Scholar Spotlight: Katelyn Belding
School: Iowa State University || Major: Animal Science
![](https://www.brightiowa.org/assets/news/_newsFeatured/phontoKB.png)
Katelyn is majoring in animal science. Her biggest challenge since starting college has been transferring from a community college to Iowa State, but she was determined to make it work so she did! Read more about Katelyn’s journey in her full interview.
What opportunities or experiences have you been able to take part in that you might not have been able to without the scholarship?
Because of the scholarship, I am able to consider opportunities to study abroad. Without the scholarship, studying overseas would have been beyond my financial capabilities. I was also able to transfer stress-free from Southwestern Community College to Iowa State because I do not have debt adding up from two different schools.
How are you exploring your career and preparing yourself for life after college?
I am taking a wide range of classes and pursuing opportunities outside of school to expand my knowledge base and prepare for a future career in agriculture. I am interning at a vet clinic in Creston, Iowa, which has allowed me to experience what it would be like to serve as a veterinarian in a mixed animal practice. I have also applied to several different internships outside of vet medicine in order to explore other interests. I hope to take a travel course through Iowa State and view the world of agriculture from an international perspective.
What has been your biggest challenge since starting college?
Transferring from a community college to Iowa State was especially difficult this year. It took me a while to adjust to a new school and campus, but I asked a lot of questions about my classes, transferring credits, and what I can do to maximize my two short years as an ISU undergrad.
Academically, it’s a big change to go from a community college to a university, and I needed to modify some of my study habits and how much time I spend with class material. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources available to help.
Who is your biggest inspiration, and why?
My family encourages me to do my best every day. They support me in everything I do and push me to be the best I can be, both academically and personally. I do not know where I would be without my sisters, mom, and dad.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
I hope to be in practice as a veterinarian in a mixed animal practice, and I am definitely planning on giving back to the foundation that has given so much to me.