The College of Agriculture at Purdue University is nothing ordinary. Boasting the number-one ranked Agricultural and Biological Engineering program in the United States, and being ranked eighth in the world for its academics, the College of Ag is a special place, and here are five reasons why.

1. The Faculty.

The College of Ag recruits passionate professors who love what they do and spread that love to the students they teach. They want their students to succeed, and they are willing to help students find the career path that is meant for them. The College of Ag also has not one, but two World Food Prize winners as professors for the college. All of the professors' achievements are mighty, and they want to see their students reach high levels of excellence as well. They get to know you, and you get to know them too.

2. The Students.

The students in the College of Ag are extraordinary. They know how to get stuff done. Many come from farming, 4-H, and FFA backgrounds, and the lessons they've learned have developed them into leaders, scientists, speakers, and more, and they have developed strong work ethics that drive their will to succeed. They also have good hearts, and in walking down the sidewalk, many will smile and say "hello" because of their kind and friendly personalities.

3. The Mission.

According to the College of Ag's website, Purdue is "committed to preparing [its] students to make a difference, wherever their careers take them; stretching the frontiers of science to find solutions to some of our most pressing global challenges; and, through Purdue Extension and engagement programs, helping the people of Indiana, the nation, and the world improve their lives and livelihoods." Is that not inspiring? The mission is to respond to people's needs, and I think that that is one of the best ways to make a difference in the world.

4. The Diversity.

Many people believe that agriculture is just farming. When you get to the College of Agriculture, however, one quickly discovers that there's a whole lot more to "farming" than you think. With about 13 different departments, the College of Ag is very diverse in opportunities. Ranging from Agricultural and Biological Engineering to Youth Development and Ag Education, students can find themselves as agricultural engineers or teachers, food scientists or communicators, researchers or veterinarians, and much more. Agriculture is more than farming, and there is an opportunity for everyone.

5. The Family.

Within the College of Ag, the students and faculty develop close relationships and have some of the biggest hearts that you will ever know. Classes among different majors can overlap, and this gives rise to building friendships and depth of familiar faces. Many people think that at Purdue, a person is only a "number" and simply one of 20,000+ people. Yet in the College of Agriculture, a person is a person, and your name is not forgotten. You learn the other students who share your major, and you become a family. There is nothing more special than that.

The College of Agriculture is more than its academics or prestigious rankings because its uniqueness stems from the heart of its members. The people make the place, and the passion drives the purpose. That is something pretty special.