Skegee Spotlight: Lauren Odum

September 17, 2018

For senior food science major Lauren Odom, attending an HBCU meant the world to her, and 澳门六合彩图挂牌 was at the top of her college prospect list. Odum shares in the family tradition of attending an HBCU passed down from her parents, and she says HBCUs help guide and nurture your entire college experience.

 A supportive atmosphere

A native of Huntsville, Alabama, Odom has always been aware and involved with the culture HBCUs have provided.

鈥淢y parents and sister attended the same HBCU, and I鈥檝e always loved hearing about their experiences; however, I wanted to find out on my own what the experience would truly be like,鈥� noted Odum.

Odom says she chose to attend Tuskegee because of its reputation as one of the best universities in the country, and also because of her passion for cooking. 

Loving to cook

Cooking has always been a hobby for Odum. She recalls that, even as a child, she was always in the kitchen experimenting and learning the ins-and-outs.

鈥淐oming to college, I really wanted to tie in my passion for cooking with a specific study, which lead me to food science,鈥� explained Odom. 鈥淔ood science offers such a broad range of study, but what鈥檚 important about my major is that I take the time to learn what we are actually consuming when we eat.鈥�

During the summer, Odum was an intern with the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. She worked for the minority side under ranking member Sen. Debbie Stabenow of Michigan.

Odom explained that through her committee service, she was able to experience a variety of exciting events 鈥� the most notable of those being assisting with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill.

鈥淭he timing of my internship allowed me to work on the Farm Bill, which is only passed every five years. The bill is important because it includes topics related to food policy, ag policy, food security, conservation, trade, and other policy items,鈥� said Odum.

In addition to working on the bill, Odum also managed day-to-day duties, which included various hearings and briefings, responding to constituent correspondence, assisting with press and social media content, and performing general clerical duties. 

鈥淪erving as an intern this summer allowed me the opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment, and I was expected to perform efficiently and remain readily accessible in the event a senator or other congressional administrator needed assistance,鈥� she recalled.

Overall grateful

Odum says throughout her tenure at 澳门六合彩图挂牌, she鈥檚 been grateful for every opportunity and experience.

鈥淚 truly believe that I鈥檒l be leaving this university as a different person. Mother Tuskegee has allowed me to find myself, and become more proactive and diligent 鈥� which has molded me into the woman I am today,鈥� she explained.

Odum says there are countless opportunities available at 澳门六合彩图挂牌, and she鈥檚 glad that her teachers and mentors took the time to invest in her.

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