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Amber Scherer

On my 18th birthday, my mom gave me the book "Don't Look Back" by Mary Engelbreit. The theme of the book is to embrace the tough decisions and not look back.

While I was a student at Mizzou, I had to make some tough choices about degree programs and career opportunities. When I entered the University, my plan was to become a doctor and I selected a degree program that supported that plan.

I began my coursework and I realized that I wasn’t as happy as I should be if I was going to do this for the rest of my life.

I became a CAFNR Ambassador during my sophomore year, and learned more about the food science program in the College. After trying a few classes in this area, I happily switched degree programs, and never looked back!

The Ambassador program helped me become a better public speaker, a better educator about our College, more aware about public relations and networking. The leadership skills that I learned as an Ambassador encouraged me to pursue other leadership opportunities on campus.

Through all my extracurricular activities, I learned patience, understanding, and to never look back. I also understood that I needed to give my best effort to every organization to which I belonged.

During my senior year I was considering what to do after graduation. I went back and forth between graduate school and looking for a job.

I became the Robert O. Reich Family Executive-in-Residence Intern, and that's where I met Ted Jacoby, President and CEO of T. C. Jacoby & Company, a dairy brokerage firm. I managed Mr. Jacoby's program on campus and, after his visit, he invited me to send him my resume. I interviewed and was asked to join the Jacoby team. I have now been with the company a year and a half and I’m very happy that I chose this opportunity. I haven't looked back.

Now, due to hard work, dedication, and the many opportunities the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and Mizzou presented me, I am able to give a little something back to my home for 4 years, the University of Missouri.

I want other students to have some of the same great opportunities I had. I have made my contribution and challenge other young alumni and alumni of all ages to join me in supporting students in CAFNR.

Let's all help these deserving students continue on the path of their dreams, so they can look ahead to the future with confidence in their abilities because of their experiences at Mizzou.