Agricultural and Applied Economics

A quick trip through Lubbock, Texas, made the decision to attend Texas Tech University rather easy for William Raftis. His passion for agriculture led him to pursue a degree which would allow him to interact in the industry daily.

“I respect the common values agriculturists share.”

William Raftis

“I have a deep passion and love for those that feed, fuel and clothe this nation,” Raftis said. “I respect the common values agriculturists share.”

Raftis, form Springfield, Illinois, is a senior agribusiness major and political science minor at Texas Tech. Having always been involved in agriculture, Raftis said the opportunity to participate in a College of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resource Government Internship is what initially sparked his interest in acquiring a minor in politics.

“The internship credits would not have fit elsewhere in my degree plan,” Raftis said. “So, I decided to pick up my minor knowing it had a possibility to be beneficial down the road.”

Raftis said his internship in Washington, D.C., with Congressman Jodey Arrington was something he will never forget. He said it gave him numerous opportunities to be involved in day-to-day operations. He said his internship taught him theimportance of cultivating personal relationships, while making the most of every experience.

“It was a powerful experience,” Raftis said. “I would recommend all students take a chance and apply.”

Darren Hudson, Ph.D., Larry Combest Chair of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, professor, and Raftis academic advisor, said he has always been a motivated student.

“Will is a student who always takes initiative,” Hudson said. “Which made it easy to give him the guidance needed to participate in a government internship.” 

Raftis said he has always had the idea of attending law school in the back of his mind throughout his college career.  He said after completing his internship he became very serious about it. Raftis has plans to attend Texas Tech Law School in the fall, but said he is keeping his mind open to what type of law he will study.

“I don’t want to go in with any preconceived notions,” Raftis said. “You never know what opportunities will pop up along the way.”