Making Life Better

Animal Science Major

Cows fascinate Abbey Williams, but she doesn't want to be a veterinarian. She's more interested in genetics and reproduction, and lately she's enjoyed the hands-on experience judging "anything related to meat" she's had as part of a six-person CAES animal judging team.

She's also strapping on her boots and preparing for a rodeo at Heritage Park, a commitment she considers to be her full-time job.

"I'm the chairman of the 32nd annual Great Southland Stampede Rodeo, the only college-student-produced PRCA rodeo in the nation," Williams said. "This is essentially comparable to running a small business. I am responsible for maintaining a budget, signing contracts with needed personnel, securing sponsorships and holding committee meetings as well as the many other aspects of the business. This is a huge responsibility and requires constant daily attention in order to be a successful event. It has been the hardest, yet most rewarding responsibility I have ever had."

Abbey's Student Profile

Name: Abbey Williams
Hometown: McDonough, Ga.
Year: Third
Major: Animal science with a minor in agribusiness

Q&A with Abbey

What made you choose to attend UGA?

I always thought I would attend a smaller school, and in high school my counselors advised me to focus more on campuses with lower enrollment numbers. I decided to visit Athens anyways and make my own decision, and I'm glad I did. It's not something I can really explain, but I knew at the end of the day that I had to go to college here.

How did you choose your major?

I have always believed that I can do anything I want to do as long as I have a true passion for it and put my heart into it. I have always had a love for animals, especially cattle, but did not actually grow up on a farm or have any knowledge of the fact that you could get an education focusing on large animals and not become a veterinarian. One day I was looking through a book of college information and came across a list of available majors. Animal science caught my attention quickly and it's been my focus ever since.

What's your favorite class?

Applied animal reproduction would definitely have to be my favorite class. We travel to different farms on campus learning about and getting hands-on experience with things such as ultrasound, pregnancy detection and artificial breeding. Only a fraction of the class time is spent listening to a lecture, giving the students an opportunity to learn far more than can be taught in a classroom environment. The occasional stop by Sonic for lunch on the way to class also tends to add a little fun to the day!

Who is your favorite instructor?

My all-time favorite instructor is Calvin Alford who taught my animal practicum class a couple years ago. Calvin had a way of making everyone look forward to class each week, even though it was at 8:00 in the morning some days. Whether by his stories about the good ole days and how they used to do things or his explanation of why you should never leave the house without a knife in your pocket, Mr. Calvin always kept me smiling. He is super smart and I don't believe there is anything he doesn't know how to do involving animals. I only wish he was still here teaching.

What's the most interesting thing you've learned this year?

The most interesting thing I've learned this year has nothing to do with animal science, but about life in general. Through my leadership of The Great Southland Stampede Rodeo and my participation in the meat animal evaluation team I have had to put myself into situations which are outside of my comfort zone. I have had to force myself to "step outside of the box," and I have grown into a more well-rounded person as a result. I have learned for myself that Eleanor Roosevelt was correct when she said, "you gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you cannot do."

What experience did you have with agriculture before enrolling at CAES?

Before my enrollment at UGA I had not had much experience with agriculture at all. The only thing that sticks out in my mind as having sparked my interest in agriculture was that when I was very young my family had two cows that we bottle-fed and raised. We also had some chickens and a couple ducks. It seems silly, but it was enough to get me interested!

What are your plans for the future?

I plan to go to graduate school out west and then pursue a career working with cattle either in the field of genetics or reproduction.

More about Abbey

Favorite musician: Sara Evans
Favorite book: "The Cowboy and His Elephant" by Malcolm MacPherson
Favorite sport: Football
Favorite thing to do on campus: Find a good sunny spot out in the grass and have lunch outside!
Favorite thing to do off-campus:Go see a good concert at the Georgia Theatre.
Favorite building on campus: Ramsey is pretty awesome.
My favorite place to eat in Athens is: Longhorn Steakhouse.
Between classes: I am usually working on The Great Southland Stampede Rodeo. I also love to get a quick nap if I have a break in the day.
My biggest pet peeve about UGA is: Crossing the street from the intramural fields to the animal science building.

The biggest surprise about UGA was: I expected to come to UGA and become "a number" among the thousands of other students here. I was surprised to find when I got here that the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is very tight-knit and nothing like I expected. I feel like my professors know who I am and they are concerned with my future. The people here at UGA are awesome and I never expected to know and love them like I do.
The thing I like best about UGA is: There is something for everyone here. It doesn't matter what interests you have or what your hobbies are, you will fit in here. There are so many opportunities available right on campus and in Athens. And of course there is nothing like a game day in Athens cheering on the bulldogs as they play between the hedges.