During last fall's Pork Industry Group at Oklahoma State University (OSU), one special student made her passion for serving in commercial pork production after graduation clear every week. She listened, learned, and earned herself the "Speaker's Choice Award" at the program's conclusion for engaging with industry leaders every chance she got.

Since that time, Jalyn Collier of Oblong, Illinois, completed her Animal Science degree from OSU and made her #TeamPork dream come true by accepting her first full-time role as a sales and supply chain management trainee with the Pig Improvement Company (PIC). Less than two weeks on-the-job while serving at World Pork Expo this week, Jalyn was eager to catch up with her Oklahoma Pork Council friends and several Oklahoma pork producers she got to know through Pork Industry Group.

"I always knew I wanted to work in the pork industry, but being in Pork Industry Group really helped me narrow down what interested me most," Jalyn shared when reflecting on her path to PIC. "I got to see all the different jobs available and make so many connections while still being in college. Now I'm just excited... excited to learn more about the industry, excited to travel and spend time on farms, and excited to see the future of genetics up-close as I dive into my career."

One of the best parts of World Pork Expo is connecting with students who have been part of the Oklahoma Pork Council and are now learning and growing across the industry. Jalyn is a perfect example of these relationships, and we are incredibly proud of her and her exciting new role at PIC.