Jessyca Waddell

Education

• Master of Science in Human Development & Family Studies, Kansas State University
• Bachelor of Science in Animal Science, Purdue University
• Human Subjects Research Protections Certification: Social-Behavioral-Educational
• Menta Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification
• Youth Development Academy Graduate

Advice for Boilermakers

No amount of planning prepares you for everything college brings. Build your support system, including Purdue staff like your advisor. Boilermaker Grit isn’t ignoring your needs, it’s building a growth mindset and seeing challenges as chances to learn. Take risks. A life without challenges might feel comfortable, but it rarely leaves you with the kind of stories that inspire others… or yourself!

Fun Facts About Me

• I’ve kayaked the Louisiana bayou, hiked the Apache trail, rode horseback on volcanic landscapes & stood on a glacier in Iceland, kissed the Blarney stone in Ireland, been a spectator of the Rose Bowl parade, seen numerous Shakespearean stage productions during the Stratford Festivals in Ontario, and participated in the filming of The Big Bang Theory and The Price is Right episodes.
• I was once admitted to veterinary school, but numerous unexpected spinal surgeries during my 20s diverted me from that path toward helping students achieve their own academic and professional goals.
• I bartend on the side so I can attend big events through work like March Madness games, as I’m a big sports fan!
• I have a group of friends from college that still get together a few times a year for Purdue Homecoming, St. Patrick’s Day, and the Indy500.
• I’ve been part of 4-H my whole life—from joining Clover Buds at age 2 to Mini 4-H, ten years as a 4-H member, and Collegiate 4-H at Purdue. I later served as superintendent for Tippecanoe County’s veterinary science project and have judged over 20 projects across ten Indiana counties. I grew up on a farm raising goats, poultry, and rabbits, and was named 2007 Miss St. Joseph County/County 4-H Achievement Ambassador.