Rita Cook says that Iowa State was the obvious choice for college because of her passion for agriculture and ISU’s many choices within her chosen field. It also was a good choice because of her 4-H ties.
4-H became a support system for her as she gained horsemanship and showmanship skills and developed self-confidence and personal skills. Her family and 4-H leaders “believed in me before I even believed in myself.”
Now an ISU freshman, Cook triple majors in ag business, public service and administration (PSA) and economics. She is determined to make a positive difference in the perception Americans have of agriculture. One of her goals is to promote the ag industry to people who have lost close ties to the land.