Will Play Cello at Her College Commencement Ceremony

Thea Nielsen, Amherst, Massachusetts
Degrees: Agricultural and Resource Economics; Government and Politics
High School: Amherst Regional High School, Amherst, Massachusetts

Outstanding Graduate, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources: So, how did a classical cellist from a New England college town end up in the Ag College? "I didn't know what I wanted to study. I took a chance by taking an upper level agricultural and resources economics course on world hunger my first semester. I felt inspired by the topic and saw that I could make an impact on the world. I think policy and the application of economics is the way to help people." By majoring in Agricultural Economics, Thea has been able to see the impact of food and trade policy from the ground up. Her sophomore year, she spent three weeks interviewing guava farms in Mexico on the impact of supermarket expansion on their livelihood and the chains of supply.

When she's not studying: She'll perform a Bach unaccompanied cello suite at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources graduation ceremony, Friday, May 23; hiking; exploring D.C.; intramural soccer; high school varsity soccer team; Phi Beta Kappa

What's next: Summer internship with the International Food Policy Research Institute, then to Stuttgart, Germany to start her master's in agricultural economics. "I want to study how trade barriers affect world hunger."

About the University of Maryland : "I love Maryland. I wasn't sure what I wanted to study, and Maryland had a lot of choices. I've looked back at some of the smaller colleges I might have gone to and realize I wouldn't have discovered agricultural economics."

Important influences: "My grandmother, Eleanor Nielsen, through her commitment to others. She was always involved in altruistic activities - such as cooking for sick neighbors, giving blood, recording audio books for the blind, or volunteering in community activities. Her dedication to improving the world around her has encouraged me to want to make the world a better place for those who are less fortunate."

Last books read: "I like short stories, because I don't have time to devote to a long book. I can finish a story before I go to bed." Likes John Updike

Music tastes: Classical (Beethoven, Brahms), jazz, World Music - "The Kora is my favorite instrument to listen to. It's from West Africa and is very soothing."

Life goals: "I hope to make some sort of difference, even if it's small, to help someone. I hope my knowledge of politics and economics will help me pursue the right path."

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