Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education major holds something for everyone
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EmailKylie Sperow says that the AFNRE major is for anyone interested in education, agriculture, food, natural resources, or a blend of them all.
Kylie Sperow always knew that she wanted to be a teacher, but it wasn’t until she participated in Future Farmers of America (FFA) that she was inspired to pursue a career as an agriscience educator.
She chose Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education (AFNRE) as her major because she knew it aligned with her interests and careers goals. During her time at MSU, Kylie has grown close with other students in the major and is glad to have a close-knit group of friends at such a large university.
“I have met some of my best friends through my major and knowing that I have a community of people with the same shared interest to rely on makes me appreciate where I am at even more,” she says.
Kylie says that the AFNRE major holds something for anyone who is interested in any component of the major – whether it’s education, agriculture, food, or natural resources!
Read on to learn about Kylie’s experiences at MSU and what she hopes to do in her future career.
Hometown:
West Branch, Michigan
Major:
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education
Minor:
Biology
Expected graduation date:
May 2022
Why did you choose Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education (AFNRE)?
I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. In fact, whenever adults would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, that was always my response. What I did not know was where I wanted to teach. My Future Farmers of America (FFA) advisor and agriscience teacher signed me up for the Challenge 24 academy, hosted by Michigan FFA. There, I learned what being an agriscience educator truly encompassed, and it was at this academy where my love for agricultural education began. I knew I had to come to Michigan State and follow my passion through the AFNRE major!
Who or what inspired your interest in sustainability?
I knew that I always valued being a good steward to the earth because this is, after all, the only one we have. This love for environmental stewardship and sustainability has been cultivated in my years at MSU and is a passion I hope to pass on to my future students.
What has been one of your best experiences within your major so far?
One of the best experiences within my major is how inclusive it is. We are a pretty small group with growing numbers every year, but that does not hinder how close we are! I have met some of my best friends through my major and knowing that I have a community of people with the same shared interest to rely on makes me appreciate where I am at even more.
What do you want others to know about your major?
What I want others to know about the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education major is this: we are inclusive to any and all who are interested in any component of our major. We are not strictly about education, agriculture, food, or natural resources, but a blend of all. This is what excited me about pursuing this major because of how diverse it is and how close knit we are!
What are your future plans?
After graduation from MSU, I plan to return home to teach in my local area. I hail from a region with some active agriscience programs, but I would like to cultivate more of these in my region more and gain more participation through teaching agriculture. Eventually, I will consider moving on to a doctoral program here at MSU after some years well spent in a high school agriscience classroom.
What’s your favorite thing about MSU?
Before deciding on coming to MSU, one of the biggest intimidating factors for me was the size of our university. I was terrified I would never find my home within the university. What I came to realize within my first few days on campus was that, despite our size, we are all Spartans and we are all connected. That is what I love about MSU!
Any thoughts or advice for current students?
My biggest piece of advice is to continue pushing forward! I never thought in a million years I would be able to come to Michigan State University, but with some dedication and drive, it happened! It is tempting to skip a class here and there, or skip a homework assignment and let that be your dropped score, but strive to put in your best effort in all that you do while you are here. It will pay off in the long run.
