By Sarah Appel, CAHNRS Academic Programs
Megan Whited’s love for agricultural education shows with her service as one of the 11 National Teach Ag Ambassadors for 2018-2019. The National Teach Ag Ambassador program encourages high school and college students to consider teaching agriculture, celebrate the contributions that current Agricultural Educators make in their schools and communities, and increase awareness for the demand for Agricultural Educators.
Nine years ago, Megan’s heart and focus belonged to sports. As life happens sometimes, however, she changed course after taking three agricultural education classes at White River High School. A broken ankle took the current WSU senior Agricultural Education major out of sports, and two determined FFA Advisors propelled Megan into agriculture’s infinite world of possibilities.
Four years of FFA competitions, agricultural classes, and a year of serving as the Washington FFA State Treasurer passed, and her love of agriculture grew into the dedication that it is today. As one of the 11 National Teach Ag Ambassadors, her enthusiasm and passion are shared across the United States.
Megan strives to use her ambassadorship to share her passion and encourage others to consider teaching agriculture. She has seen firsthand the impact that an agricultural advisor can carry for a student. While her Father, who served in the United States Army, was deployed in Africa, Mr. and Mrs. Miller – the high school advisors – supported Megan and constantly built her up. They believed in her even when she didn’t. They helped create a strong family-type atmosphere in the FFA program which made everyone feel like they belonged.
Fast forward to now, and Megan wants to return the favor with her own teaching. She believes that Agricultural Educators inspire future generations of Agricultural Educators and without these teachers, many students miss out on opportunities to grow in areas like: leadership positions, competitions that range from animal science to public speaking, and working with future industry partners.
Megan is now in her senior year at Washington State University and will be student teaching at Oakesdale High School next semester. She hopes that she can impact students and encourage them in the same way she was encouraged all those years ago.
Learn more about the National Teach Ag Ambassadors.
Learn more about the National Association of Agricultural Educators.