Farm Credit Illinois recently hired five college students and one graduate student pursuing an agriculture-related major to complete a 12-week summer internship.

Jackson Smith of Franklin

Tell us about yourself.
I was raised on my family farm in Morgan County and graduated from Franklin High School. I’ll be a senior this fall, pursing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and consumer economics with a concentration in farm management at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I previously interned with Winfield United and currently own and operate a lawn care company. My parents are Willie and Kara Smith of Franklin.

If you had to pick one job on the farm to do full-time, what would it be?  Driving equipment. Whether that be working ground, planting, or running the combine, I love it all.

Margaret Vaessen of Sublette

Tell us about yourself.
I was raised in Lee County and graduated from Amboy High School.  I’ll be a senior this fall, pursing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural and consumer economics, concentrating in finance in agribusiness at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Previously, I worked as an intern with the College of ACES Dean’s office, ACES Special Events, and ACES Alumni Association. I’m the daughter of Michael and Brenda Vaessen of Sublette.

What is the most amazing adventure you’ve been on or hope to go on?

This past winter, I was able to travel to Cape Town, South Africa to explore and learn about their culture. The trip consisted of scenic hiking, seeing both the Indian and Atlantic Ocean, visiting the townships, and volunteering at a disabled children’s home. It was a unique experience that I was able to do and learn something different every day.

Tell us about yourself.
I was raised in Washington County and graduated from Nashville Community High School. I’ll be a sophomore this fall at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I’m pursing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural leadership, education, and communications with a concentration in agricultural communications. Previously, I worked as a student intern for the College of ACES Special Events office. I’m the daughter of Brian and Becky Luessenheide of Nashville.

What do you value most about living/working in Rural America?

Growing up in Rural America, something that always stuck out to me was the community and sense of pride that people in rural areas possess.  Everyone is always willing to help each other out when needed.  The people of Rural America also more deeply value the effects and benefits of the agriculture industry because for many of them, it is their way of life. 

Paige Tedford of Olney

Tell us about yourself.
I was raised in Richland County and graduated from Richland County High School in Olney. I’ll be a senior this fall at Illinois State University studying agriculture business. Previously, I worked at my parents' coffee shop and a local bank in my hometown. My parents are Tim and Jennifer Tedford of Olney.

What drew you to FCI?

FCI is a great family company that has amazing values and really appreciates all the work the different employees bring to the table. Another reason was that FCI has the best training program for interns within the industry.

Seye Ayamolowo of Matteson

Tell us about yourself.

I am from Cook County and graduated from Southland College Prep High School.  I’ll be a senior this fall studying agricultural and consumer economics with a concentration in agribusiness markets and management at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  I have previously worked an internship at my high school. My parents are Joel and Kemi Ayamolowo of Matteson.

What does Helping Farm Families Succeed communicate to you?

That message is a strong statement that completely aligns with the mission and passion everyone in and out the office carries within themselves. To me, it shows that aura of what Farm Credit is and transforms it into a powerful 4-word phrase.

Gisselle Pena of Algonquin

Tell us about yourself.

I was raised in McHenry County and graduated from Henry D. Jacobs High School.  I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with my bachelor’s degree in business analytics in May and will be starting graduate school this fall.  I have previously worked as a data intern at the UIUC Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning.  I am the daughter of Jose and Tomasa Pena of Algonquin.

What does Helping Farm Families Succeed communicate to you?

Helping Farm Families Succeed communicates to me the value Farm Credit holds in supporting members in every step along the way.