As a senior Texas A&M University student studying nutritional science, Lauren Futch ’11 had a plan: attend graduate school and become a dietitian. With a well-rounded resume, exceptional grades and a determined mindset, Lauren was on track to execute that plan.
Similar to medical school, dietetic internship programs have a matching system. When matching day came, Lauren felt confident. “You click a button, and it tells you if you matched,” she shared. “I didn’t.” Friends and academic advisors were confused, but Lauren had a backup plan.
That same week, the ambitious Aggie had been accepted into the Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program, a semester-long leadership opportunity within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to intern in Washington, D.C. “It felt like divine intervention,” she said. “It was God’s way of saying there was something else out there for me.”
Also in his senior year, Justin Futch ’10 had his own version of divine intervention. “I had a few job interviews, but none sparked my interest. It seemed like there had to be something else,” he said. Then he saw a flyer for ANRP, and the idea of moving to D.C. prompted him to apply. “I have an adventurous spirit,” Justin added. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after graduation, but the program seemed like a great opportunity.”
Unbeknownst to Lauren and Justin, ANRP would be the opportunity of a lifetime, both professionally and personally, for the future Mr. and Mrs. Futch.
