Academics

Student Story: Former 4-H State Council president begins college career at Berks

Karoline Kent will transition to University Park in the spring of 2017, after she completes her remaining general education credits at Berks this fall. She is majoring in animal science with minors in agribusiness management and equine science. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Karoline Kent, last year's president of the 4-H State Council, had a seamless transition from high school into her college career.

A rising sophomore at Penn State Berks, Kent is majoring in animal science with minors in agribusiness management and equine science.

The Lititz, Pennsylvania, native is enjoying her time at Berks, where she is involved with the equestrian team and the agriculture club.

"Starting my college education at the Berks campus allowed me to take my required general education classes while remaining at home and saving money," she said.

On the weekends, Kent drives to her grandparents' horse farm in Delaware, where she cares for her horse, and also helps at a crop farm near Harrisburg — commitments she would not have been able to uphold if she had started her studies immediately at University Park.

"I also enjoy the smaller class sizes at Berks," she noted.

Kent will transition to University Park in the spring of 2017, after she completes her remaining general education credits at Berks this fall.

"As much as I like Berks, I am looking forward to my transition to University Park as well," she said, citing her enthusiasm to take animal science and business classes not offered at Berks.

Kent is no stranger to University Park, as last year, in her role as president, she led 4-H State Council meetings in the Agricultural Sciences and Industries Building on campus.

"I got to know many Penn Staters through my service to 4-H, including the dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and many Penn State Extension employees and volunteers," she said.

In her time as president of the State Council, Kent also designed the "Pennsylvania 4-H" page, which is printed monthly in the Lancaster Farming newspaper. The page educates readers about 4-H and features stories of youth participants and their achievements.

Though her term as president has ended, Kent still writes for the 4-H page and oversees the publication.

"Through my involvement with the 4-H page, I've gained an interest in communications and marketing, which has led me to pursue the agribusiness concentration in my major," she said.

This summer, she has an internship with the dairy supplement company Advanced AgriSolutions, where she is gaining experience in the sales and consultation fields of agriculture.

"Someday, I would love to own my own business," she said.

Last Updated June 29, 2016

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