Emily Schulz Dances from Florida to Pennsylvania for Agricultural Education

Originally from Florida, Ms. Emily Schulz is no stranger to weathering a storm. So when life handed this senior in Agricultural and Extension Education at Penn State challenges, she danced around them to pursue her passion for the industry. 

Emily was raised in the Indian Rocks Beach Area of Pinellas County, Florida. Growing up, the Schulz family had limited knowledge about the agricultural industry. "The area I am from is what I like to call agriculturally deprived... very few people are involved in production agriculture or have knowledge of agricultural practices". So when Emily attended the Career Academies of Seminole Veterinary Assisting program and was opened up to the beautiful world of agricultural education, it is no surprise that she wanted to tell everyone she knew about what she was learning. Emily says, "Throughout high school, I was constantly sharing the information I learned in ag class with my friends and teachers. It really became my mission to educate the people in my community about agriculture and where their food comes from". While at the Career Academies of Seminole, Emily became a Certified Veterinary Assistant and became involved in their FFA chapter. In this program Emily earned her Greenhand, Chapter, and State Degrees, served as the Reporter for her chapter, and showed pigs. Her agricultural educator, Mr. Shrum, inspired Emily and helped her to eventually decide that she wanted to pursue a career as an ag teacher in the future. 

When Emily was unable to attend the University of Florida, the school of her dreams, to pursue her degree, she was understandably discouraged. She knew that community college was not for her, so she decided to pursue a better fit for her future and was recruited by The Pennsylvania State University, Cornell University, and Purdue University. "As soon as I told my ag teacher about being recruited by Penn State he told me I needed to seriously consider attending the school because they have one of the best agricultural education programs. I eventually decided to take the leap of faith and sign with Penn State because I could earn a Dance degree and Agricultural and Extension Education degree all at one time, something that I could not have done at the University of Florida". 

Pursuing a double major in Dance and Agricultural and Extension Education is a challenge in and of itself, but Emily has made the most of her time in college by pursing opportunities that have greatly benefitted her. "I could probably write multiple paragraphs about my experiences at Penn State because I had so many great ones. One of my favorite experiences was attending the National FFA Convention. Some highlights include helping Dr. Foster with the Parliamentary Procedure LDE, exploring the expo hall, attending a general session, and my all time favorite experience was competing in the Alpha Tau Alpha conclave Parliamentary Procedure competition. The whole experience of attending National FFA Convention is definitely one of my favorites".

Emily is currently completing her Student Teaching Internship at Durant High School in Plant City, Florida with Mr. Thomas Sturgis. While she picked this Cooperating Center for many reasons, the main reason was how different this program is from the program she attended in high school. "I came from a small chapter mainly focused on Veterinary Science and only involved in one CDE. Durant has a large FFA chapter, is very involved in the community, competes in at least 10 CDEs, and has been extremely successful at the state and national level for CDEs. I have always been very curious in what drives this success". Looking to the future, Emily is hoping to learn as much as possible from her Student Teaching Internship. After graduation however, her plans are up in the air because of the pandemic. Emily explains, "My original plans after graduation were to dance professionally for a few years and then #TeachAg!. Obviously the entertainment industry is still shut down because of COVID, so I hope to one day dance professionally but my immediate plans after graduation is to just get a job".

The pandemic has not only presented Emily with challenges for her time after college, but has presented her with many obstacles to navigate during her senior year. With severe asthma and a parent who is immunocompromised, Emily has to be extremely vigilant about following COVID-19 protocols. "This has been very hard as Florida classrooms don’t allow for proper social distancing. Due to this, I get tested for COVID every week and I am extremely diligent about disinfecting. Overall, COVID has just caused more stress and anxiety in my life". On the other hand, Emily finds that the pandemic has better prepared her to be flexible and adapt to sudden changes quickly as well as increased her love of snacking on celery and carrots with peanut butter. She states that being more relaxed in uncertain situations has greatly improved her ability "to just roll with the punches". 

A performer at heart, Emily is most looking forward to being able to dance without a mask on and in front of a live audience once we are able to "return to normal". Excited to see her grow and succeed, her peers and educators at Penn State are excited to see her shine in the classroom. Emily, your family in Agricultural and Extension Education at Penn State is proud of the hard work and perseverance you have shown in the midst of the challenges COVID-19 has presented you with. WE ARE some of your biggest fans! To watch Emily take the stage of agricultural education, be sure to stay up to date with her blog "Dancing Ag Teacher" at dancingagteacher.blogspot.com.

Taylor Halbleib

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2022