September 2019 Student of the Month: Jessica Barnhart (@jessiebarny7)

It is a custom every month to recognize one of our outstanding students within the Agricultural and Extension Education program, who has made a positive impact on their mentors, peers, and program as Student of the Month. This September, Ms. Jessica Barnhart's passion and drive has played a role in her selection as September Student of the Month.

Jess resides in Blairsville, Pennsylvania and began her journey in Agricultural Education at Derry Area High School where her Ag Teachers "planted the seed" for her to pursue Agricultural Education as a career. She spent the first two years of her college career at Penn State Altoona studying Plant Science before a position as an Education Intern at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources spurred her excitement for educating youth, leading her to find a home in the AEE program. At Penn State Altoona, Jess was involved in CFFA and was President of Ag Club. Currently at the University Park campus, she is involved in LEAD Society is a TeachAg! Avenger.

As a senior in the program, Jess will graduate with a Bachelors Degree in May of 2020 after completing her student teaching semester at Brockway Area. Her motivation to become an Agricultural Educator is student excitement. Jess says, "I feed off of their energy". When working with students, she helps them to express energy by sparking an interest and excitement for learning inside of them. In the future, Jess plans to put this motivation to use by becoming either an Agricultural Educator or an Environmental Education Specialist. She reasons, "I would be happy in each of these career fields as long as I get to teach about my passions".

Some more about Jess includes:

Birthday: August 31st
Favorite PSU Class: Biology 220W where she particularly enjoyed a stream study on macroinvertebrates.
Favorite Insect: The dobsonfly. 
Favorite Hangout on Campus: The Entomology (5th) Floor of the ASI Building.
Favorite Place to Eat in State College: McDonalds. "McNuggets are always my #1!"
Favorite Quote: "What's meant to be will always find a way".
4H/FFA Background: Jess was actively involved in the Derry FFA Chapter, serving as President and Reporter, and received her American Degree last October.

Congratulations to Jessica Barnhart for being selected as September Student of the Month! Her joyful and passionate personality are an incredible addition to the Agricultural and Extension Education program at Penn State University.

Taylor Halbleib

Student Blogger

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022