"It may sound trite to say 'the people,' but that is one of the things that impressed me most about my NCSU experience. At NC State I learned that a university could promote academic excellence AND be people-oriented. It was clear that my instructors wanted me to succeed, whether they were members of my department, Crop Science, or not. I enjoyed learning from my fellow students, many of whom came from different countries and cultures (I remember that we had some very interesting pot-luck Thanksgiving dinners). I also really valued learning practical skills from the weed science technical staff and learning about Southern crops. Since I grew up in Michigan, growing tobacco, peanuts, and cotton was new to me. Despite being teased about being a 'Yankee,' I was warmly welcomed to the campus and community; I made personal and professional friends that I have had ever since."