Making Life Better
Poultry Science Major
After struggling to declare a major, April Jones finally found her "home" in poultry science. Entering college as a pre-pharmacy major and mentally changing her major as many as 40 times, it wasn't until Jones met with Dr. Mike Lacy that she finally found what makes her happy. Whether it's teaching students about poultry science, working in her father's broiler houses or representing the college as a CAES Ag Ambassador, Jones loves the poultry business.
April's Student Profile
Name: April LeAnn Jones
Hometown: Pelham, Ga.
Major: Poultry Science
Estimated Graduation: December 2008
Q&A with April
What made you choose to attend UGA?
I had two uncles that attended UGA and they introduced me to the possibility of one day becoming a Georgia Bulldog. My Uncle Al brought both my sister and I to our first Georgia game, and it was being in Athens and seeing all the opportunities UGA had to offer that finalized my decision to attend UGA.
How many times have you changed your major? What made you settle on your current major?
I physically changed my major up to five times, but I thought about changing majors probably 40 times. College is completely different from high school because you make all of your decisions on your own. I entered into UGA as a pre-pharmacy major and did not feel welcome or wanted. One day I met with Dr. Mike Lacy (CAES poultry science department head) to discuss changing my major once again but this time was different. Finally, I found my home and purpose, and my life and college experience began to be much more enjoyable. Finding a major that makes you happy is the most important thing.
What exposure did you have to agriculture before coming to CAES?
Agriculture has always been a part of my life. I was raised on a 200-acre farm that my father tended to, and in 2005 my father built eight broiler houses.
What's your favorite class and why?
My favorite class would have to be POUL 4990. This course allows students who have taken a course within the poultry science department and earned an A or better the ability to be a teaching assistant. I have done this for two semesters and have found it to be very enjoyable. I get to give back to students the knowledge I learned from taking the course and through my personal experience working on a broiler farm with my father.
Which CAES instructor has been the most influential?
Dr. Mike Lacy has been my most influential instructor because not only is he the department head for the poultry science department, he's my advisor. Dr. Lacy always helps me out with my problems, and he is always willing to discuss my options for my future.
What's the most important thing you've learned this year?
With the recent realization that I am graduating this year, the most important thing I have learned is that life is way too short. I must live my life to the fullest every day, not be in a hurry and take life day by day, hour by hour, second by second.
What's one thing you're always sure to take to class?
I always take my planner because without it I would be completely lost.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully, in five years I’m out of either pharmacy school or graduate school working towards a wonderful career.
What's the coolest thing that's happened to you at UGA?
Being chosen as a student CAES Ag Ambassador to help promote and represent the college is the coolest thing that has happened to me since I have been at UGA.
Favorite thing to do outside class:
Outside of class I like to take part in the clubs and organizations I am active in, as well as spend time with my family and friends.
Best advice for incoming freshmen:
Do not stress yourself out. Make sure you do focus on your schoolwork but enjoy your time in college because it flies by very quickly and you only have one life to live.
Biggest pet peeve about UGA:
Parking; I hate having to take a bus to class. I wish every student could have their own parking place and I dislike getting parking tickets.
One thing about yourself that sets you apart:
I am the type of person that tells you what I think. My family and friends know if they ask me a question I am going to tell them the truth.