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Shelby Spielman

Shelby Spielman has 2 articles published.

I am from Dalhart, Texas and attended Texas Tech for three years. I graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications. I plan on pursuing a career in agriculture.

William Raftis

Published on

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 standing at Capitol Hill
Raftis gained valuable experience while working on Capitol Hill during his internships.

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.”

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Haley Hudson

Published on

Agricultural and Applied Economics

Interning, studying abroad, and working while obtaining a degree is not something the average college student thinks can be accomplished, but one Texas Tech University student is proving it can be done.

Haley Hudson, from Lubbock, Texas, is a senior majoring in agricultural and applied economics and minoring in psychology and political science. She is a student assistant in the Office of the President for the Chief Compliance and Security Officer, a member of Presidents Select, and the Congressional Internship Coordinator. Her schedule may seem full, but Hudson has also been accepted into Texas Tech Law School.

Hudson personality
Haley’s vibrant spirit is a valuable asset for the opportunities she has took part in.

“While sometimes I may feel extremely busy it is definitely manageable,” Hudson said. “It is good to diversify your portfolio and resume by getting involved.” 

“My experiences at Texas Tech have helped me develop as a person, both professionally and interpersonally.”

Haley Hudson

Students at Texas Tech have the option to become a part of multiple clubs, organizations, teams, and jobs while earning their degree. Hudson said she thinks these opportunities can set students up for success in the future by giving them world experiences.

“Finding one or two things that you are passionate about and can put your all into is advice I would give every student,” Hudson said. “But, don’t make yourself miserable by becoming a part of too many things.”

Darren Hudson, Ph.D., is not only a professor and Larry Combest Chair of the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics but he is also Hudson’s dad. He said he is proud of how well she represents the AAEC department, not only in academics, but in her involvement outside of the department.  

“Haley represents the idea that you can learn a lot in your education.” Hudson said, “And then you can use those skills to push outside of the classroom environment to do great things.” 

It is obvious that Hudson is an accomplished individual inside and out of the classroom. She attributes this to her experiences at Texas Tech. 

“My experiences at Texas Tech have helped me develop as a person, both professionally and interpersonally,” Hudson said. “That is why I think Texas Tech is great.”

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William Raftis

His passion for agriculture led him to pursue a degree which would allow him to interact in the industry daily.

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