First Generation Boilermaker embraces the Old Gold and Black
Name: Ainsley Kratochvil
Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois
Major & concentration: Agricultural Communication; Sales and Marketing
Why did you come to Purdue: I came to Purdue to push myself outside of my comfort zone and to grow the skills I needed to make a positive impact on the agriculture industry.
Favorite Purdue tradition: Purdue Grand Prix
Top three influences at Purdue:
- Student organizations
- Life-long friends
- AGEC and ASEC professors and advisors
Top five memories of your time at Purdue:
- Serving as the President of Ann Tweedale Cooperative
- Serving as the Directing Co-Chair for Rising Professionals
- Making the NCCA National Championship game
- Recruiting for the College of Ag at the National FFA Convention
- Being a member of Mortar Board Senior Year
Places you have been as a Purdue student:
- Internships in:
- Waterloo, Iowa
- Olathe, Kansas
- Cargill Global Scholars Program in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Favorite club/organization: Ann Tweedale Cooperative
Favorite student-led event/initiative: Purdue Ag Week
Favorite Purdue event: Purdue basketball games
Favorite social activity: Spending evenings and weekends with my roommates and friends
Favorite place to study: WALC
Favorite place on campus: Mackey Arena
Favorite thing about CoA: The close-knit community combined with high-level educational opportunities
Favorite thing about your major: Hands-on classes that provide real-world examples
Favorite class: ASEC 285
Favorite professor: Dr. Kilders
Coolest project: Co-chairing the Moonlight Pancake Breakfast for Ag Council
Three biggest accomplishments:
- Completing three internships
- Being selected as the first Cargill Global Scholar from Purdue in over seven years
- Serving in numerous leadership positions both in the College of Ag and throughout the University
Things on your resume not listed above:
- Member of the Student Life Student Advisory Board
- National Champion Ag Sales CDE team
Career goal: Throughout my career, I hope to make a positive impact on the agriculture industry by advocating for those who work to feed, clothe and fuel the world.
Advice for underclassmen: As silly as it sounds, never be afraid to take a chance and try something new. Even if you fail, you will learn and grow in the best ways possible.
Biggest takeaway from Purdue: Purdue gives you the skills and experiences to go out and make a difference in the world. By fully immersing yourself in campus life and academics, you can create the best memories with the best people. Purdue has given me so incredibly much and I am forever grateful!
