good luck and enjoy the journey ahead! 

Adrianna Meyer, from Swanton, Ohio, is spending her summer 17 hours from home but has never felt more connected to her passion. As an ASPIRE intern with Louisiana State University’s Extension program, Adrianna is diving into a whole new world of 4-H programming.

Recently graduated from Ohio State ATI, Adrianna is headed to the Columbus campus to earn her bachelor’s degree in community leadership. She knew she wanted an out-of-state experience that would challenge her personally and professionally. The ASPIRE program offered that and more. Based in Baton Rouge, Adrianna has been involved in a variety of unique Louisiana 4-H opportunities, including the Youth Wetlands Program and Marsh Maneuvers.

“Being able to experience a 4-H program other than Ohio has been extremely exciting,” she shared. “I’ve seen a different approach to youth development and gained experiences that broaden my perspective on Extension work.”

She credits Ohio State ATI with helping her feel confident and prepared for this challenge. Courses and involvement opportunities gave her the confidence to live far from home, while programs like Agriculture Future of America taught her the importance of meaningful networking.

“My ATI experience helped me develop the personal and professional tools to make the most of this internship,” she said. “Being able to connect with people, ask questions, and say yes to new things has made the difference.”

Adrianna’s summer in Louisiana has been more than an internship. It has been a transformative step toward her future in Extension education. With each new challenge, she gained clarity, confidence, and renewed excitement for making a difference in the lives of youth.

When Lilly Pinkelman first arrived at Ohio State ATI, she hadn’t planned on a career in horticulture. In fact, she hadn’t even visited campus before enrolling. She began in animal sciences but soon discovered her true passion lay in horticultural research, influenced by Ohio State ATI’s hands-on learning environment.  

Originally from Toledo, Lilly enrolled into the greenhouse and nursery management program after realizing her passion for growing plants while working at a neighborhood greenhouse in high school. Ohio State ATI’s small campus, tight-knit community, and highly practical approach to learning quickly set the foundation for her success.  

After completing her ATI greenhouse major, Lilly pursued a sustainable plant systems major with a specialization in horticulture at the Columbus campus of Ohio State.  “The hands-on experiences I had at Ohio State ATI gave me a leg up in Columbus and beyond,” Lilly said. “I wasn’t just reading about greenhouse management; I was actually doing it.”

Through Ohio State ATI’s practicum courses, Lilly had the opportunity to grow crops throughout multiple seasons, managing everything from poinsettias to bedding plants. Her internships further expanded that experience. At Foertmeyer & Sons Greenhouse Greenhouse in Swanton, OH, she gained large-scale production knowledge, working with cutting-edge greenhouse technology and learning about crop nutrition and pest management. Later, at Ball Horticultural Company under their Darwin Perennials division, she focused on product research and development, evaluating plant trials and learning how plants make it to market.

Today, Lilly works in production research at Ball, conducting global research to support farms in Chile, Costa Rica, California, and beyond. While the position typically requires a master’s degree, her extensive hands-on experience and Ohio State ATI foundation helped her rise into the role. “Ohio State ATI and my internships gave me hands-on experience. I’m not just educated—I’m running a greenhouse,” she says. “I might not have a master’s, but I have real greenhouse knowledge, and that’s what got me hired.” 

Reflecting on her time at Ohio State ATI, Lilly highlights the impact of personal connections and small-campus support. From Greenhouse Club to professors who turned tough classes into interactive learning, it was the people and hands-on experience that shaped her success. Her advice to new students is to “get involved, ask questions, and build connections. You don’t need to know everything, but if you know someone who does, you’re set.” 

Before heading to the Columbus campus to complete her bachelor’s degree, recent Ohio State ATI graduate Lexi Troyer is spending her summer as a student extern at Sugarcreek Veterinary Clinic in Tuscarawas County. For Lexi, this experience is more than a step toward her future in veterinary medicine; it’s a meaningful return to her roots.  

“Growing up, my family always brought our pets to this clinic,” Lexi shared. “Being here now as a student, gaining real-world veterinary experience, feels like a full-circle moment.”

At the clinic, Lexi is gaining hands-on experience by accompanying veterinarians on large animal farm calls, assisting with small animal appointments, and observing surgical procedures. These opportunities have not only confirmed her passion for veterinary medicine but also given her new insight into the demands of clinical practice. Conversations with veterinarians have been especially helpful, offering her a deeper understanding of both animal care and the path toward veterinary school. 

Her coursework at Ohio State ATI has proven to be a strong foundation for this experience. Lexi credits Dr. Shaun Wellert’s classes, including animal anatomy and physiology, dairy health and management, and milk reproduction, for preparing her.  

“One standout moment was realizing just how much I could follow during farm calls,” she explained. “Compared to when I shadowed in high school, I now understand more of the technical discussions. It’s rewarding to see how much I have grown.” 

This summer, Lexi is turning years of meaningful preparation into meaningful progress, all while giving back to a community that helped spark her interest in animal care. Her experience this summer at Sugarcreek Veterinary Clinic has brought her full circle and made her even more certain of her future in veterinary medicine.  

As a summer intern with the Hardin Soil and Water Conservation District, recent graduate, Alyssa Heldman, is learning firsthand how conservation works and how she can bring that knowledge into future classrooms. Alyssa is from Kenton, Ohio, and is headed to the Columbus campus to continue her degree; she studies agriscience education.  

“I am enthusiastic about working in conservation and eager to deepen my understanding of the practices being implemented in my county,” she shared. “Learning how local producers care for their land helps me better understand their decision-making and stewardship efforts.”  

One of her proudest accomplishments this summer is helping revitalize Silver Creek Environmental Center, a space with big educational potential. Partnering with the district’s outreach coordinator, Alyssa has helped transform it into a dynamic learning environment for field trips, 4-H meetings, and community programs. “It’s exciting to bring it back to life and create engaging activities that make conservation accessible and exciting for all ages,” Alyssa said. 

A key skill that she’s developed is effective communication and tailoring information to meet the needs of different audiences. “Whether I’m talking to farmers, community members, or students, I’ve learned how to make conversation concepts clear, relevant, and engaging,” she said. 

This experience strengthened Alyssa’s passion for environmental education and reaffirmed her calling to teach. With the skills and insights she’s gaining, she’s on her way to becoming the kind of educator who inspires.  

Aiden Robinson, from West Portsmouth, Ohio, is a student majoring in landscape horticulture and turfgrass management. He is a summer intern at the Wooster Country Club.  

“I was excited to learn more about the turf industry, be outdoors, and meet new people,” he said. “And so far, the experience has delivered all of this.” 

His internship was made possible thanks to support from a former ATI advisor and professor who helped him connect with the superintendent at the club. “An internship is required for my degree,” Aiden explained, “but this one is helping me go beyond just checking a box, it’s preparing me for what’s next.” 

The thing that stands out most for Aiden isn’t a single moment, but rather the way his supervisors explain how to do a task, and why it matters. “These explanations help everything click,” he said.  

This summer, Aiden has learned to operate a stick shift, use a sod cutter, and gain an inside look at what it takes to keep a course in top condition.  

Aiden is making the most of every opportunity this summer. With curiosity and big goals driving him forward, he’s growing a future with endless possibilities.

This summer, Lauren Brunswick, a recent Ohio State ATI graduate and an upcoming third-year student at The Ohio State University’s Columbus campus, is turning her long-time interest in cheesemaking into real-world experience through an internship at Muranda Cheese Company in Waterloo, NY. Lauren, who is from Saint Henry, Ohio, is majoring in agribusiness and applied economics with plans to minor in dairy science. 

Lauren has been making cheese and yogurt with her father for eight years, ever since a 4-H food science project sparked her interest in 2017. Now, she’s refining those skills in a commercial setting. “This experience aligns with my talent and passion for cheesemaking, as I have been making hard and soft cheeses for about eight years now,” she said. 

Lauren discovered the internship on her own but says it wouldn’t have been possible without the STEP (Second-Year Transformational Experience) Program at Ohio State ATI. “The STEP program allows the college student to have a signature project. When the signature project is approved, the program will give the student up to $2,000 for expenses,” she said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me because getting the opportunity to travel out of state for three months is very exciting, especially when you get to do what you love.”

At Muranda, Lauren is gaining hands-on experience in all parts of the cheesemaking process—from stirring curds to leading cheese tastings. “I am especially proud of myself for leading a 10-person group guided cheese tasting during my second week. I had to remember all of the information about 12 cheeses and had to do it by myself,” she explained.  

This experience is helping shape her future goals, which include opening her own creamery and possibly working in research and development. Her advice to other students: “If you are given an opportunity, then take it. You will never know what this new experience might do to your life.” 

By Derick Findley

As a first-generation college student, I did not know what to bring and what not to bring to college. As a student preparing to move into your first apartment here at ATI, you are probably focusing on the exciting stuff like a new space, freedom, and the ability to make it your own. But before you get too excited about leaving home, there are a few things you need to know.

The sooner you start to buy the essentials, the easier moving in will be. Many students wait until the last minute to buy apartment necessities, but this can leave you scrambling at the last minute. You don’t need to buy everything at once, but starting early ensures you’ll have most of what you need from day one. I would recommend trying to find things on sale to help with the cost. Also, remember that you can divide the items needed in your apartment up with your other housemates. Below are a few items you can start collecting today!

Extra furniture Although OSU Housing provides you with a couch, chair, ottoman, tv stand, bed, dresser, and dining set, I recommend you bring additional pieces for your space. Your living space is where you spend a lot of time studying, doing homework, or hanging out with friends and relaxing. In my apartment we brought an additional couch, chair, lamp, and other furnishings.

Rugs To make your apartment feel more like home, you could bring rugs for your living spaces, even your bathroom. This helps your floors feel warmer and cozy all year round. The space I recommend you have a rug is next to your bed, because nothing is worse than getting up in the morning with your feet on a cold floor.

Microwave and air fryer A microwave and air fryer will be your most used kitchen appliances. Your apartment is furnished with an oven, but you and your roommates are responsible for providing a microwave and air fryer if you want them. I recommend both to be smaller, as you don’t have much counter space. I use these two appliances for nearly every meal, whether I am cooking chicken tenders in the air fryer, or using the microwave to heat the leftovers Mom sent back.

Pots and pans Other essential kitchen items you’ll need to cook with are pots and pans. I recommend you plan with your roommates to see who is bringing what to share in the kitchen. You don’t need a full kitchen set like mom has; I have two skillets, a saucepan, and one pot. With these few pots and pans, I can cook about any meal.

Ice maker If you are like me, you are constantly filling your cup with ice. The refrigerator does not have a built-in ice machine, so you are going to need an ice tray or machine. Personally, I recommend an ice machine, as it’s simpler to use and you don’t have to worry about freezer space or running out of ice as quickly.

Shower head Now, you are probably thinking this is a weird item to bring, but here at ATI, every apartment bathroom has a shower for you and your roommates. I personally would rather have a shower head like I do at home, so I replaced the apartment shower head with one from Amazon and will put back the original at the completion of the semester.

Shower curtain In your apartment ATI, you have a shower tub combo and will need a shower curtain. You can bring a plastic curtain to keep it simple or add a fancy curtain to decorate your bathroom.

Things to make your apartment feel like home This is one of the most important things to invest in to personalize your space. Things that I recommend are wall art, pillows and blankets for the living space, plants to see things grow over time and to liven the apartment up, and photos of loved ones.

Moving into your first apartment in college is exciting, but it can be overwhelming if you wait until the last minute. By starting to buy the essentials early, you will have a much smoother move-in day. Check your local stores for deals and discounts as every dollar counts. Take the time to now get the items you need, and you’ll thank yourself when it’s time to move in to become a Buckeye!

Here is a helpful document to help answer any questions you may have!