Michaela Smith was Born for Ag Ed

As the educator gene runs in her family, it is no surprise that this successful senior is studying Agricultural and Extension Education at Penn State. "My parents inspired me to pursue Agricultural Education. Both are great teachers themselves and have always been supportive of my love of agriculture". While Michaela Smith has spent quarantine with her nose in a book, dreaming about the days when she can enjoy fair food again, she is beyond excited to wrap up her fall semester and jump in to her Student Teaching Internship.

Growing up, Michaela was involved in agriculture from a young age showing market hogs through 4-H when she was eight years old. "From there I went on to show market goats, rabbits, market lambs, steers, breeding beef, and dairy beef in 4-H until I was 12. I also took part in other projects for the fair such as flower arranging, scrapbooking, and sewing". She attended Juniata Valley High School and took advantage of their agriculture program with Ms. Raylene Russell right away. As an active Blue Juniata FFA member, Michaela served as her chapter Treasurer and Vice President and earned her Keystone State Degree. She continued her work with market hogs through her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) and had a soft spot for the Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event (LDE). Proud of the foundation these two organizations laid out for her, Michaela says, "I had so many amazing experiences through 4-H and FFA and I am thankful to have spent those years and experiences with my family, friends, and new friends I met along the way". 

After graduating, Michaela chose to pursue a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education through Penn State because, "The College of Agricultural Sciences is an amazing place to learn about agriculture and meet people who share the same passion". As a Penn State student, Michaela has gotten the opportunity to work for Ag Progress Days and connect with hundreds of agricultural companies. This position has especially helped to develop her ability to adapt to a variety of situations in the midst of the pandemic.

This spring Michaela will be completing her Student Teaching Internship with Ms. Jasmine VanSant and Mr. Doug Masser at Pequea Valley High School. Since Michaela comes from a single teacher program, she chose to Student Teach at a program with multiple Agricultural Educators. While she is excited to learn how to manage her classroom and provide students with learning opportunities, she is nervous about the online and in person dynamic that COVID-19 has created. However, along with her new favorite quarantine snack of popcorn and M&M's, Michaela has acquired new skills during these trying times.

Though challenged by a lack of motivation this semester, Michaela explains that she has been able to improve her time management skills and expand her knowledge of online education. "There are some really amazing tools and opportunities through online learning that we got to experience for almost a year now that will be very useful for student teaching in the spring". In order to better prepare for the spring, Michaela has researched various virtual engagement techniques that she is excited to try out in the classroom. She explains, "COVID-19 has shown me how imperative it is to continue to adapt and be there for students as they try to adapt as well. I know that the uncertainty of not knowing if we will be remote or in-person at any given time is daunting for many students, and I want to make the transitions as easy as possible for them and myself". After completing her college education, Michaela hopes to obtain a job teaching Agricultural Education in Central Pennsylvania.

With her positive, compassionate outlook on spring, WE ARE sure that Michaela will make us Penn State proud in her Student Teaching endeavors and beyond. Stay updated on her journey in Agricultural and Extension Education through her blog "Marvelous Life of Michaela" at https://marvelouslifeofmichaela.blogspot.com/.

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022