West-coast native took a 2,000-mile leap of faith and found community at Purdue
Name: Natalie Doelman
Hometown: Elma, Washington
Major & Concentration: Agribusiness: Food Marketing
Minors or Certificates: Global Food and Agriculture Systems; Public Policy Certificate
Why did you come to Purdue: USDA’s AgDiscovery Program at Purdue convinced me this is where I am supposed to be for both the beautiful campus community and the agriculture program!
Favorite Purdue tradition: Purdue fight song at basketball games
Top three influences at Purdue:
- Roommates!
- Issues 360
- Industry-relevant curriculum
Top five memories of your time at Purdue:
- My roommates showing me all that they love about Indiana
- Working Purdue basketball games and talking to alumni fans
- Midnight Pancake Breakfast
- Kentucky trip with roommates
- Spontaneous potluck dinners
Places you have been as a Purdue student:
- Indiana, 36 hours from home
- Washington State (Internship)
- Kansas City (Internship)
Favorite club/organization: Issues 360
Favorite Student-led event/initiative: Ag Week
Favorite Purdue event: Basketball at Mackey!
Favorite Social Activity: Late night ice cream runs
Favorite place to study: Basement of Krannert
Favorite spot on campus: Union lobby
Favorite thing about CoA: Students with diverse backgrounds connected by a common love of agriculture
Favorite thing about your major: The flexibility to fit my interests
Favorite class: FS 340
Favorite professor: Dr. Corey Gerber
Coolest project: AGEC 220
Three biggest accomplishments:
- Milk Marketing Internship with Dairy Farmers of America
- Public Policy Internship with Washington State Dairy Federation
- Scholarships from organizations I revere
Things on your resume not listed above:
- Grew up on a dairy farm, and that fuels my passion for the dairy industry
- Certified barista!
- Treasurer of Purdue Young America’s Foundation
Where do you want to end up: Working toward ensuring a profitable future for agriculture--wherever that takes me!
Advice for underclassman: Don’t be intimidated by your peers, everyone is in the same boat!
Biggest takeaway from Purdue: The best experiences are usually outside your comfort zone.