Studying abroad for a semester propelled lots of opportunities and entrenched passion for Agriculture

Name: Megan Arnold

Hometown: Coatesville, Indiana

High school: South Putnam High School

Major & Concentration: Agribusiness Management 

Why did you come to Purdue: I chose Purdue because it's an incredible distinguished agriculture school right in my backyard. I always thought it was expected that I would end up here and I despised that, but truthfully it's the best school for what I want to do. There's an award winning, internationally recognized school with in-state tuition and I couldn't imagine myself being anywhere else. 

Favorite Purdue tradition: IU sucks cheer at basketball games 

Top three influences at Purdue:

1. The mantra "ever grateful, ever true"
2. My incredibly motivating friends & family
3. The essence of what it means to be a Boilermaker 

Five words to describe Purdue:

• Pride
• Tenacious
• Competitive
• Diverse
• Innovative
  

Top five highlights of your career:

1. Studying abroad in Italy for a semester
2. Purdue vs. IU basketball games
3. Purdue Ag Week
4. Ag Ambassador conference
5. Sigma Alpha Barn Dance 

Something you wish you would have done at Purdue: I wish I would have gotten involved in another organization outside of the College of Agriculture in order to meet more people on the other side of State Street. 

Places you have been as a Purdue student:

• Purdue has taken me on a spring Break study abroad to Ireland and a semester long study abroad to Italy
• I had three internships as a Co-Alliance Field Scout, Digital Ag Intern at Farmers Edge, and a Client Success Management Intern at Farmers Edge
• I attended AFA Leaders Conference in Kansas City for 2 years
• National FFA Convention for the Ag Ambassador booth in Louisville
• A mission trip to Mississippi
• Ag Ambassador Conference in Savannah, Georgia
• A bowl game in Nashville! 

Have to redo college in a major not in Ag: Aviation

Favorite club/organization: Sigma Alpha 

Favorite Student-led event/initiative: Ag Week! 

Favorite Purdue event: Purdue Basketball games

Favorite place to study: AGAD 121 

Over your career where were you most likely to be found on campus: the Ag Admin building

Favorite spot on campus: Mackey Arena 

Favorite thing about CoA: the people – it's close knit, where I feel like I know a lot of people and we're all very involved and motivated to make power moves in the industry

Favorite thing about AGEC: Again, the people in Ag Econ are amazing. The faculty and staff that are there making sure you succeed and are genuinely interested in your life which makes AGEC different than other departments. 

Favorite thing about your major: I really love that Agribusiness is so broad and I can do anything in business with my degree upon graduation. 

Favorite class: AGEC 330 with Freddie Barnard 

Favorite professor: Professor Helen Bowers – she taught at my study abroad program 

Coolest project: I did a huge project in my Business Consulting class while I was abroad. We worked with a real Italian company to identify areas in the market that could capitalize on. It was really neat to learn the in's and out's of the business especially because it was in Italy! 

Three biggest accomplishments:

1. Being selected to serve as an Ag Ambassador
2. Being on the National Champion 4-H Horse Judging team at NAILE
3. Consistently making the Dean's List throughout my college career

Things on your resume not listed above:

• I was involved with Issues 360
• I'm a TA for AGEC 331
• I work for a draft horse hitch in Pennsylvania going to various shows across the US

Three words to describe you:

• Tenacious
• Positive
• Easy-going

What are you passionate for: I'm passionate for sharing the message of agriculture, growing myself and others, and showing draft horses.

What intrigues you about the Ag industry: The ag industry is collectively working towards the same goal and I think it is so fascinating how willing everyone is to help each other. 

What motivates you: I'm driven by success and reaching my own personal goals. I'm also a super competitive person. 

Favorite quote: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"- Jeremiah 29:11

Personal Motto: Everything happens for a reason. 

Where do you want to end up: Long term, I'd like to start my own business with some connection to the agriculture industry. 

Advice for underclassman: Do the things you never expected yourself to do – study abroad, join that organization, and surprise yourself because it can really pay off. 

Biggest takeaway from Purdue: The people you meet can take you so much farther than any knowledge you gain! 

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