By Matt Sabongi

Did you know that Minneapolis was ranked "Best Bicycling City in the Nation" by Bicycling Magazine? No matter whether you're living on or off campus, getting around the University of Minnesota and the Twin Cities is very easy when riding a bicycle. In fact, according to the City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis actually has over 120 miles of bikeways, with 83 of those being off-street bike trails.

I am a big fan of biking. It's a healthy, affordable, and convenient way to get around. When I was living both on and off campus as a student, my bike would take me where ever I needed to go, whenever I needed to be there. Whether I was heading to class, running some errands, or simply riding around the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway, biking was always my top choice of transport!

Don't think twice about bringing your bike to campus. The University of Minnesota is extremely biker-friendly! You can find bike lanes and free bike racks all over campus. Check out the U of M Parking and Transportation website for bike maps, rack location, routes, safety tips and repair services.

Everyone knows that you are supposed to follow the food pyramid for a healthy diet, but have you ever wondered if your diet should change at different points of your life, or if you need to eat more or less, depending on your age? There is a class the University of Minnesota that is all about healthy eating for your age and body called Life Cycle Nutrition. The class is in the Department of Food Science and Nutrition in College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences.

Every person should have a specific diet depending on their age, body composition, immunity, and amount of physical activity. During different parts of the lifecycle, nutritional changes should be made. The course covers everything from sports nutrition for athletes to nutrition for pregnant women.

Students in this class are required to volunteer for five hours at a food-related organization for one of the assignments of the course. The professors recommend many different organizations to volunteer at including Meals on Wheels, a food service for the elderly, and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), a program that gives groceries to low income pregnant women. Through the volunteering assignment, students get an inside look at how this nutritional knowledge is put to good use.

Another one of the assignments is to complete a "nutritional makeover" for someone with a nutritional problem specific to the lifecycle. For example, a child that is a very picky eater or an athlete that is not getting enough calories out of their diet. Students then write a paper summarizing a solution to the individual's problem.

This class is not only beneficial for nutrition majors, but also anyone that wants to eat healthy and live longer!

Ever thought about how people would react if you broke out in song and dance in an everyday environment? Check out what happens when University of Minnesota theater and music student treat shoppers at the Golden Valley Byerly's grocery store to their "Mealtime Hero" skit.

Okay, so it's not exactly improptu, but talk about bringing your education to an environment outside of the classroom! You can also check out some of the other projects students in the College of Liberal Arts are working on at the College of Liberal Arts YouTube page. 

Throughout the year students, faculty and professors will post new videos highlighting the many happenings with the college. Make sure you check back frequently as new videos are posted.

By Zack Haas 

The professional mentorship program in the College of Liberal Arts matches students with working professionals in the careers that our graduates pursue. Through the program students have the opportunity to explore potential careers and build relationships with alumni. The program provides students with an excellent opportunity for career exploration by seeing first hand how the professional world operates. 

Check out what Blake Bensman, a senior studying journalism and mass communication (with an emphasis in professional strategic communication), has to say about his involvment in the program by clicking on the fourth video on the right side of the Discover CLA website. This website also offers helpful links to information about our programs, professors and student life. As you explore you college choices, I encourage you to Discover CLA at the University of Minnesota!

One of the many great ways to get involved as a student in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences is to become a St. Paul Ambassador! The Ambassadors are a student group and volunteer organization consisting of enthusiastic students from CFANS who love to share their knowledge and experience with prospective students and their families. 

The St. Paul Ambassadors prospective students, their parents, potential donors, and to alumni. They participate in events throughout the year such as the State FFA Convention and also give tours to prospective students. It is a great way to have fun with other CFANS students, not to mention fantastic volunteer experience and leadership development that looks great on a resume.

For those of you who might be on campus next year as College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences students, remember to check out the St. Paul Ambassadors as a way to meet new friends and to get involved on campus! New members can join each fall.