22 Nebraska Cattleman September 2023 B S N C By Sydney Wellsandt, NC Intern Hello everyone, I’m Sydney Wellsandt, and I’ve been interning with Nebraska Cattlemen (NC) since February. This fall, I will be a junior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where I’m studying animal science with minors in agribusiness, Krutsinger Beef Industry Scholars and Engler Entrepreneurship. I grew up on an acreage in Unadilla where I was actively involved in my local 4-H and FFA programs. On our acreage stands a silver show barn where I spent many summers with my sister working with our steers that we’d take to local and state-level shows. Through these activities, I grew a deep passion for the beef industry and became dedicated to finding ways to give back to it. As I went onto college, I knew I wanted to build on this passion and I looked for an internship offering the opportunity to do so. After hearing about this NC position, I crossed my fingers and sent my resume to Libby Schroeder, NC director of communications. Our email exchanges led to an interview, which turned into a unique college experience. My internship began in February with the goal of gaining a broad understanding of each department within the association and how they all contribute toward the success of beef producers. Since then, you may have received a call from me as I contacted current members to discuss renewing their memberships and all other aspects of NC. In March, I attended the Nebraska FFA State Convention where I had the chance to speak with high school students about opportunities for them to get involved in the beef industry, including my own internship at NC. At the convention, I also spoke with Rural Radio Network about my experience as an NC intern on the weekly radio report. In April, I attended Cattlemen at the Capitol for the first time. I felt like a fish out of water throughout the day since it was my first time back to the Nebraska State Capitol since my fifth grade field trip. I enjoyed watching senators debate and the intricate process unfold as everyone ran a mile a minute. We also received a guided tour of the capitol and even got into the Warner Legislative Chamber, where Jacy Schafer, former NC vice president of government affairs, described it as walking into a time capsule. Starting my internship in February allowed me to assist with the process leading up to the 2023 Midyear Meeting in North Platte and the execution of the event. From my first day in the office, Libby chucked Midyear tasks at me like an intense game of dodgeball, and the term “fast-paced environment” gained a new meaning to me. I’ve seen each step of the process, from advertising through email blasts and social media posts to receiving sponsorship dollars and the subtle art of being humbled by a name tag printer. This was my first year attending the two-day event, where I enjoyed meeting beef producers from across the state. My favorite aspect of the Midyear Meeting was attending Witnessing this change, and the grit that emerged from it, has led me to grow a deeper understanding and appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes within an association like Nebraska Cattlemen. CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
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