By Madelyn Ostendorf
Caleb Spry, graduating senior in horticulture from Fort Gay, West Virginia, came to Iowa State University with a dream of becoming a medical illustrator – the perfect way to combine his love for art with his passion for biology.
Two years into his college career, Spry realized that while his passion was still there, the major of biomedical illustration was no longer the route he wanted to take.
"After working as a Cyclone Aide Orientation leader and advisor, I have felt the high level impact a public facing position can have," Spry said. "Your undergrad is the perfect time to find your niche and what brings you fulfillment. For me, there was an instant connection between working with plants and people."
Spry set up a meeting with the Department of Horticulture and felt an instant connection and sense of community during his visit. All of his credits transferred, and Spry decided to make the switch.
"Caleb four years ago would have never thought that I was going to switch majors," Spry said. "I had always thought, 'I've already spent two years, I can't change now.' But that's not true. Departments are willing to help you make that transition. Don't be afraid to make the switch. It could be one of the best decisions for you."
As a student in horticulture, Spry embraced his new opportunities but wanted to use the skills he learned as a medical illustrator. He is working to create technical illustrations for some of the 1000-level agronomy classes. Using his artistic abilities to help convey complicated concepts is a skill he has developed and found exciting. Engaging with the public was something Spry also found appealing, as his two-year experience as an assistant at the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic showed him the impact he could have on the public.
Spry participated in Science with Practice to expand his technical communications skills and continue exploring his public impact. The program allows undergraduate students to gain research experience alongside faculty and staff in their chosen research field. Spry worked with Cynthia Haynes, professor of horticulture, and focused on media literacy and source identification in Master Gardeners.
"Caleb has a sharp mind," Haynes said. "He frequently reflects on past classes, projects, designs and research, like his Science with Practice on media literacy in horticulture. His diligence, resilience, and analytical mind will serve him well in graduate school at the University of Arkansas."
He presented his research project at the Science with Practice poster presentation on campus and at the American Society for Horticultural Sciences Conference in Honolulu, Hawaii. While at that conference, Spry met representatives from the University of Arkansas, where he now plans to attend and receive his masters in public horticulture.
"Going to that conference confirmed everything," Spry said. "I got to combine my technical communication skills, my horticulture experience and finally decide that I wanted to do public horticulture. When I did that research, it just really helped solidify that I wanted to work with both people and plants."
Spry isn't sure where he would be now without being willing to make the switch. But his advice to students is to do what feels right. You never know how it might turn out.