Deanna McFillin
Hometown: Baltimore, MD
Major: Animal and Avian Sciences
One of the things that attracted me to the University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources was the on-campus farm. Other schools have on-campus farms also, but they’re usually limited to research, while ours is a teaching farm. I was born and raised in the city and I loved the idea of not only seeing farm animals but also being able to work with them. Each semester I’ve had at least one animal science course that includes visits to the campus farm. It’s true when they say that there are some things you can’t learn from a textbook.
I love the small-college experience in a large-college setting. Faculty members take the time to know the name of every student. Plus, I really get to know my classmates since we’re in many of the same courses- what’s better than walking into a room of familiar faces? I went to small schools ever since grade school and the in-class atmosphere is exactly the same; the only difference is it takes longer to walk to class.
When I first came to Maryland, I had my eyes on veterinary school so that I could take care of cats and dogs one day. However, the many experiences I’ve had in college so far have opened my eyes to other possibilities. I worked at the Maryland State Fair birthing center in 2006, assisting with calf and piglet births, and it was the best 10 days of my summer. The center allowed visitors to see piglets and calves being born while we talked them through the entire process. Sometimes during difficult births, we actually had to go in and get the little ones ourselves. It was truly a unique experience. Now I think I may want to have a dairy farm or seed stock operation. Also, a guest speaker in one of my classes taught us about emus, which made me look into the possibility of becoming a zookeeper because I’m fascinated with large, exotic animals. Simply put, I realize that my degree can take me in many directions.
Preparing for Ag Day has been one of my best college experiences so far! Growing up in the city, I never thought I would one day be teaching a heifer how to walk with me...and then giving her a haircut. Foxy (my heifer) and I took walks around the farm at least three times a week for a month; it was the most relaxing and fun thing I’ve ever done. I really missed Foxy when the heifers went back to the college’s Central Maryland Research and Education Center in Clarksville. However, I did visit her over the summer.
The college scholarship I received has meant the world to me. Without it, I don’t think I’d have been able to come to the University of Maryland and would have missed a lifetime of experiences.
Advice for prospective students: If you want personal attention from your teachers instead of being just another number, the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is the place to be. There are even events to meet all of the faculty and staff, such as the AGNR Cook-Off (they’re great chefs!) and AGNR Social (free pizza!). Also, these connections are great when you’re looking for someone to write a reference letter for you.
Advice for parents of prospective students: The University of Maryland College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is worth every cent.
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Last updated: 02/15/2011
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