Sam Martin, animal science
How does your selection has speaker reflect your journey at Iowa State?
I have always tried to advocate for not only the college but the entire generation of agriculture advocates that are going to tackle to next set of challenges. We all bring unique skills and talents to the industry, and we want to make changes and challenge the standard.
What’s one unexpected lesson or skill you’re taking with you from Iowa State?
The value of college sometimes isn't so much what you learn in a classroom but also who is sitting next to you in those seats. The people I call friends and colleagues are future leaders, innovators, and creators within our future industry. Having a personal connection with them and calling them friends is something I will value years down the road.
How has your experience at Iowa State shaped who you are today? Can you describe a specific moment that contributed to that growth?
It has made me reevaluate the way I view the agriculture industry and even my own operation at home. When we can perfect the skills of our trade, we can rise above the competition and lead. I know for me, this really started to pay off in a practical sense when I got to take home some of my nutrition knowledge and apply it to our own cattle operation at home.
How does your chosen item represent you or your time at Iowa State?
The tractor in my picture represents all the passion I've grown for agriculture since I was a little kid. My dad put me in a tractor by the time I was 6 months old, and I've always known the farm is where my heart is. After 4 wonderful years here at Iowa State, I get to keep chasing that little kid's dream.