Undergraduate studying agriculture business is nationally recognized for impactful 4-H project
Where are you from, and why did you decide to attend the UT Herbert College of Agriculture?
I am from Charlotte, Tennessee. Knoxville has felt like home since I was little. Both of my parents went to UT, and I have been coming to games since I was little. I loved going to a big school with lots of opportunities; however, I loved the small town feel of other smaller schools. Here at Herbert, you get the best of both worlds. I get to go to the big school and have all the same opportunities and I get the small school feel because at Herbert I feel seen, heard, and cared for by the professors, faculty, and administrators.
What is your major and why?
My major is food and agriculture business with a concentration in sustainable supply chain management. I have a minor in international agriculture and natural resources. I grew up on a farm, so I have always had a passion for the agricultural industry. I knew at a young age that working on a farm was not for me, but I still wanted work in a field that supports farmers.
What has been your favorite class and who is your favorite professor? Why?
My favorite class was AGNR 180, Global Dynamics: Food, Biodiversity, and the Environment. This class was taught by Dr. Ader and Dr. Willcox. This was my favorite class because the lectures were taught from Dr. Ader’s and Dr. Willcox’s own experiences. You could tell how enthusiastic these two were about what they were teaching. Getting to see what these two had seen and even the pictures made it my favorite class.
My favorite professor is a tie between Dr. Molly West and Dr. Dave Ader. Dr. West was the very first professor on the ag campus I had. She is a true example of how ag professors make you feel seen, heard, and cared for. She never failed to make her students feel supported and her bright energy always made her class fun. Dr. Ader is probably the coolest and most interesting person I have ever met. Dr. Ader teaches from his own experiences traveling all the world. Since I love learning from other people’s experiences, listening to Dr. Ader’s stories makes sure everyone in class is paying attention.
What can you tell us about your experience in Tennessee 4-H and how it contributed to your education and development as a youth in Tennessee?
Tennessee 4-H is one of the best experiences I have ever had. I have been a 4-H’er since I was in 4th grade. In high school I was on Tennessee 4-H State Council, and I was active in the dairy and public speaking projects. Tennessee 4-H was the first organization that gave me space to be myself and flourish. Since then, I have gained confidence, leadership skills, professional development, and the ability to advocate for myself and others. Everything I have learned from 4-H has helped me be the person I am today.
Congratulations on being the first Tennessee 4-H’er to receive the 4-H Youth in Action Award! Can you tell us about your project, “See Yourself in Ag,” and how it feels to have received this incredible honor?
See Yourself in Ag is designed to expose diverse youth to the many aspects of agriculture and agriculture-related careers. The program also empowers youth by highlighting the importance of hard work, resilience, and individuality. Through twelve project trips and introducing the students to four farmers and eight different industries, we were able to impact about 672 4-H’ers. I am beyond honored to receive this award and represent Tennessee 4-H on the national stage. I hope that this brings more awareness to Tennessee 4-H’ers on the award and in the future, we have many more Tennessee winners.
What has been your most memorable experience at Herbert so far?
My study abroad trip to Cambodia through the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture was my most memorable experience. I had the best time learning about international agriculture and different cultures. It is hard to put into words. It gives you a different outlook on life, and it was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am glad Herbert gives students these opportunities like these.
Can you tell us about an experiential learning opportunity you’ve had while at Herbert?
I got the opportunity to study abroad on a faculty-led trip to Cambodia. While in Cambodia, we got the opportunity to see the Agricultural Technology Park, food markets, schools, and cultural experiences. We learned about their agricultural research and how this affects their economy. It was also an interesting experience to see how their culture is different from American/Western cultures.
How is your experience in the Herbert College of Agriculture preparing you to enter the field?
The Herbert College of Agriculture gives students real life experiences and provides an environment that brings the best out of students. The professors are giving me a space to become myself and succeed. I have also received opportunities to network with other colleges, employers, and faculty here. All of these opportunities are helping me to enter a career field.
What would you say to someone who is considering applying to the Herbert College of Agriculture?
Being a student at the Herbert College of Agriculture is the best choice I have made. At Herbert you feel a sense of community and belonging. UT is a big school which can be hard to find your footing. At Herbert, students, faculty, and staff all care about you and want you to succeed.
What is one thing you’re excited about for the current or upcoming school year?
I am most excited about the new concentration, sustainable supply chain management. This is a great opportunity to connect with students from other majors and colleges, and I am really excited to learn about the supply chain and how agricultural businesses fit into the supply chain.
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 love to hangout with friends and explore Knoxville. A fun fact about myself is that I have been to 11 countries!
