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QUICK FACTS 46.1 PERCENT OF TRANSFER STUDENTS IN THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE HAVE BEEN FIRST-GENERATION IN THE LAST NINE YEARS 31.9 PERCENT OF FRESHMEN IN THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE HAVE BEEN FIRST-GENERATION IN THE LAST NINE YEARS
Shelby Zink works with her adviser, Jason Bergtold, Associate Professor, to plan her 2017 school semester. is a fourth-generation dairy farmer. After graduation, she plans to return to the dairy farm her great-grandparents started back in 1952. “Growing up on a dairy is a lifestyle. From a young age you learn to love what you do and the animals you work with,” Knackstedt says. “I chose to go to college so I could learn how to make our dairy farm more efficient so we continue on with the legacy that was started 65 years ago with hopes that I can pass it on to future generations.”
advantages so they aren’t able to provide the extra support.” For Zink, the frustrations and challenges first began when she started the process of applying for college and scheduling college visits. “It was the little things that were so frustrating to figure out like how to fill out my application or even trying to decide what classes to take, ” she says. “My parents tried to help me the best they could, but I really turned to my academic advisers in the college for help.”
Challenges
Support from the College of Agriculture
First-generation students are expected to complete the same curriculum as any other student. But, along with the common curriculum come uncommon obstacles. Don Boggs, associated dean of academic programs, says, “Firstgeneration students don’t have some of the background and perspectives for some of the processes of college. Also, some don’t have the home support, because family members don’t know what this is leading to and some of the
Because a large percentage of college students are first-generation, the College of Agriculture faculty and staff are there to help them. “K-State is good at welcoming students,” Boggs says. “In the College of Ag we try to get our students paired up with their faculty adviser early on so they have a contact point. And we always encourage students to come in for visits.” Boggs also described a unique feature that sets the College of Agriculture
apart from other K-State colleges- an orientation class specific to each major that all new students are required to take their first semester. “This is designed so students can learn who their contact points are early on,” Boggs says.
Looking into the Future Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” First-generation students are on the path to doing just that. Along their journey to get a degree, these students develop lifelong relationships and connections that empower them to achieve more than they ever thought they could. They are pushed harder in more ways than they ever have before. By seizing these opportunities, they will help change and protect the future of agriculture. “I’ve been advised by my teachers ‘to make a living doing what I love,’” Knackstedt says. “So far I’m on the path to doing just that, thanks to the College of Ag.” K
Spring 2017 • Agriculturist 55