Meet Kendall Geist

Expected graduation year: 2027

Home country: Madera, California

What motivated you to pursue college out of state, and what factors influenced your decision to choose K-State?

My dad is a K-State alumnus. He talked about how fond he was of it and how much he enjoyed his time here. I was set on going to college outside of California, so I applied to K-State. My dad loved it, I visited and loved it, so it was the perfect fit in my mind.

What aspects of the K-State campus drew you to the university?

It was the first initial feeling; it immediately felt like home. Even though I had never been to K-State or Manhattan before, it was familiar and I liked the small-town environment. The homesick feeling didn’t set in like it did when I was touring other university campuses.

What led you to choose agriculture as a career?

I grew up in Fresno, California, a region known for its strong agricultural industry. I grew up in a rural area, raising cattle, and I’ve always known I wanted to pursue a career in agriculture. The challenge was deciding which specific field to focus on. I feel very lucky to have found my passion while being a student at K-State.

What is one of your favorite aspects of being an Ag Ambassador?

The people and the advisors. I love connecting with individuals across all majors to learn more about what other people are doing, and it’s helpful to have that insight when you’re meeting prospective students. Everybody in the group is really nice, and I don’t think you always find a group of people where everyone is positive and wants to be there.

What advice would you give to high school students interested in attending K-State or pursuing a career in agriculture?

Make sure to look around, especially if you’re a California kid. Being from California and now experiencing what it is like to attend an out-of-state school, I’ve noticed that a lot of high school students are not looking around and giving other schools an opportunity. I know there are a lot of high school students who would benefit from coming to K-State. The best thing to do for your education is to give everywhere an equal opportunity and have an open mind. That’s how you’re going to find where you belong.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Despite the challenges of distance, I wouldn’t trade my K-State experience for anything. I’ve made some of the best friends of my life, have a great education and formed strong relationships with faculty. When I talk to others back home, I can’t say that we share the same situation. I've been so lucky to be at K-State and be a part of the College of Agriculture. I wouldn't trade that for anything.