Matt, Senior

Quick Takes

You transferred from Joliet (IL) Junior College. Why Western?
"Western is less expensive than the University of Illinois, and I was really impressed and had heard great recommendations about Dr. Andrew Baker, the ag education instructor here. He has probably been the most influential person that I have worked with so far at Western. I was also really impressed when I met President Goldfarb and how approachable he is."
Why do you recommend WIU and the agriculture department?
"Western has small classes that are taught by professors and not TAs (teaching assistants). Also it gives you the same quality of education as any other university, but at a much lower cost." (Cost Guarantee)
What are you favorite things about Western?
"I love how at Western you a person. When I talk to my friends at other universities, that's not the case — they're a number. Western also has a nice quiet atmosphere that I enjoy, and there are a lot of student activities. Also, the affordability of Western is a huge plus for me."

Matt grew up on a farm about 30 miles west of Joliet, IL, but farming wasn't his parents' livelihood. His dad worked in construction and his mom raised the kids.

"But we have always raised 'hobby' livestock like chicken, ducks, pigs, and cattle for our own use and consumption," he said.

His "true love and passion for agriculture comes from my maternal grandparents who were farmers," Matthew added. "I look back at the many fond memories I have with my Grandpa Wiesbrook on his farm. My grandfather taught me to love the land and how to make it useful and productive."

These are the emotions and knowledge he intends to pass along to future generations as an agriculture educator.

"I don't think that I will ever leave agriculture education," Matt said. "I will definitely start out in high school agriculture education and spend some time in that field. I would like to possibly move to a junior college or university level eventually; and should the opportunity present itself, take a position at the State FFA Center or in agriculture education at the national level. The future is yet unseen."

Matt at the farm and with friends

National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassador

Matt already has had more than a taste of what service can be at the national level. From August 2006 to July 2007, he was one of 15 college students appointed as a National College Agriculture Ambassador, a division of Collegiate FFA. He received a second appointment for the current 2007-2008 year, which will focus on a sustainable agricultural awareness program.

He is the only, and the first, ambassador from Illinois.

"My duties call me to promote agricultural awareness and agricultural literacy," Matt said. "I go to area high schools and make presentations about agriculture, tailored to what the teachers want; I make presentations to local groups and organizations; I participate in radio interviews with the RFD radio station; and last spring I was able to attend the National FFA Convention and the National Practice of Sustainable Agriculture (PSA) Conference and assist with different programs and activities at these events.

"This position provides me great opportunities – first, to meet and spend time with the other ambassadors and learn who they are and what agriculture is like in their states," Matt added. "And I got to get behind the scenes, see what happens and help at the National FFA Conference. The National FFA is the largest high school organization in the world, and around 50,000 students attend the convention. Being an ambassador helps me to develop skills and talents that I will be able to use in my chosen career of agriculture education."