I hope to improve #crops that translate into ultimately helping growers and #farmers. I plan to be a bridge of communication between academia, industry and private operations. I am most grateful for departmental support and encouragement. As I took the non-traditional route of diving into research as an undergraduate, the faculty always had words of #encouragement for me. As I built my list of experiences, often outside the department of #horticulture, I always felt I had a “family” to come back to within Kilgore Hall. . To the incoming freshman class: the best years are ahead of you. Keep in touch with hometown friends as you make new ones at NCState. Do not be afraid to follow your gut when making decisions and take leaps of faith. — Owen Washam #NCState20