Agricultural Economics (multiple concentrations)

My parents own a Hibachi restaurant, and so even as a teenager, I thought it would be cool to do what I later learned ag economists call “vertically integrate our supply chain” by starting a farm that produced different raw materials for the restaurant. The need for this became even clearer during the pandemic when my parents couldn’t always secure the quality of products our restaurant usually serves.  

I chose to come to Purdue because it is one of the top ag schools in the world. My first semester had tough moments, but my academic advisor provided great support, especially for someone like me who didn’t come from an agricultural background.  

One thing I always tell myself is that when one door closes, another door opens.  My freshman year I was denied a spot in a national organization, but then I was in the Stewart library and saw a flyer for the “Student Soybean Innovation Competition.”  It didn’t happen the first year, but in my second year as the finance/marketing lead on the team, we won the first-place prize of $20,000 by creating a soy-based bio-stimulant. 

I’ve been active with the Purdue Data Mine, where I have had the chance to network with companies such as Beck’s Hybrid and John Deere. I’ve also been involved with Ag Envoy, Boiler Success Team and Boilermaker Market Club and have gone to multiple conferences where I’ve networked with students from different colleges. I have interned and will be interning again with ADM as a grain merchandiser, and I’ve worked in a Food Science laboratory helping graduate students conduct research. 

As you can tell, there are so many opportunities at Purdue. So, I encourage you to go for it! By coming to Purdue, you’ll meet great people, learn more than you can imagine and have amazing opportunities!