Calling Courtney Everhart a busy bee might be a bit of an understatement.
The freshman fisheries and wildlife major is involved in the Army ROTC, Color Guard, the faith-based organization the Navigators, the pre-vet learning community and the pre-vet club – among several other activities.
"Why slow down when life has so many exciting opportunities?" Everhart said.
Everhart's philosophy of involvement and knowing what she wants out of her college experience led her to the School of Natural Resources.
"I came into UNL as a pre-vet major," she said. "It is what I had thought I wanted to do my entire life as I hold an immense passion for animals."
After learning more about the fisheries and wildlife major and its different specialization options, Everhart was sold.
"I went for it," she said. "I was able to stay in CASNR and work with amazingly talented and friendly individuals in the college. While I still don't know exactly where my life is going – who ever does – I know I'm one step closer in the right direction."
That direction includes plans to graduate in May 2017 and pursue a career through the Army ROTC program. Everhart said her goal is to be commissioned as an Army officer and branched in her military occupation specialty (MOS).
Although Everhart isn't certain what her career in the Army will involve, she's looking forward to exploring all possible pathways.
"I figure my ambitions will be polished as I learn more about the opportunities available," she said. "I do know that I want to make an impact in the lives of others, do something that makes a difference and truly give back for all the amazing freedoms we have today. Only time and exposure will reveal where my life will lead, but I am determined to make it legendary."
Until then, Everhart is focused on settling into Hardin Hall and the greater SNR community. She's already got some outside-the-classroom experience working on a photography project at Prairie Pines.
"With a team, I document various aspects of Prairie Pines including wildlife, landscape and community events," she said. "Education is important, but life really comes down to who you know, not just what you know. I recognize that an SNR education will promote those relationships and connections to be made."
Sara Winn, SNR advising coordinator, is one such member of the SNR community whom Everhart identified as integral to her feeling at home in the school.
"While I have encountered countless helpful, gracious and selfless individuals in SNR, (Winn) has had the more prominent impact on my college experience so far," Everhart said. "Nothing can replace the genuine help and natural knowledge she brings to her job."
Winn said that Everhart's eagerness to learn is evidenced by her maturity that is "beyond her years."
"You can tell she is the type of student that wants to be here, wants to learn and take advantage of every opportunity available," Winn said. "Every time we meet, she is taking notes, asking for clarification and eager to know more. I have been so impressed with her curiosity and enthusiasm – and she is only a freshman!"
Even though Everhart's time at the university is in its infancy, her sense of self-identity has already undergone an essential evolution.
"Without a doubt, college has fostered the quickest figurative growth spurt of my life," Everhart said. "I've grown as an individual, in truly finding who I am."
— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources
Do you know a stellar SNR student who should be spotlighted in an issue of Inside SNR? Send his or her contact information to mrivas@unl.edu.