The agricultural communications program at Texas Tech University introduced a new high-impact learning experience called the “ACOM Block” in 2017. The Block is a series of four courses designed to mimic a comprehensive, real-world workplace experience for students before they graduate from the program. 

“Everything I’ve [previously] done is all connected now because I’m working with all my friends and contacts I made while in Lubbock, Austin and Washington, D.C.,” Adams said. “Texas Farm Bureau has allowed me to gain countless new contacts which in-turn help enact good ag policy in D.C. I love working directly for farmers and ranchers and Texas Farm Bureau; you can’t find a better place to work if you’re going to serve the ag community.”

From a young age, Kristina Butts was involved in the agriculture and cattle industries. Because of that background, Kristina thought she would find a job within production agriculture after she graduated. Like many students, however—because of an opportunity to intern in Washington, D.C.—those plans changed. That opportunity blossomed into years of work in D.C., but more importantly, that opportunity grew into a habit of mentoring.

In the Department of Agricultural Education and Communications at Texas Tech University, the students are many. Some have followed in their parents’ and even their grandparents’ footsteps to take their knowledge of the agricultural industry to the next level. Mary Lou Flom has been a vital part of the intellectual growth of these young minds for 40 years, working behind the scenes in the department as the administrative business assistant.

One of the best ways to work through a crossroads in your life is to take a trip and let your new surroundings help you solve the problem. One of the best ways to give your children a very detailed education and holistic upbringing is to give them a new environment. One of the best ways to find personal fulfillment is to develop a system in which strangers can fly through your yard or spend the night in your trees. If you’ve never been given such advice, you’ve probably never met David Beilharz.