Ginny Lyle is a junior Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology major from Frankfort, KY
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Why did you choose your program, and how does your program contribute to your career goals?
Coming into college, I was fairly certain that I wanted to enter the pre-veterinary pathway. While I wasn't completely sold on that idea, I initially loved Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, or ABT, because of its flexibility. This major incorporates several specialty support, or elective, courses that allow students to explore a variety of different pathways and interests. As I became more involved, I stayed in the program because of the community. Not only do the professors, advisors, and mentors truly care about their students, but I quickly found some of my best friends through this program.
Ginny's Top Study Tips
- Separate where you do work and where you relax. You will have a healthier mindset and will be much more productive if you aren't trying to study while sitting on the couch watching the game.
- Don't fall behind. Learning the content as it's taught makes studying so much easier when exam time rolls around.
- Ask for help! There are so many resources to help you -- professors, tutoring services, and your peers.
What advice would you offer an incoming freshman in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?
Don't be afraid to grow and challenge yourself! College is a whole new experience, so make the most of it by having an open mind to new opportunities. Take that internship, study abroad trip, or the chance to present your research. You will be hit with some hard decisions and late nights, but you will also be granted some unimaginable opportunities and chances to make lifelong memories. Change can be frightening, intimidating, and difficult in the moment, but college is meant to grow you, so don't be afraid to embrace it when it comes! The person entering and the person leaving college probably won't be the same person--but that's the beautiful thing about this journey.
Have you completed an internship, job, or been involved with a club that has been especially meaningful to you?
One of my favorite things to do is work at a local veterinary hospital as a pet nurse. Each day is an adventure full of learning new hands-on skills, witnessing unique medical cases, and most importantly serving communities in need. A common misconception is that college will be way too busy to have time for a job. While this work-life balance can be challenging at times, it is definitely possible and very rewarding! One of the best ways to gather insight into a potential future career is through first-hand experiences like shadowing or interning.