Student Spotlight: Luke Huffines

Forest Management major Luke Huffines drove across country to Raton, New Mexico to work on Ted Turner’s Vermejo Park Ranch for the summer. As one of the Activities Crew members, he was the main point of contact for leading guests through activities on the ranch. Back at NC State, Huffines is an active student. He spends his free time as the Treasurer for the National Wild Turkey Federation, the CNR Council Representative for the Forestry Club, a member for the IFC Tailgate Committee for the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and a member of the Agribusiness Management Club and the CRU Ministries. Huffine’s studies and hands-on experiences are also supported by a CALS scholarship and the Ron and Dale Terry Student Assistance and Enrichment Fund.

How did this extracurricular work experience impact you?

I made connections in New Mexico in many fields of work: forestry on Vermejo Park, cattle ranching across New Mexico and Colorado, and many other industries that are not common in North Carolina. I was by myself during this experience, so I really developed myself as a man and as a future natural resources leader. It was a great experience that I feel so fortunate to have received the job at Vermejo Park Ranch. Traveling across country and exploring in New Mexico and Colorado on my off days were some great perks to being able to see the West.

How did this experience prepare you for your future career?

I am not sure what my future career entails, but this summer experience opened up many doors for me. I was offered a full-time job in the forestry department on the ranch after graduating. I did a few ride-alongs with the forester at the ranch and really learned a lot. Forestry on the ranch was not anything that I was used too, so it was good to see another aspect of the industry. I even made great friends with others in the cattle ranching industry and was told that I would have a job working with cattle anytime that I wanted one. Cattle has always been something that I have been interested in and I might work on a cattle ranch for a few years after graduating. Lastly, I can see myself in sales perhaps, and working in the guest ranch industry helped me develop my personal communication skills with ‘high-value’ clients.

 How did this opportunity enhance your experience as a College of Natural Resources (CNR) student?

From everything over the summer that I experienced, this opportunity made me more confident in stepping up and being a leader in and outside of the classroom.

Why was participating in this experience important to you?

This experience was important in many ways. First, saying that I worked on one of Ted Turner’s ranches, which has a lot of prestige behind it. Second, it was a great networking opportunity, which is very important in college. I met him, his family and many people who work for him.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned that even though I may not feel it all the time, people look up to me and consider me a leader in many aspects. The general manager told a friend of mine that they were very fortunate that I worked out at the ranch this summer because I added many great things to the work environment. Also, the fact that I was by myself over this experience, away from home and succeeded exponentially, is a great confidence booster knowing that I can get anything done that I put my mind and dedication to.

Have you completed any other hands-on experiences?

I have had many hands-on experiences, including ones in the construction and guest services fields. It is very uncommon for young adults to put in days of hard, back-breaking work and for an employer, that makes you very marketable.

What do you enjoy most about being a CNR student?

I enjoy the small community feel of the college and the fact that all of my professors know who I am and are willing to help you.

Anything else you’d like to say?

Be strong in who you are and hold true to your values. Today’s society is changing exponentially and young leaders need to be true to themselves.