Meet Student Member: Matthew Syrotiak!
By Ashlyn Rochester, ACN Communications Specialist
As part of the new and incoming student members, sponsored by Filament, we’re highlighting the new members. Matthew Syrotiak is a student at the University of Connecticut studying Animal Science. To get to know him better and why his student membership in ACN is important to him, we asked him a few questions.
1. Why are you studying agriculture?
From a young age, my view of agriculture was formed through my involvement in youth organizations like 4-H and FFA. Through my firsthand experience operating a small farm and from countless industry visits I have seen agriculture through various lenses. As we head into the future I believe that agriculture will be one of, if not the most important field, that will continue to be grown.
2. What position, goal, or outcome do you hope to accomplish with your agriculture degree?
Through a background in animal science, I hope to find a career within the education/communication field. I’ve learned about all aspects of agriculture and oftentimes, people underestimate the impact the industry has on our daily lives. I hope to share important stories about the field; from dedicated youth to 5th-generation farm families.
3. What do you hope to gain from your student membership to ACN? If it’s something specific, like a mentor or feedback, please be specific and include an email address for members to reach you at.
ACN is an organization that is wide-reaching, whether you are a dedicated journalist, speaker, or communication expert, we all have a shared passion to spread the mission of the agricultural field. I’ve been lucky to have some amazing mentors through my youth and I am always looking to surround myself with talented individuals that are pushing the boundaries of the field. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
4. As part of the application process, we ask applicants to write a few short paragraphs on the value of joining ACN, and why this would help the applicant in their career.
As an avid member of both 4-H and FFA throughout my high school years, I learned much about the importance of communication in the agricultural field. Whether I was communicating the message of education and agriculture to supporters, legislators, or members throughout the State of Connecticut, it was always done with intention and thought.
The Agricultural Communicators Network seems like another important step toward furthering my future as a lifelong communicator and a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals that I wouldn’t otherwise meet. As the facilitator of many social media channels, a website, and email lists throughout Connecticut, it is important to me to be the best communicator I can to best reach and represent our industry.
I had never heard of the Agricultural Communicators Network and was excited to be sent this Google form and learn more about the organization’s mission and membership. The idea of an organization that promotes an “open exchange of ideas among colleagues in an environment that fosters professional excellence” is beneficial for me through my experience as an undergraduate student at UConn I’ve been able to work with a number of communication experts in the various departments at the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.
Students can apply or be nominated for membership. Please share this with interested students and/or nominate a student today. Thank you, Filament, for investing in the future of Ag Communicators!
The application is available at this link.