Name: Amy Schwartz,'08
Major: Agronomy and Agricultural Business
Hometown: Monticello , MN

Interview spring 2007 by Communications Student Intern Maretta Peterson, '07, communication major

What are you driven to discover in your major?
I'm driven to discover my full potential and what I will be able to provide to the agriculture industry.

What have you learned that surprised you most so far?
There are so many job opportunities out there!

What drives you to study this field?
I absolutely love agriculture and I can't imagine my life without being involved in this industry. Technology has allowed this industry to become extremely interesting as well as continue to thrive.

What career goals do you have?
I would like to work for an agricultural distribution center for a few years and then start my own business to provide crop consulting and risk-management marketing.

Profile questions

Tell me why you chose the U of M, Crookston:
I chose UMC because I love the small atmosphere and the chance to play golf on the women's team.

Describe what you like best about the U of M, Crookston:
I love the class sizes and the relationships that I've developed with advisors.

Describe your interaction with the faculty and staff on campus:
I have a lot of interaction with faculty and staff on this campus in that I maintain close relationships with my advisors and I'm involved in several committees. I serve on three search committees for the hiring of future UMC faculty. I'm the student representative for the Northwest Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership Board. I am one of the Student Coordinators for the student organization NACTA (North American College Teachers of Agriculture). There have also been many other events and activities where I've had the pleasure of working with faculty at UMC.

Describe what you like best about your classes:
I like that the class sizes are small and there is more student-faculty interaction.

Describe what has been the most challenging for you as you pursue your educational career:
The most challenging thing is finding TIME! Because I'm so active in school and with many activities and organizations as well as UMC Women's Golf (by the way I'm the Captain), I find it really hard to find time for everything I want to be involved in.

Why would you recommend that others attend the U of M, Crookston?
It's a great school for getting experience in leadership positions because it's so small. It's also a great school with great education programs and a place that can provide you lasting friendships with people who share similar interests with you.