Page 11 - The Enthusiast Spring 2024

THE ENTHUSIAST
PAGE 10
JUNIOR:
TABER SHELDRUP Agricultural Education
Growing up in a household where
both my parents were teachers had
a profound impact on my life. Their dedication to education instilled in
me a deep appreciation for learning
and the transformative power it holds. Witnessing their passion for teaching inspired me to pursue a career in education myself. Despite not coming from a farming background, my journey towards pursuing a degree in Agricultural Education was ignited by my experiences in school. I had a great AFNR teacher
who sparked my interest and guided me toward understanding the crucial role agriculture plays in our lives.
Choosing the University of Minnesota’s AECM program was one of the best decisions of my life. It is a great campus filled with so many opportunities to grow and connect with others.
SENIOR:
EMILEE XAYANOUROM Agricultural Education
I grew up in Mountain Lake, Minnesota, a very rural and agricultural-heavy area.
I grew up gardening with my dad, and
I never saw myself going into a career related to agriculture until my agricultural classes and joining FFA. From there, I sought out every agricultural experience
I could, whether that was learning how to weld after school, working in my family’s food truck, or showing livestock for the first time at a county fair. I choose to pursue Agricultural Education because my two biggest passions are agriculture and education. With that I get to combine these two passions to help students find their place in agriculture, no matter what that is, through this major! On campus
I was involved in MANRRS, AECM Club, LDPhi, and Lao Student Association. Following graduation I plan to teach Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at a high school.