Nichole Busdieker

Dedication, enthusiasm and passion are just three of the many qualities Nichole Busdieker exhibits on a daily basis. Through her dual major in agricultural journalism and agricultural economics, this student from Hawk Point has found her strengths in marketing and strategy and has discovered a love for international agriculture that she will carry with her in the future.

"My career aspirations focus on working for a global agricultural company in one of these areas," Busdieker, AgJ '07, said. "Only time will tell where I will go, and I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that may come."

Busdieker has worked for organizations including the Missouri Farm Bureau, MU Extension, National FFA and the Columbia Missourian. Her passion for international relations led her to study at the University of Reading in England in fall 2006.

At MU, Busdieker is a member of the Collegiate Farm Bureau, Sigma Alpha professional sorority, Ag Econ club and Mizzou '39. She said she chose the Agricultural Journalism Program because it provided her the resources to be successful.

"When I came for a visit, I felt as though I was at home," Busdieker said. The advisers and faculty truly cared about my success and made me feel comfortable and feel like I could find my place in the big MU."

Busdieker's advice to high school students: "Don't be afraid to be challenged, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself. The easy route isn't always the way to take, and this route through agricultural journalism can truly help you find yourself and success on the way."