Graduating Student Spotlight: Kaitlyn Richards

This is a continuation of our "IANR is Global" series, which highlights the many ways internationalization is woven through the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources: through research collaboration, government and private industry partnerships, extension work, student educational experiences and the IANR community from around the world.

This edition is specifically focused on the many individuals with diverse experience from around the world who are graduating this year. Kaitlyn Richards will receive her Bachelor of Science degree, double majoring in environmental studies and fisheries and wildlife during this month’s ceremonies. We appreciate the community we are fortunate to have from all over the world, as shown by their many and varied contributions to the work of the university and our continued mission to create a globally engaged institution. To this end, we want to help our campus community get to know each other (and the world) more, starting with these individuals. 

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Where is your hometown and what brought you to Nebraska? 

I am from Ankeny, Iowa. I knew that I wanted to go to college out of state. I visited lots of out-of-state colleges bordering Iowa. Nebraska blew me away with the number of opportunities and the community I gained just from my first visit.

What led you to be interested in global topics and experiences? 

Being interested in environmental issues like water quality and climate change, I in turn became interested in global topics/experiences. These global issues bring to light how much everyone in the world has in common with each other, and how we can learn from others. Growing up, I had never ventured much farther than the Midwest, college seemed like the perfect opportunity to explore the world. UNL brings so many opportunities to campus that engage global communities. 

What is something people don’t know (or that you wish they knew) about where you’re from or where you’ve traveled? 

Many people only know Ankeny as a pass-through city. It is so much more than that! In fact, Ankeny has a rich history, especially during World War II, where there was an ordinance plant. Bullets from the plant are still found in recent construction projects and roads in the town are named after the plant.

A fun fact about Namibia, my first time ever leaving the country, is that during my study abroad I climbed Big Daddy Sand Dune...one of the tallest climbable dunes in the country.

What were some challenges you faced while a student here? Opportunities? Things that surprised you? 

One thing that was challenging for me was pacing myself. Seeing all of the amazing opportunities at UNL, it was hard to say no and not overload myself during my early years.

Why is it important for institutions like the University of Nebraska to have faculty, staff, and students from or with experience from different parts of the world?

It is important for students to experience different parts of the world because college is a time for growth, and one of the last steps of a student's life before entering "the real world." By having global experiences and working alongside international students/staff, we as humans can gain life skills in acceptance, diversity, and inclusion. 

How has your time at Nebraska and the experiences you’ve had here impacted you in what you will go on to do?

Nebraska has introduced me to opportunities and people from all around the world. Having these opportunities, I now understand the importance of having a global perspective. Issues that I want to solve such as environmental issues hurt everyone, so including diverse voices in the solution is vital! These experiences have helped me get out of my shell and out into the world, constantly learning.

What advice do you have for students? 

Apply for programs! Rejection is a part of life, but without applying, these experiences may not be a part of your life. Seek out resources and don't be afraid to reach out to the faculty/staff at UNL, they want you to succeed!

Are you or someone you know graduating this month with an international element to your work, studies, or past/future experiences you'd like to see highlighted? Contact Brianne at bwolf4@unl.edu.