Meet Student Member: Michelle Stangler!
By Ashlyn Rochester, ACN Communications Specialist
As part of the new and incoming student members, sponsored by Filament, we’re highlighting the new members. Michelle Stangler is a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, where she studies Agricultural Marketing Communications and Journalism. She’s also one of ACN’s Scholarship Finalists! To get to know her better and understand why her student membership in ACN is important to her, we asked her a few questions.
1. Why are you studying agriculture?
Growing up on a family dairy farm, I developed a deep connection to the agricultural community. Collaborating with dedicated individuals who are passionate about advancing the field constantly inspires me to improve my storytelling skills in relation to agriculture. Throughout my experiences in internships, freelance work, and volunteer endeavors, I have consistently found immense fulfillment in my work, and the people I meet have become individuals I deeply admire. Overcoming challenges in this field has not only facilitated my personal growth but has also allowed me to appreciate the unwavering support provided by the agricultural community. My coursework in agricultural communications and journalism further fuels my curiosity and strengthens my commitment to continuous learning, which I actively apply in my current work and will carry into the future. Agriculture is more than just a community I was raised in; it is a community I am dedicated to remaining actively engaged with throughout my life.
2. What position, goal, or outcome do you hope to accomplish with your agriculture degree?
Helping tell the story of agriculture is the end goal in either journalism, marketing or communications. Although this goal encompasses a wide range of possibilities, I am open to opportunities that ignite inspiration and align my belief in the value I can bring to an organization or company. Developing my skills to become a better storyteller is the goal and it would be a dream to acquire a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of agriculture, enabling me to become a farm broadcaster who travels across the nation. The aspiration would unite my greatest passions: family, travel, agriculture and the joy of being outdoors. By combining these elements, I aspire to lead a purposeful and fulfilling life.
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.
Through my ACN student membership, my aim is to establish connections with individuals in agricultural communications, both through in-person and virtual engagements. While I have found value in reading the email newsletters and social media posts, I am particularly excited about the prospect of meeting people from diverse backgrounds. I am especially interested in opportunities to engage in one-on-one conversations, as I believe constructive feedback can greatly enhance my writing and the podcast I created and host, “Positivity in Ag.” Likewise, I am eager to form relationships with companies and fellow freelancers to gain insights into workflow processes and potential opportunities to contribute in areas such as writing and event communications. Think you can help, and maybe I can provide a young person’s perspective for you. Let’s start the conversation and connect at [email protected]! I look forward to hopefully hearing from you and commencing this journey of mutual growth and collaboration.
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.
This opportunity will continue to expand upon my network in agricultural communications and grow as a storyteller of agriculture. To grow the agricultural community, communicators are essential in telling the story through many tools and resources. The Agricultural Communicators Network will help connect me to the tools and resources needed to grow the industry in connecting agriculture to consumers. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and looking forward to being part of an organization that’s been so influential on my colleagues in the past.
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.