The First Generation: Being a First-Time College Student at Ohio State ATI

For recent high school graduates, going off to college can be the most exciting but also stressful time of their life. For a good portion of our students who are first generation, this leaves both the student and family wondering about what their college path entails. First generation students and their families often find themselves having to learn everything about school that their peers already know. Many families aren’t aware of the stress or process of living on campus, scheduling classes, nor the resources available to our students. Fortunately for students at Ohio State ATI, we offer a number of resources to everyone, with exceptional programs designed specifically for those who are first generation. Small class sizes, specialized tutoring, and and entire department dedicated to Student Success Services ensure students get a leg up should they need it.

Skyelar Rock, who spent 3 years studying at Ohio State ATI, shares her experience as a first-time college student.

“Growing up an only child of two parents who did not attend a four year university left a lot of questions in my mind when it came time for college. My dad was a tradesman, my mom went straight into the workforce as well, and I had no siblings to experience the college process before me. When I applied and got accepted to Ohio State ATI, I thought the hardest part was over. Learning how to do college ‘right’ was a tough process, from starting completely online to then figuring out housing and in-person classes when the time came. Thankfully, once I got to campus, Program Excel and the career counselors helped me find my way through it. Denise Rotavera-Krain, one of the career success counselors, worked closely with me to develop a detailed resume and helped me decide what I wanted to do with my career following graduation. I also worked with our campus transition counselor, Cate Hunko, to ensure my path to the Columbus campus was smooth and stress-free.”

Seth Richardson, a second year student studying Agriscience Education, shares his thoughts on Program Excel, which is designed to help first time college students that are also first generation.

“I found out about Program Excel when Kelly Carmack, one of our Program Excel coordinators, emailed me to set up monthly meetings with the program. She made sure that I was getting the resources I needed, and if I needed specific help with classes, I would work with one of the adult mentors in that area. When I started falling behind in my Introduction to Animal Science class, I began working with Leslie Eisberg; Leslie helped me get back on track and keep my grades up for the rest of the semester. I also worked with Denny on a few occasions, who has been extremely helpful in making sure that I am successful. He went so far as to send me review and study materials over the summer, in preparation for my fall math classes.”

Hana Wagner, a third year transfer student studying Animal Sciences, has found a complete a completely different experience here than at her first university. “At my first college, they didn’t offer any specialized programs for first-time college students. I had many advising difficulties, especially since my advisor covered not only my program, but all students in four other departments. With Ohio State ATI, I found out about Program Excel within the first few months after getting accepted, before school even started. I began working with Leslie on the Animal Science side, and she recommended in the future that for the rest of my classes that I work with Denny. We still had follow up meetings, that way she could still check in and ensure I was making progress academically. Leslie also helped outside of coursework with scheduling classes, as a second set of eyes to make sure my degree audit was coming along. We also worked around with time management, making sure I had the right tools to organize classes, home life, and work life. Since I was a commuter student, I found that they were very flexible around my schedule, going so far as to zoom in with me outside office hours to ensure I was getting the help I needed. ” Ohio State ATI knows first generation like no other. Our staff and faculty understand

 

Student Spotlight: Hana Wagner

Hana Wagner: Why I Transferred From Another College to Ohio State ATI

I graduated from Mapleton Local Schools in Ashland, OH, in 2021. After graduation I knew I wanted to explore and see what other places were like in the country. I intended to pursue an out-of-state option, so Ohio State University was not my initial choice for that reason. Instead, I looked at several other 

universities. It was a hard decision to make but I decided to go to Middle Tennessee State University as I could live with family there.  

Sadly, in June 2022, my uncle had been declining in health as he had stage 4 colon cancer, so I made the decision to move back to my hometown to spend some quality time with him. I also knew that staying at home with my parents again would be more affordable than living in Murfreesboro. I had college decisions to make as well…  

I knew Ohio State ATI would offer a more “hands-on” education and the student-to-teacher ratio was smaller, allowing for better connections with professors and classmates in a more laid-back environment. I took advantage of the time I had to weigh my options and submitted my application two days before the deadline. I was a little nervous, but thankfully I was able to get into Ohio State ATI before classes started, with most of my credits transferring.  

In all honesty, returning home was one of the wisest moves I could have taken. I experienced tremendous growth being in Tennessee for just one year; however, my goals and aspirations are more in line with ATI. The teachers, the programs, and the opportunities I have here at ATI are better than I could have imagined.  

I started working in ATI’s Admissions Office as a student ambassador, which has been super fun, and I have met so many new students while developing professional relationships with staff as well. I have also taken a position as a resident advisor in ATI’s apartment village to help cut living costs and to increase my communication, conflict-resolution, and time-management skills.  

The majors at Ohio State ATI are designed to help you excel in your career field by providing students the opportunity to intern anywhere in the world. So, ironically, I am going to be interning next summer at the same vet clinic back in Murfreesboro where I previously worked. The experience hours I will gain from the internship will also help me fulfill a requirement to get into vet school. 

Overall, I will always value my time at Ohio State ATI. I have met so many incredible friends here that I do not know what I would do without. 

2023 Ohio State ATI Outstanding Students

Congratulations to our 2023 Ohio State ATI Outstanding Students and Director’s Award Recipient!

Director’s Award Recipient:

Lillian Wagner                                  Agriscience Education

Outstanding Student Award Recipients:

Katherine Beran                               Crop Management and Soil Conservation

Megan Chludzinski                          Biochemical Sciences

Taylor Elaine DeLand                       Greenhouse & Nursery Management

Faith Marie Galavich                        Agriscience Education

Carter Ayden Gilbert                        Agribusiness

Mekenna Spring Hendricks             Floral Design & Marketing

Dora Hesse-Edenfeld                        Agronomy

Emma Homan                                     Agricultural Communication

Emma Mae Leggett                            Animal Sciences

Nicole S. McMaster                            Greenhouse & Nursery Management

Sydney Meyer                                     Animal Sciences

Adam Paul Rischar                             Agribusiness

Katherine Emma Rumschlag            Agribusiness

Lexy Schafer                                        Floral Design & Marketing

Katelynn Smeltzer                               Animal Sciences

Lillian Rose Wagner                            Agriscience Education

Hannah M. Watkins                             Agricultural Communication

In The Field Friday: Raegan Alsept

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.

In The Field Friday: Skyelar Rock

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.

In The Field Friday: Olivia Looker

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.”

In The Field Friday: Nick Colombo

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.”

In The Field Friday: Kylie Ramirez

Kylie Ramirez, Ohio Pork Council

Kylie Ramirez graduated from Ohio State ATI with an Associate of Science in Agricultural Communication. Ramirez will be starting at the Columbus campus in the fall where she will continue her agricultural communication major and minor in agricultural business.  She is from Holmes County, Ohio and is enjoying her summer with the Ohio Pork Council, which strives to serve and benefit Ohio pork producers.

Kylie chose to intern with OPC because of the wide range of opportunities it offers. As the Ohio Pork Council summer communications intern, she will assist with developing content across the organization’s digital and print platforms, highlighting producer and consumer-facing projects. She will also play an essential role in managing volunteers at the OPC state fair food stands and help with coordination of special events this summer.

During her time with OPC, Kylie has enjoyed helping with the golf outing and planning for the Ohio State Fair, all while learning more about Ohio’s pork industry. She would advise those younger to take advantage of opportunities to grow and connect with industry leaders.

In The Field Friday: Dan Haller

Dan Haller, Harbour Town Golf Links

From Chillicothe, Ohio, Dan Haller is completing an internship with Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina. Dan is a third-year student majoring in turfgrass management and also pursuing a turfgrass equipment manager certificate at Ohio State ATI in Wooster.

 

Dan wanted to take advantage of this opportunity because he gets to experience living on his own for the first time. He thought this would help him become independent. On the job he gets to do many different things, including mowing and rolling greens, assisting in course set up, and maintaining the fleet of equipment for the course. Dan’s favorite memory during his time with Harbour Town Golf Links has been working with RBC Heritage, a PGA Tour event.

 

From his internship Dan hopes he can gain the important skills to manage 20+ people. If he could give advice to someone starting an internship, it would be to ask as many questions as possible. If there is something specific you are wanting to learn, ask, Dan said. “The worst they can do is say no.”

In the Field Friday: Alexis Montgomery

Alexis Montgomery, Sullivan Supply

Alexis Montgomery is a third-year student at Ohio State ATI in Wooster majoring in livestock production and management. She is from Weston, West Virginia, and is making connections with people from all over the country as an intern with Sullivan Supply, a leading company in livestock show supplies.

Alexis chose Sullivan Supply because of the opportunities to network with people and to promote agriculture and the livestock show industry. As a sales intern at Sullivan Supply, she gets to work in their traveling trailer, where she hopes to learn more about sales communication. This internship opportunity was a reminder to Alexis to “reach for the stars and dream the biggest dreams, work hard and never give up.”

During her time, she has most enjoyed meeting new people all while learning new things about livestock. She said, “I have enjoyed learning about livestock, their nutrition, and their upkeep.” She would advise those who are younger than she is to never give up and to have patience: the right opportunity will come.