A farm boy at heart, Government of the Student Body Vice President Ben Albright struggles to find a place for agriculture in his demanding schedule. It’s been a hard transition for Albright as he’s had to make sacrifices to allow for the amount of time and commitment his new job requires.

Aside from taking agriculture classes at Iowa State and helping to manage a farm in his Agriculture 450 class, Albright, senior in agricultural studies, hasn’t been able to find enough time to devote to the practice he loves, as he struggles to balance the responsibilities and demands of being a student and GSB vice president.

“[Farming] isn’t as big of a part in my life as I’d like it to be or will be,” Albright says. “I really had to cut that aspect out of my life these past three years with going to school, GSB and getting internships during the summer to help me get a job when I’m done with school.”

“It’s hard because I’m used to it. I grew up on a farm, and it’s something I love. But, it’s a sacrifice I’ve had to make in order to get a job out of school.

“Eventually I will farm, and it will probably be with at least one of my brothers.”

Other aspects of Albright’s life had diminished as well, in order to accommodate his new responsibilities. He says he had to stop his involvement with campus organizations outside of GSB, break the relationship he had with his girlfriend and give away much of his personal time to the duties of his job.

But for Albright, the job of vice president is rewarding and satisfying, giving him an experience he says is worth the sacrifices he has chosen to make.

It’s an experience that is far from over as he begins another day.