By Lilly Cappitte

Everyone tells you that when you get to college you finally get to experience true independence. You will get to make your own schedules, choose how to spend your day, and get to experience so many new opportunities. When I arrived at ATI, I did not realize how challenging it would be to navigate those things independently. Coming from high school, where my schedule was determined by bells, to an independent college life was nothing short of a struggle. As someone who is now familiar with the rhythm of ATI, I want to share a few things I wish I knew before stepping on campus.  

At first, I thought college was all about academics. But I quickly realized the importance of building a community and participating in campus life. During the first two weeks on campus, Student Life hosts many Welcome Week activities. This is where I met some of my closest friends. I recommend attending most of these events. Even if you can only be there for thirty minutes, you never know what kind of connections you will make. I have personally met so many people outside of my major, felt more connected to campus, and built relationships. 

Next, college is all about independence and taking the initiative for yourself. In high school, I had a structured routine, and almost every day looked the same. College gives you the responsibility to determine the best use of your time. While there are faculty and advisors to support you, no one is going to hold your hand. It is up to you to determine what to do with your time. Whether it’s socializing, doing homework, or deciding to squeeze in a nap before class –all those decisions contribute to your growth as a person.

Looking back on my first semester here at ATI, I realized the importance of making the most of my college experience, and that it’s not just all about academics. I encourage you to take advantage of new opportunities that come your way, whether it’s attending club meetings, discovering new passions, or even attending campus events. With all this being said, remember that college isn’t just about what you learn, but also about the memories you make and how you grow along the way. 

By Kinze Jaqua

Considering multiple colleges at once? There are many ways to make the most of your campus tour. As a first-year student at Ohio State ATI, I was in the same shoes not that long ago when I was making my college decision. Here are a few key tips when touring a new campus that I discovered during this process that can help you find the campus that fits you best.

Ask Questions – While it might seem self-explanatory to ask questions on your tour, I know that many people do not ask questions when they truly have them. Thinking of a list of questions ahead of time, or even freely asking the questions that you think of throughout your tour will all help you to get a better idea of campus. I am a firm believer that asking questions is the greatest way to get a full understanding of things that you are unsure about.

Picture Yourself on Campus – Being able to picture yourself living and studying on campus throughout your tour is a wonderful way to get a feel for how you would fit into the environment. Here at the Wooster campus, I knew right away that I could see myself studying in the library and living comfortably in the student apartments. Trying to imagine yourself in these spaces and deciding if that experience is what you are looking for on a campus is the best way to tell what physical environment is the best fit for you. 

Get a feel for the Atmosphere and Campus Community – When I did my campus tour at ATI, the first thing that I fell in love with was the community on campus. Throughout my whole tour, I never encountered someone anyone who was not kind and welcoming, which helped to ease my nerves and make me feel more comfortable. During a campus tour, getting a feel for how the atmosphere and community work is a critical part in making the right decision for your fit in college.  

When choosing the campus that feels like the best fit, it is important that you feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed. The best way to get these experiences is by making the most of your campus tour through asking questions, picturing yourself on campus, and getting a feel for the atmosphere. In my experience, taking advantage of these tips during my visit led me to be confident in my decision to attend Ohio State ATI. We cannot wait to see you here on campus to put these skills to the test! 

By Kimber Carney

The summer before your senior year of high school can be an exciting and busy time. It’s important to think about your future college career and prepare for your upcoming senior year. Here is some helpful advice to help you to prepare for your future:

Start Finalizing Your College List

Making a pro-and-con list for each college can help you decide if it’s a contender in your search. I found it helpful to make a list that includes all the things you want in a college. You can compare each college you research to your list of wants and ask questions if you go on tours of different campuses.

Make a Scholarship Spreadsheet

I found it helpful to make a spreadsheet for all my scholarship information. My spreadsheet included the names of scholarships that I applied for, scholarships I still needed to apply for, whether I received the scholarship, and whether I sent a thank-you card. I also added a feature that totaled all the money I received from scholarships, which helped me keep track of my finances and stay motivated to apply for more. Here is a downloadable version of the spreadsheet for your use.

Visit Campuses

Visiting each campus that you are curious about can help you get a better sense of the community on campus, and it can help you see whether you can picture yourself going to college there. You can see things like dorms and dining halls in person which can help you get a better idea of what you are looking for in a college. Make sure you bring questions for your tour guide even if it is not about the tour itself. You can ask about clubs, student life, and events as well as their opinions and experiences of living on campus. If you have extra time to explore the surrounding town, you can get an idea of what is available off campus.

Ask First-Year College Students What They Did

If you know any incoming first-years, ask them for tips on what they did during the summer before their senior year. They might have more ideas to help you set yourself up for success and create less stress for you during your senior year. That way you can enjoy your last year of high school. It also may be helpful to ask some of your teachers before you get out of school for some extra tips and advice.

I wish you the best in your senior year. Make sure you enjoy it. I hope you find this advice helpful. Embrace the oncoming growing opportunities and use this time to build successful habits and organizational skills. Do not be afraid to reach out for help. Good Luck and Go Bucks!

By Brayden Hayes

I’ve always believed that stepping out of your comfort zone leads to personal growth—and last summer, I got the chance to prove it when I took an internship at Heritage Cooperative. Although I was not required at that point to get an internship for class requirements, I decided to get one just to gain some real-world knowledge and try to find a career I enjoyed.  

My entire freshman year, my professors pushed me to get an internship. I began looking online and I eventually stumbled upon Heritage Cooperative. Heritage is the second largest cooperative in the state of Ohio. With that in mind, the closest location was an hour from my house. I took a leap of faith and applied for the job and was hired. This also meant I had an hour’s drive to work every day. Looking back at that, it was the best use of gas because of the experience.  

As a student who studies agribusiness, I was unsure what to expect working for an agronomy company. My main tasks included field scouting, tissue sampling, and research on agronomy plots. It did not take long before I was absolutely engulfed in my new passion for agronomy work. Having to declare my minor in the near future, I have decided to pursue agriculture production or agronomy. The exposure I had in the internship helped guide me to make decisions about what I want to do with my education and life outside of school. 

I would highly encourage students to take advantage of as many internships as possible. The experiences were staggering, but nothing means more than the connections I made. I got to meet so many amazing people in the agricultural industry who are a wealth of knowledge and are now part of my network. I got to know many of these people personally and I now have valuable contacts for the future. 

Taking the leap of faith to try a summer internship is extremely beneficial. You might find something that you are super passionate about. On the flip side, you might discover that the internship isn’t work that you like but knowing what you don’t like can be just as valuable as knowing what you do.     

Written By Shaun Wellert, DVM, MS, DACVPM

A typical pre-professional program includes extensive coursework in biology, chemistry, and other fundamental sciences. These subjects form the core of prerequisite classes for aspiring medical doctors and veterinarians, providing essential knowledge for their future careers. When I began my journey to becoming a veterinarian, I followed a similar academic path, earning a bachelor’s degree in biology. However, once I entered large animal practice, I quickly realized there were significant gaps in both my pre-veterinary and veterinary education.

Many of the diseases I encountered in farm animals and horses stemmed from poor animal husbandry or inadequate nutrition. While my upbringing on a dairy farm gave me valuable hands-on experience with dairy cattle, unfortunately, neither my undergraduate nor veterinary school coursework fully prepared me to understand the complexities of production animal nutrition.  I also lacked exposure many other animals that I would work on daily such as horses and beef cattle.

A strong foundation in both science and practical animal care is essential for students interested in large animal veterinary medicine. Understanding not just biological and chemical principles but also the fundamentals of animal husbandry and nutrition can make a significant difference in practice.

At Ohio State ATI, our Animal Sciences—Biosciences Specialization program provides students with this well-rounded education, combining coursework in chemistry and biology with hands-on training in animal husbandry and nutrition. This background is invaluable for veterinarians, especially those working in large animal medicine, where they interact daily with farmers and nutritionists to ensure animal health and productivity. Having this diverse knowledge base not only improves technical skills but also enhances communication and problem-solving abilities, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both animals and producers.

Written By Kylie Ramirez

Second year agriscience education student, Gracie Sprague, spent last summer with the Ohio Pork Council as their Pig Care and Education Specialist. 

“My time in this role was more than a job; it was a chance to apply the knowledge I’ve gained from my classes at Ohio State ATI and build a professional network,” Sprague said. “At ATI, our professors are committed to helping students secure meaningful summer employment, and this internship exemplifies the type of hands-on experience that prepares us for our future careers.” 

The Ohio State Fair, held in Columbus each summer, attracts over one million fairgoers throughout its 12-day span. Sprague said she interacted with fairgoers daily, educating them on the farrowing process, pig care practices, and the importance of responsible animal husbandry. 

For Sprague, the internship was a rewarding experience. She said, “I enjoyed sharing the industry and providing hands-on experience for people who don’t experience it every day.” 

Beyond the educational aspect, Sprague also built lasting professional relationships and expanded her network in the agricultural industry. “The skills I developed—communication, public relations, and animal care—are invaluable for my future career,” said Sprague. 

At Ohio State ATI, faculty help students seek available internships. “I’m thankful for the support and guidance I received to secure this meaningful experience,” said Sprague.  

As Gracie’s story demonstrates, internships are instrumental in gaining hands-on experience and fostering a deeper understanding of the industries students are passionate about. At Ohio State ATI, students are encouraged and supported in seeking opportunities that align with their academic and career goals. 

Raegan Alsept, Heritage Cooperative

As a third-year agricultural communication student at Ohio State ATI, Raegan Alsept is interning with Heritage Cooperative. As their retail operations intern, Raegan’s summer has consisted of traveling to livestock shows across Ohio, while promoting all the brands they sell.

This internship has offered Raegan the best of both worlds. Raegan said, “I get the opportunity to travel in the show supply trailer, where I get to see how marketing and retail play a vital role in this industry. I also get to work in the retail stores, creating displays and building up my customer service skills.”

Raegan’s favorite part of her internship has been developing a new educational literature display for all the supplements Heritage carries. She has enjoyed traveling to different livestock shows, while building connections with exhibitors and their families.

Skyelar Rock, Paint Valley Farms

Skyelar Rock is a third-year student at Ohio State ATI, studying animal sciences with a focus in beef. She is from Delaware, Ohio and is spending her summer with Paint Valley Farms, who breed and raise shorthorn cattle in Millersburg, Ohio. This internship opportunity was an easy “yes” for Skyelar, she says, “because of the opportunity to work with an established and successful beef breeding company.”

During her internship with Paint Valley Farms, Skyelar is learning from their current herd manager and assisting with ongoing farm projects. She was able to help with the in vitro fertilization (IVF) of two breeding heifers, about which she shared, “This was a first for myself and a relatively new practice for the farm.” IVF allows producers to utilize their operation’s top females throughout their reproductive life.

While completing her internship, she shares, “I hope to gain the general knowledge needed to work independently on a beef operation, including breeding practices, handling, and the logistics that go into running a herd. In addition, I hope to leave with a better understanding of the role that improved genetics plays in the industry.” Her advice to those starting college at Ohio State ATI is to use all your resources and not be afraid to ask about internship opportunities.

Olivia Looker, Showpig.com

As  a second-year agricultural communication student at Ohio State ATI, Olivia Looker is interning with Showpig.com. Olivia is from Mt. Gilead, Ohio and chose to spend her summer with one of the largest known online agricultural auction sites.

Olivia chose this internship for many reasons. She knew she would have opportunities to travel and to make connections, all while growing as a professional with Showpig.com. Her experiences have allowed her to manage social media accounts, to assist with event planning, and to travel around the United States to industry-leading shows and events.

Jumping right in and becoming part of a team with individuals she has never met before has been one of Olivia’s favorite memories. She also enjoys “seeing all the little kids at shows look up to me.” Olivia was hesitant to jump into an internship the summer after her first year of college, but she said “but I am so glad I did.”

Nick Colombo, Old Elm Club

Ohio State ATI second-year student, Nick Colombo, is enjoying his summer. Nick is from Columbus, Ohio and is majoring in turfgrass management. He is spending his summer interning with Old Elm Club in Highland Park, Illinois.

Nick chose Old Elm Club for his internship because of the positive things said by his former boss and colleagues. During his summer, he has been busy with multiple chemical applications, capillary concrete installation in bunkers, and nursery renovations.

Nick has gained many great skills through his internship that will be beneficial in his future. Old Elm Club has allowed him to grow, he says, all while “being part of a team and gaining new knowledge.” Nick enjoys that in his role he is treated like a manager, which allows him to take on many responsibilities. Nick states, “I feel this internship is shaping me to be successful in my career.”