Different path leads fall grad Emily Takayoshi to Ag Education

Emily Takayoshi
Emily Takayoshi

Her path was different, but promising agricultural educator Emily Takayoshi found her way to success and graduation through WSU Agricultural and Food Systems.

“When I first came to WSU, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do,” said Takayoshi, who received her bachelor’s diploma Dec. 11, 2021.

Traditionally, WSU Agricultural Education majors follow a path from involvement in agricultural classes and ag involvement in high school.

But for Takayoshi, “it wasn’t until college, with a little help from my friends that pushed me in the Ag Ed direction, that I decided that this was what I wanted to do.” They encouraged her to sign up for the classes they were taking.

“I loved them,” and the more she learned about the profession, the more Takayoshi thought it was a great fit.

Ag education is needed, she says, “because it’s important to teach students how to be educated consumers and voters, as well as show them that there are careers in agriculture, from trade school all the way up to getting your doctorate. It’s also important for students to understand what agriculture truly is.”

The highlight of her college experience was “being on my own for the first time, surrounded by other students who were experiencing the same thing as me.”

Takayoshi is excited to be graduating this month. It’s been a long few years, with COVID happening for almost two.

“I would suggest to fellow Cougs to keep your Cougs close,” she said. “Being a WSU grad is a special thing, and we are all over the country. Wherever you end up, don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow Cougs for help.”