Erin Cantrell, junior in agricultural and life sciences education - communications option, fell in love with the agricultural industry at a very young age. Although both sets of grandparents farmed, neither Cantrell nor her parents grew up on a farm. It wasn't until Cantrell moved to Vinton, Iowa, where her neighbors had a dairy, row crop, and feeder steer operation, that she had the opportunity to become involved with agriculture. 

The first in her family to obtain a college degree, Cantrell became interested in Iowa State University through her involvement in her FFA chapter and by showing livestock. Cantrell got busy upon her arrival to Ames, joining Block and Bridle Club, Iowa Corn Growers Collegiate Club, and the Iowa Corn Collegiate Advisory Team. She also acquired an internship with AgriSync through the Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Semester, Inc. internship program. "I was looking for a job that would give me more communication and marketing experience so I would be prepared for full time jobs after graduation," she relates.

She serves as the social media and content coordinator for AgriSync, creating all the posts for their LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. She also writes around two blogs a month and creates other materials like checklists and e-guides. "My favorite part of the experience is being an intern, yet still having so much responsibility and respect within the workspace," she explains. 

In addition to this internship, Cantrell has also worked at the Linn Co-op Oil Company as an agronomy intern and as a marketing and communications intern at horse shows for the Pinto Horse Association of America. After graduation, she would like to be an advocate for sustainable agriculture practices. Be sure to keep an eye out for her fashion designs in the coming years as her dream job would be to create a plus-size clothing line based around western wear. 

We look forward to watching her excel no matter where her future path leads her!