Stepping Fearlessly Into the Future

A landscape architect. A medical school student. A member services coordinator for a national agriculture agency. These are just some of the things members of the Class of 2015 will go on to be now that they have graduated from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

On Friday, May 22nd, 220 students received Bachelor’s of Science (BS) degrees, 26 Master’s of Science (MS) degrees, and 13 doctoral degrees. While it’s always difficult to say goodbye, the graduates are stepping out into the world with countless memories, lessons and promises of success.

Among 2015’s graduating class, some standout students have already begun taking giant steps into their futures, proving true the old adage, “when one door closes, another door opens.”

Rebecca Creighton, for instance, will begin working as a Member Services Coordinator at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture in Arlington, VA after receiving her BS in Agricultural Science and Technology with a minor in Rhetoric. Creighton credits her success to her numerous leadership positions and extracurricular activities while at AGNR, specifically serving on the executive board of the AGNR Student Council and as a four-year member of the Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority.  Some of Creighton’s favorite memories include Ag Day (especially the Kiss-a-Pig fundraiser), Fall Bash, and the Alumni Tailgate for the Homecoming game. “I think the greatest thing about AGNR is the camaraderie among students, faculty and staff,” Creighton said. “AGNR is a family and it’s really nice to be a part of it.”

“My favorite AGNR memories have always been on Maryland Day, where I get to promote the profession of Landscape Architecture to thousands of visitors,” noted Ben Rankin, who graduated with a BS in Landscape Architecture and a minor in Sustainability Studies.. “It is always fascinating to me to see how people react to the Landscape Architecture program we have at the University of Maryland and what our work entails.”  Through networking opportunities provided by AGNR as well as leadership experience as Vice President of the Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, Rankin was able to secure a full-time job with the Walnut Hill Landscape Company in Annapolis, MD. Considering that Rankin dreams to someday design constructed wetlands and work on wetlands restoration in the Chesapeake Bay area, this full-time opportunity is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

Not all next steps involve entering the work force immediately after graduation. Some, like Alexandra Fine, will be continuing their education after receiving their degree. Fine, who received a BS in Nutritional Science, will be attending the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and participating in their Master of Science in Anesthesia program in the hopes of someday working as an Anesthesiologist Assistant in a highly-ranked city hospital operating room. Fine was able to separate herself from other medical school applicants by taking advantage of opportunities within AGNR and UMD such as being a member of the co-ed pre-health fraternity Delta Epsilon Mu, Life Science Scholars, Ballet Company M, UM Repertoire Orchestra, Health Leads, CHAARG, the Primannum Honor Society,  and studyingabroad in Belize. “AGNR taught me how to be organized and the importance of working hard and planning ahead,” Fine said. “Given my undergraduate experience with AGNR, I will bring my study skills and leadership experience to continue getting good grades in graduate school, and to stand out from the other students in my class so I am guaranteed a job when I graduate in two years.”

Though also attending graduate school in the fall, Charles Milrod will be pursuing a slightly different academic path, graduating from UMD with a BS in Environmental Health but attending Drexel University’s College of Medicine. With this career change, AGNR was nothing but supportive of Milrod’s ambitions. His peer mentor bosses signed a card and prepared snacks for Milrod to eat between the different MCAT exam sections. “It was an incredibly moving gesture, and I will never forget it,” Milrod said. Milrod also mentioned how he will never forget his time as an AGNR peer mentor and ambassador, as well as one of his favorite memories: Ag Day. “It’s an amazing time seeing everyone that you’ve grown so close with all together at once,” Milrod said.

“To current and incoming students- make the most of your time here,” Milrod advised. “Just last week I received a UMD Alumni pin and it really reinforced how quickly my time here has passed. I plan on wearing it proudly on my white coat from day one!”

No matter where life takes AGNR’s Class of 2015, be it continuing education, the business world, the field, or even a doctor’s office, one thing remains the same: once a Terp, always a Terp!

Congratulations to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ Class of 2015!