AEE November Student of the Month: Krista Mathias

 Agricultural and Extension Education November Student of the Month

Krista Mathias

    The Center for Professional Personnel Development recognizes students that have outstanding achievements both academically and with extra-curricular activities and involvement. We are excited to announce that Krista Mathias is the November 2022 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month! Krista's Hometown is Mercer PA and she attended high school at Mercer Area Jr/Sr High School.
 
    Krista went to the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and studied Biology Education there for 2 years. She then transferred to PSU in 2021 to major in Agricultural and Extension Education and "has been abundantly blessed with this decision. Though I'm a little behind from transferring halfway through my degree, this has been one of the best decisions I have ever made".
 

    Krista will graduate in the Fall of 2023 with a bachelor's in Agricultural and Extension Education. Her future plans are to become a high school ag teacher. When we asked her why she chose Penn State she responded: "Penn State offered me the best chance to achieve my dream of becoming an ag teacher. In November 2020, one of the most influential mentors I know told me that she was surprised that I wasn't studying agricultural education at Penn State... so of course, I transferred! I like to say that I am where I'm at today because of cows and a woman named Darla."

 
    During her time at Penn State, her favorite PSU Class was AEE 349. The class AEE 349 is "Shop Processes for Agricultural Educators". She is involved in many Penn State clubs and jobs: Dairy Barns Student Resident Employee, Teach Ag! Avenger, showing member on the Penn State Western Equestrian Team, Dairy Science Club, PSU FFA Alumni, and Supporters. Her favorite Sports Team is the Penn State Nittany Lions. Her Favorite Hang-out on Campus is ASI 2^nd floor or Ferguson 214. Her favorite place to eat in State College is "The Plaza".

Krista and classmates during AEE 350 class

    She had an internship at Mercer County Extension Office and 4-H Program, in 2022. Her hobbies include "Showing horses with the PSU western team, taking my horse Chex to little jackpot barrel races, juggling, attempting to ride my unicycle, and cracking jokes".

    Krista's 4-H/FFA Background is: "None! I did not go to a high school that had FFA and was not involved in 4-H. I did compete in youth rodeos in high school, but I never did in 4-H."
 
    "I love the dairy industry. This was the industry that sparked my love for agriculture and is one of the reasons I am at Penn State today. The dairy industry was a huge part of my childhood growing up. When I turned 16 and got my first truck, I started milking cows at the largest dairy in my county. We milk 500 Jersey cows, and the Jerseys quickly became my favorite cattle breed."
 
    Krista's favorite quote is "Find out who you are. And do it on purpose" - Dolly Parton. "One interesting thing about me is that I bring my juggling balls with me everywhere I travel. I have juggled in 26 different states!"
 

Krista with Pequea Valley students at Nationals

    Krista will be student teaching at Pequea Valley High School with Mrs. VanSant. When asked what she is most excited about during student teaching, she responded "Creating connections with students and encouraging them to be the best that they can be. I want them to know that they have endless possibilities and that they matter. I also want to encourage them to never stop learning and share my passion for agriculture."
 
    During her student teaching, she will teach Veterinary Science, Introduction to Agricultural Mechanics, Small Animal Science, Biological Studies in Agricultural Sciences, and Middle School Environment and Natural Resources.
 

Follow her journey on Twitter and Instagram

Twitter: krista_mathias   

Instagram: kristamathias

Sara Lichty

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural Sciences

Class of 2023