Voices of the Graduating Class

I arrived at the University of Maryland not knowing what to expect. The last time I was in college, the internet was in its infancy, and my car had a tape deck. I’ll admit it: I was a little nervous to see how much things had changed. What would it be like to be in class with students who were just a year or two older than my own children? Would I be older than my professors? Would I be able to keep up with the coursework and my life at home?

What I found, from day one, was a group of students and faculty who were open and welcoming; who were interested in my story; who cared about my success. The IAA became a home away from home. I spent more time in Jull 1123 and the computer lab upstairs than I ever thought possible. I count myself as one of the lucky ones who was able to complete their degree within those old linoleum halls.

My eternal thanks go out to the faculty and staff; you are what made Jull Hall and the IAA for me. Thank you.

What these folks at the IAA do for our students on a daily basis is incredible. Not only are students prepared to enter the world with practical—-truly practical—-skills and knowledge (I mean, I used a forge!), they enter that world with a team they can rely on in the future to help with everything from questions about navigating new workplaces to sourcing a certain hard to find turfgrass seed.

Now, all that being said, there are four people who I absolutely could not have done this without. I was a stay-at-home dad for 16 years before starting in the IAA. These were the best 16 years of my life. And yet, when I decided to go back to school, I had my family’s complete support. Without them, I would not have been as successful in my time here. Thank you guys, I love you.

I will be forever grateful for my time here in the IAA. From the friends I’ve made, to the connections I forged with faculty–these two years have been two of the most important years in my life.  If you had told me even five years ago that I would be here today, I wouldn’t have believed it.

I now have college friends from the 90s and college friends from the 20s. It turns out, by the way, that things haven’t changed much. More than a few of them have had mullets and questionable facial hair in both decades. I’ll leave it to history to decide if that’s a good or a bad thing.

Joe Poulas, Turfgrass Management Graduate

When I first came to UMD, I was overwhelmed. I was searching for purpose, direction–anything that felt like me. I eventually found the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, but things really changed when I stumbled into a random IAA class with Meredith.

I still remember one of the first days. Meredith walked in wearing a dress with chickens on it. She was kind, soft-spoken, and clearly passionate about what she was teaching. A few days later, she sent out an email with IAA opportunities and I remember thinking, “whatever she’s a part of, I want to be part of it too.”  What makes the IAA so special isn’t just the classes. It’s how we learn: by doing. We get our hands dirty. Literally. In one of Meredith’s classes, we made pickles, beef jerky, dehydrated apples, even soap. I learned skills I could actually use.

Then came Tom’s agricultural mechanics class: welding, electricity, plumbing, woodworking. I was nervous. I remember thinking, “I’m just a girl, I usually just hold the flashlight for my dad.” But Tom never made me feel like I couldn’t do it. He believed in me, encouraged me, and genuinely cared. One day when I was clearly having a rough time, he asked, “Natalie, how can I make your day better?” That meant everything. With his support, I ended up taking Power and Machinery; I fully disassembled and reassembled an engine that actually ran. Hearing it start? Unreal. It was hands down one of the most empowering and valuable experiences I’ve had, and I owe that to Tom.

Then there’s Becky, my go-to for advice, life talks, and encouragement. When I told her I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation, she didn’t give vague advice; she emailed Horizon Farm Credit, copied me, and helped me take the next step. That’s the kind of support the IAA gives you.

Kenny taught us to respect soils (not dirt!) and somehow made Friday labs something we looked forward to. Lindsay helped Katrina and me with bee projects, even when she was slammed with work. Carole made every morning brighter with a simple “Well, good morning, Natalie–it’s so great to see you!” To every faculty and staff member at the IAA who’s been a part of our journey, thank you. Whether you answered a question or encouraged us in the hallway, you made our experience better.  

Some of us will stay at UMD to continue pursuing bachelor’s degrees. Others are heading straight into careers, back to farms, businesses, or even families waiting at home. Some of us are just starting out; others have come back to school while raising kids or working full time. Every single one of us earned this moment. Different paths–but with the same determination, the same late nights, and the same dirt under our nails. 

Natalie Rilley, Agricultural Business Management Graduate