Two Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) students are stepping into national leadership roles, bringing ABAC representation to the national stage. These two students are national officers for the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT), an organization that promotes agricultural communication, and works to tell the story of agriculture. Lydia Hill, who serves as ACT president, is returning for her second year on the officer team, while Riley Stockman is beginning her first year as the National Communications Coordinator. Their positions give them the opportunity to represent their organization nationally while continuing to build on the leadership experiences they gained through their time at ABAC.
For Hill, returning to the national officer team brings new experiences and a different perspective. She is entering this year as president with a clear understanding of what she hopes to accomplish.
“I hope they remember that the time I served as president and member relations coordinator, that’s when national ACT was able to provide new and fresh and exciting opportunities for our members.”
The last two years have been a period of growth for ACT, and she hopes to continue building on that during her time as president.
Meanwhile, Stockman is beginning her first year on the national team as the National Communications Coordinator. Her role requires her to promote ACT on a national level through outlets such as social media and the website.
“When I got there, I didn’t necessarily plan on running, but I knew I would probably regret it if I didn’t.”
Although this is Stockman’s first year on the team, she already brings a variety of knowledge and experience to her position. Allowing her to combine her leadership skills and passion for communication while telling the story of agriculture.
Having two students from ABAC serving on the national team highlights the leadership opportunities available to students at the college. Hill and Stockman are able to bring their experiences from their involvement with ACT at ABAC to the national level. For these two students, their positions are more than just a title; they are opportunities to represent themselves, ABAC, and agriculture as a whole. For both students, their relationships with the professors at ABAC have played an important role in their success. Hill points to her professors at ABAC as some of her most valuable mentors throughout the process.
“They’re always so incredibly helpful and they’ve been great mentors for me.”
As their terms continue, both students will have the opportunity to travel, meet new people from across the country, and use their positions to make an impact on agriculture. Hill brings a year of experience to the team, and Stockman brings a new perspective centered on telling the story of agriculture. Together, their roles representing ABAC on a national stage allow them to demonstrate the communication, leadership, and agricultural skills developed throughout their time at the college.
Both Hill and Stockman highlight the importance of being willing to take opportunities and put yourself out there. Hill emphasizes the idea that you never know what an opportunity could lead to unless you try.
“So even if you fail miserably or you don’t get the position that you want, you’re still going to learn something from it.”