The Agricultural & Extension Education Staff would like to congratulate the October Student of the month Nicole Guise of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. Nicole shares, "My family has two dairy farms that total over 500 acres in York and Adams counties, Buttonwood Farms and Bentz-Hollow Farm. We do not milk cows anymore but instead focus on breeding genetically elite Holstein calves and heifers, we grow corn and soybeans, and have a custom baling and harvesting business." Outside of the family farm, Nicole has gained experiences with the York County 4-H Clubs (Dairy, Dairy Beef, and Teen Council). She was a part of the state winning 4-H Dairy Judging team and traveled to both the World Dairy Expo and NAILE to represent Pennsylvania. Her experiences in 4-H lead her to serving as a Delegate for National 4-H Congress and as a York County Dairy Princess.
Nicole spent her time attending and studying at the Penn State York Campus before joining us at University Park. While at York, Nicole was involved in the Penn State York AgSci Club, Graham Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership Fellow, and she also won a Start-Up Challenge, similar to TV show Shark Tank, with a business plan for a customizable raised bed gardening service. Currently, Nicole is a senior graduating with a B.S. in Agricultural & Extension Education with minors in Environmental Resource Management and International Agriculture. Nicole is very involved in clubs and programs at Penn State including: Ag Advocates, Teach Ag Avengers, LEAD Society (Banquet Chair), Collegiate Farm Bureau (President), Dairy Science Club (Penn State Dairy Princess), and the Student Farm Club.
In addition to Nicole's involvement in clubs and student organizations, she is a teaching assistant for the Animal Science 201 course. Her hobbies include kayaking, baking and hiking with a unique goal in mind of going to every Pennsylvania and National Park before she dies. You can find Nicole in the Ag Administration Building in the Study Abroad Lounge as it is her favorite place on campus to hang out at. The restaurant Irvings is also her favorite place to eat in State College. As part of being an "Ag Avenger" Nicole has played a role in developing the Owl Pal Program at Penn State. "I created Owl Pals to connect AEE students regardless of their location (UP or Commonwealth Campus). From my own experience moving campuses, there were opportunities I wished I had known about/people I wish I had known were there to help me. It is my hope that Owl Pals helps Commonwealth Campus students feel more prepared to make the jump to UP, but also feel more connected to the students and faculty within the major."
Nicole has had some unique opportunities while being at Penn State including her trip to Chile. Since then, she shares her growing interest in hydroponics and that she wants to learn more in this area of agriculture as she continues her studies. As she is gearing up to start her student teaching experiences this Spring, Nicole will be student teaching at Derry Area High School with Mrs. Carly-Jean Rippole.
WE ARE excited to see where the future takes Nicole as she embarks on her journey teaching agriculture and much more! We know she will continue to succeed in the future in all that she does. Best of luck next semester Nicole, we are rooting for you!
To keep up with Nicole be sure to check out her social media profile on Twitter @nrguise.
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