Ambar Robalino is AEE April Student of the Month

AEE April Student of the Month: 

Ambar Robalino

The Center for Professional Personnel Development would like to recognize Ambar Robalino as the April AEE Student of the Month. Ambar demonstrates excellent academic and extracurricular involvement and dedication. Ambar is from Jamaica, Queens, New York and graduated from John Bowe High School where she was involved in the John Bowe FFA chapter for four years. In her high school FFA chapter, she held the officer positions of Student Advisor and Sentinel. She also held the position of District 1 President. 

Ambar is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Agricultural and Extension Education and began her college career at the Beaver Campus. " I was in high school during college visits, and none of the New York colleges wowed me the way Penn State did. Not only did they care about academics but also the well-being of their students." She enjoys the support system of the Penn State community and the feeling of having a home away from home. Also, she loves the school spirit that everyone has at Penn State. "I feel proud driving with my bumper sticker and seeing other Nittany Lions on the road no matter where I am."

Ambar's favorite class was AEE 311 with Dr. Curry. She enjoys hanging out on the lawns on campus and feeding the squirrels when she can. Her favorite place to eat in State College is Tadashi Ramen noodle restaurant. Ambar's hobbies include drawing, listening to music, video editing, fish keeping, herping, birdwatching, hiking, and traveling. Her favorite sports team is the Ecuador National Football team. 

She has completed and internship with the Global Orientation to Agriculture program and had the opportunity to travel to Des Moines, Iowa for the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogues. She also got to experience a teaching immersion to Tennessee and got to visit the Smokey Mountains.

Her agricultural interest has come from the cognitive abilities of animals, specifically regarding language and communication. She also has an interest in Aquaculture, Herpetology, exotic animals, Entomology, and Wildlife.

Currently, Ambar is completing her student teaching experience at Brockway Jr/Sr Area High School. She is teaching Intro to Welding, Horticulture, Animal Science, Small Gas Engines, Wildlife, and Intro to Agriculture. She is excited for her Wildlife students to get the hands on experience with reptiles. The students will get this experience from the help of a local educational reptile outreach business. Her goal is to get her students more comfortable with handling reptiles. Her future plans are to travel the United States before looking into a career.

Ambar's favorite quote is:

"If you tremble with indignation at every injustice, then you are a comrade of mine. “ -Che Guevara 

Erica Teagarden

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural and Extension Education

Class of 2026

Jacob Turko is AEE March Student Of The Month

 AEE March Student Of The Month: 
Jacob Turko

    For the month of March, the Center For Professional Personal Development would like to acknowledge Jacob Turko as a student who demonstrates excellent educational and extracurricular involvement and excellence. Jacob graduated high school from Kempton, PA, Kutztown Senior High School. He will be graduating from Pennsylvania State University in May 2023 with a Bachelor's in Agriculture and Extension Education and Minors in Sustainability Leadership and International Agriculture. His future plans are to attend the University of Kentucky for a Master's in Community and Leadership Development and his research will focus on the recruitment and retention of minorities in agriculture. 

    Jacob chose to attend Penn State for his undergrad because he thought it was the best fit for him to grow in agriculture education while gaining the most current agricultural-based knowledge. His favorite class here at Penn State was ASM 327 which is Agricultural System Management: Soil and Water Resource Management. The clubs that he was involved in were: MANRRS, and PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters Chapter. The jobs he had here were with the Poultry Education and Research Center and Millbrook Marsh Nature Center. For internships, Jacob did Tick Research at the International Livestock Research Institute in Kenya, and another internship at Wildlife Conservation in Belize. 

    

    When we asked what Jacobs most valued experience was he responded: "I am proud to be a role model for other minority students in agriculture within my school and to encourage and uplift them into the career field the best I can".

    Jacobs' favorite sports team is the Philadelphia Eagles. He enjoys hanging out on the third floor of the library here at Penn State. His favorite place to eat at State College is Yallah Taco. Jacob's hobbies include painting, gaming, and reading. 

    When it comes to FFA background, Jacob comes from Kutztown FFA. His agricultural interest/passion is education, horticulture, and natural resource management. When asked one interesting thing about himself he responded "I am going to be the first person in my family to graduate from college!"

    Jacob is currently student teaching at WB Saul Agricultural High School. The two classes that he is leading instruction in are Natural Resource Management and Veterinary Technology II. 

Jacob's favorite quote is:

"Start where you are, with what you have. Make something of it and never be satisfied." 

- George Washington Carver

Make sure to follow Jacob on Twitter: 
@TurkoJacob

Sara Lichty

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural Sciences

Class of 2023

January 2023 AEE Student Of The Month: Morgan Bear

  Agricultural and Extension Education January Student of the Month: Morgan Bear

   

    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 Morgan Bear is the January 2023 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month! Morgan's hometown is Newville PA and she attended high school at Big Spring High School. 

    Morgan will graduate in the Fall of 2023 with a bachelor's in Agricultural and Extension Education with two minors in Sustainability Leadership and Leadership Development. Her future plans are to secure a teaching job as an Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisor. When we asked her why she chose Penn State she responded: "As a high school student, Penn State was super intimidating. As a first-generation college student, I always considered Penn State but never really thought that I would actually get accepted. I was super happy when I got my acceptance letter, and I knew from there on out that Penn State was the only college that I wanted to attend. It is not only known for its strong agricultural education program, but also for the opportunities to become involved in a variety of clubs, and leadership activities."

    Morgan's favorite class here at Penn State was Animal Science 426: Advanced Livestock Judging & Selection. She is involved in many Penn State clubs and jobs: Penn State Livestock Judging Team, Block and Bridle, College of Agricultural Sciences Ag Advocate, Teach Ag Avengers, Ag Student Council, PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters, and CPPD Student Worker. She also had multiple internships including, Pennsylvania FFA Association State Secretary 2018-2019, Cumberland County 4-H Extension Agency: Summer Assistant, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau: Friends of Agriculture Foundation: Summer Intern, Horizon Farm Credit: Knowledge Center Intern.

    Her favorite Sports Team is the Penn State Nittany Lions Football and Gymnastics! Her favorite Hang-out on Campus is ASI 3rd floor or Ferguson 213. Her favorite place to eat in State College is "The Field Burger and Tap".

    When it comes to her FFA and 4-H background, Morgan was in Cumberland County 4-H: Livestock and Farm Stock Clubs, and Big Spring FFA: Chapter Sentinel, Vice-President, President, and was Pennsylvania State FFA Secretary 2018-2019.

    "My interest in agriculture stems from being involved in the industry from as young as I can remember. I began showing livestock which led to finding a love for the industry. My passion quickly grew through opportunities to try new things and grow as a leader through both 4-H and FFA as a youth. Now, my passion has never been deeper as I have dedicated my life and career pursuits to work towards my dream career of becoming an Agricultural Educator and continuing to impact youth and give back to the industry that has provided me with so much". 

    Starting this semester, Morgan is student teaching at Northern York High School (Pinchot FFA) in Dillsburg PA. "I am most excited to finally put my skill set to use and mold learners as I step into a teaching role and grow as a professional!".

    Morgan will be teaching serval lessons during her student teaching experience. The classes are Small Gas Engines, Intro to Ag. Mechanics, Landscaping, Vet Science, and Greenhouse Management. 

    

Morgan's favorite quote is:

“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness”
– Thomas Jefferson

Follow her journey on Twitter and Instagram

Twitter: @morganbear_ 

Instagram: @morganbear_

Sara Lichty

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural Sciences

Class of 2023

Anna Sweeten December 2022 AEE Student of the Month

Agricultural and Extension Education December Student of the Month
Anna Sweeten

    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 Anna Sweeten is the December 2022 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month! Anna's hometown is Gettysburg PA and she attended high school at Gettysburg Area High School.
 
    Anna attended Penn States Mont Alto branch for two years and then transferred to University park in the "Two Plus Two" program. Her Graduation year is 2023 and her degree will be 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: "It was recommended to me because of its awesome Ag program!"

    During her time at Penn State, her favorite PSU Class was AEE 350. The class AEE 350 is "Teaching Methods for Agricultural and Environmental Laboratories". She is involved in a club here at Penn State. She is a part of the PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter. Her favorite Sports Team is the Penn State Nittany Lions. Her Favorite Hang-out on Campus is Ferguson, and her favorite place to eat in State College is "DP Dough". Some of Anna's hobbies include cooking and hanging out with friends.

    Anna was involved in her 4-H program for 7 years showing horses and then joined the Battlefield FFA chapter for 3 years in high school. When asked about her Agriculture Interest/Passion she responded that it was in "Equine science and Horticulture". 

    One interesting thing about Anna is that she won a contest in elementary school and got a statue made of her. Her favorite quote is “You can change the world by changing your words”.

    Anna will be student teaching at Kennard-Dale High School with Ms. Hannah Harris. When we asked Anna what she was most excited about during student teaching she responded she is excited about "Learning new things and teaching students about all the opportunities that agriculture can present". She will be teaching: Animal Care and Management, Plant and Soil Studies, FFA Leadership, Small Gas Engines, and Vet Science. 

 

 Follow her journey on Twitter

Twitter: anna_swee10  

Sara Lichty

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural Sciences

Class of 2023

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

Announcing the October Student of the month, Elizabeth Holtry

  October 2022 AEE Student Of The Month

Elizabeth Holtry 

    Each month 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 Liz Holtry is the October 2022 Agricultural and Extension Education Student of the Month!

    Liz’s hometown is Newburg, PA, and she is a 2020 graduate of Chambersburg Area Senior High School. Liz attended the PSU Branch Campus Mont Alto. She said that "it was a wonderful time at a beautiful campus conveniently situated 45 minutes from home. This is where I completed a year of dual enrollment and my freshman year of college".

    She will graduate in 2023 with a BS in Agricultural and Extension Education. When asked about her future plans she responded, " I plan to teach high school agriculture and inspire the future of such a growing and changing industry. I hope to give my students the same if not more opportunities than I was given in high school to develop themselves as tomorrow’s leaders".

    Liz shares that she chose Penn State because of the welcoming Teach Ag! Family! Penn State was also where all three of her ag teachers attended college, and since they had inspired her to become an agricultural educator, she thought it would be a great fit.

         "My favorite PSU Class has been Animal Science 201. Mr. Dale Olver and the TAs of my lab taught me so much relevant animal science knowledge that helped prepare me to teach animal science to my future students."

    "Over the course of my time at Penn State, I have been a member of the PSU FFA Alumni and Supporters chapter and Penn State Dairy Science Club. I have also enjoyed working during my time at Penn State as an intern for the Global Teach Ag Network, milking cows for both Beidel Brothers and Rustik Dairy, and serving as a Substitute teacher for Chambersburg Area School District."

Awards banquet for PSU FFA Alumni
and Supporters Chapter

Penn State Dairy Science Club

    

    Something about Liz is that her favorite sports team is  "The Roxbury Red Socks, a local Adult Men's Softball team from my area". And her favorite hangout on campus is in Ferguson. "On most days I can be found in 214, or somewhere in the building! There is always someone to lend a helping hand or answer one of my many questions!" Her favorite place to eat in state College is Champs Sports Grill. Her hobbies include being outdoors, hiking, fishing, and hunting with her family and friends. Another thing she enjoys is reading and traveling when she has time.

    Liz has an FFA Background and was a member and officer of the Chambersburg FFA from 8^th through 9^th Grade. "I initially served as the Middle School’s secretary, and then served as the high school’s historian (9^th), secretary (10^th), and president (11^th and 12^th) for two years. I enjoyed participating in community and chapter events like the Franklin County Fall Farm Fun Fest, Gleaning Apples for those in need, and our Fall Harvest Party. I also enjoyed competing in Forestry, Wildlife, and Public Speaking at both the area and State levels."

"Picture from Grandparents' farm in 2004"

   "My passion for agriculture originated as I grew up spending time on my grandparent’s farm. I was able to help raise steers, hogs, sheep, and chickens on their farm. Seeing my Mimi and Pappy’s hard work turn labor into food to feed our family inspired my love for agriculture. My childhood was filled with fun adventures of sheering sheep, feed runs, and chasing hogs and steers, creating a love for the ag industry. I also considered going into Forestry to follow in my dad’s footsteps. Forestry is still a passion that I have, and I think that Ag Ed is a great way to tie many of my passions into a career."            

    "One interesting thing about me is that I am a recipient of the Dairy Shrine and Dairy Management Inc. Education and Communication Scholarship this year, which I received at the World Dairy Expo in Maddison, Wisconsin."

Liz and her cooperating teacher

    Liz will be student teaching at Shippensburg Area Senior High School. When asked what she is most excited about during student teaching, she responded: "I am most excited to learn how to balance planning for the classroom and running FFA activities during student teaching. I will be teaching 6 classes while student teaching. It will include Ag Leadership, Companion Animal Science, Small Gas Engine, Horticulture, Wildlife, and Ag Mechanics.

    Her favorite quote is "I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:11

                                                Be sure to follow Liz on her journey on Twitter @MsHoltry

Sara Lichty

CPPD Student Worker

Agricultural Sciences

Class of 2023