Alumni Profiles - Meet Ashley Fry
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Years of Graduation: B.S. 2010, M.A. 2012 (College of Education and Human Development)
Major: Statistics
Minors: Business Administration, Mathematics
Undergraduate Campus Involvement:
Blue Hen Ambassador, Ag Ambassador, Student Admissions Officer, DelaWorld New Student Orientation Leader, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Student Government Association, Horticulture Club
Current Position of Employment or Education:
Academic Advisor, Gwynedd-Mercy College
Describe your best College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) experience:
It is almost impossible to choose, but my favorite moment would have to be singing the UD Alma Mater at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) graduation ceremony. I performed with 3 other girls, and we sang in front of all of our fellow graduates and their families, as well as our professors and staff. It was truly an honor and an experience I will never forget.
Which CANR course was your favorite and why?
My favorite CANR course had to be Ornamental Horticulture with Dr. Frey. It was so different from everything else I was studying, and Dr. Frey is a great professor. My friends and I also had fun in Food for Thought.
Tell us about your current position or program of study and what led you to that field.
I currently advise students at Gwynedd-Mercy College who have not yet declared a major. I am helping them to explore their options and learn about the requirements to get accepted to certain majors on campus. I chose to pursue a career in higher education because I wanted to help other students have as great of a college experience as I did. Also, I had a lot of exposure to careers in higher education through my undergraduate campus involvement.
How did your CANR experiences prepare you for your current job or post-graduate education?
During my senior year, I worked in the CANR Office of Academic Programs and Student Services. Having the support of the staff in that office and working alongside them gave me the chance to see what it would be like to work in the field of academic advising and student services. I liked the experience so much that I continued to work in the office for the next two years as a graduate assistant while I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling in Higher Education. The skills and knowledge I gained from working in the CANR prepared me immensely for my current job.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
Follow your heart. You’ll know when you have found what it is you want to do for a career. Figuring out what you want to do with your life is not always easy, but take advantage of the support and resources you have on campus. Never underestimate the power of the relationships you have formed with friends, professors, advisors, deans, and other members of the campus community. These individuals all had a strong impact on me as a person and have led me to become a higher education professional – who wants to help make other students’ career goals and dreams become reality, too.
Socialize with CANR