First-generation Herbert student strives to create a welcoming environment for minorities in agriculture
Where are you from, and why did you decide to attend the UT Herbert College of Agriculture?
I am from Knoxville, Tennessee, where I was born and raised. I never initially wanted to attend the Herbert College of Agriculture, let alone any university, because my mother couldn’t afford it. I applied on a whim, 30 minutes to an hour before the university deadline, and got accepted. Over the following months, I received multiple letters informing me of grants and scholarships being offered, which is why I am now a first-generation college student attending a 4-year institution on a free ride. I am faith-based, so I don’t believe I chose UT, but God did.
What is your major and why?
I am majoring in Wildlife & Fisheries with a double minor in One Health and International Agriculture & Natural Resources. I chose this major because it is very hands-on and will help me achieve my goal of obtaining my master’s in marine biology.
What has been your favorite class and who is your favorite professor? Why?
The class I enjoyed the most was Current Topics in Wildlife Health because it covered various wildlife-related subjects, and we would discuss a different topic each day. We discussed how climate change affects every animal, from the ocean to the forest. My favorite professor at Herbert College of Agriculture is Dave Ader. I got a chance to study abroad with him through the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture in Guatemala during my first year, and I loved how he was always ready for some adventure. He is passionate about making a difference in sustainable agriculture in rural communities. Being fluent or knowledgeable in the language spoken in Central America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia made me view him differently. As a minority, you don’t always see people taking the time to learn a language, fully immerse themselves in your culture, and appreciate it for what it is. He is quite remarkable. He is the kind of professor who inspires you to pursue your passion and travel the world while doing it.
What has been your most memorable experience at Herbert so far?
My most memorable experience at Herbert thus far has been attending the Knoxville Urban League Gala with Dean White and other faculty members. I saw many black professionals and local black entrepreneurs working together to make my black community in Knoxville thrive.
What can you tell us about your role as the president of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences)? Why did you get involved and how has it impacted your experience at UT Knoxville?
As the president of MANRRS, my main responsibilities include leading meetings, fostering growth and development within the chapter, organizing various events, and inviting guest speakers to share their expertise with our students. I joined MANRRS because I felt like I didn’t quite belong when I first came to Herbert. There weren’t many people who looked like me, and I struggled to find a community where I felt I fit in. Being part of this organization has given me a sense of belonging and helped me excel professionally and academically. I’m proud to be part of a national organization that’s dedicated to empowering minorities in the agriculture industry.
There’s a common misconception that agriculture is only for white people, but this couldn’t be further from the truth – agriculture is for everyone. MANRRS has profoundly impacted my life – it’s inspired me to get more involved on campus and work towards increasing diversity within and beyond our university. In fact, it’s thanks to MANRRS that I made history as the first black woman to sit on the Dean of Students Advisory Council.
Can you tell us about an experiential learning opportunity you’ve had while at Herbert?
An experiential learning experience I had was being a part of the first cohort of UDAIRE (Undergraduate Development and Internship Research Experience). This internship allowed me to see the day-to-day lives of the family-run business at Sweetwater Valley Farm. I got to witness what working in the dairy industry was like. Although this didn’t align with my career goals, it allowed me to gain hands-on experience in an industry to which I had no exposure. Because of this, I have developed transferable skills in handling groups of animals, the importance of being observant of an animal’s behaviors, and being able to identify those who are sick from a healthy group.
How has your experience in the Herbert College of Agriculture prepared you to enter the field?
My experience in the Herbert College of Agriculture has prepared me to enter my career field by networking with professionals and learning how to navigate the world in a white-dominated work environment. I learned the importance of using your voice and advocating for students, which helped me advocate the importance of ocean health.
What advice would you give to a prospective Herbert student?
As a Herbert student, my advice to prospective students would be to focus on networking. Networking is a crucial aspect of college, and it can help you gain access to spaces and opportunities that you may not have thought possible. It may seem daunting at first but don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make connections with professionals and other students. By doing so, you can build a strong professional network that can support you throughout your college career and beyond. You never know who may bring up your name in a room full of important people, and the connections you make can have a significant impact on your future success.
Remember, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know as well. So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and start networking from day one! Be proactive, attend events, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people you admire. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build relationships that can benefit you in the long run.
What is one thing you’re excited about for the upcoming/current school year?
I’m thrilled to start my undergraduate departmental research assistantship this school year. I’ll be working closely with Dr. Debra Miller on a fascinating project that involves studying the effects of climate change on sea turtles. I am excited to delve into the world of marine biology and learn as much as possible from Dr. Miller, who I know will be a great mentor. This opportunity will allow me to dive deeper into the field of marine biology and learn from an experienced professional. I can’t wait to expand my knowledge and skills through this hands-on experience and contribute to the important work being done to protect our marine life.
What do you like to do outside of school and/or what is a fun fact about yourself that your fellow students and professors may not know?
Outside of school, I like to read, watch documentaries, or watch my childhood favorite movies/shows. A fun fact about me that I like to tell everyone is that I hiked an active volcano, and yes, it was with Dave Ader.
