I have to admit, you’d be pretty hard-pressed to find a more optimistic bunch than the folks at Novus International. It’s no wonder they gladly took on this project of taking some of the state’s best and brightest science and agricultural college students around their operations in the St. Louis area, plus setting up tours at nearby Pfizer and Monsanto.

One of the people I think epitomizes that optimism is Nasser Odetallah.

“There is nothing impossible in life. Whatever you thought of as a child can evolve and develop into a real idea, a real life situation.”

If anyone would know about big dreams during humble beginnings, it would be Odetallah. Growing up as a Palestinian in the country of Jordan, there was always livestock around his family… chickens, maybe some goats… to keep them fed. Now, he is Novus’ product manager for enzymes and probiotics, imparting some of his wisdom upon the Missouri Colleges Fund scholars, who have toured the Novus facilities, along with Pfizer and Monsanto operations, to see firsthand what careers in agri-business will be available when they finish their studies.

Odetallah encourages the students to stay optimistic in what seems like shaky economic times.

“I hope they walk away with their heads high and very optimistic and hopeful about life. Forget what we hear about the economy. You can always succeed! Nothing is impossible and everything is achievable.”

If you’d like to get a bit more motivation for yourself, listen to my entire interview with Nasser here: Odetallah1.mp3

2009 Novus International Undergraduate Networking Day Photo Set