2 minute read
Student Spotlight
JAHQETHEA Z. JOHNSON, AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS | BUSINESS MINOR |MAY 2021
HOMETOWN: Columbus, OH
ACTIVITIES: +Lexington Hope Center volunteer +Fayette County Public School volunteer +UK K Crew Leader +UK Blueprint Leader +UK Institutional Diversity Black Collective +UK Diversity Student Ambassador +UK CAFE Student Ambassador +UK MANRRS President +National Region II Undergraduate Vice President MANRRS
Q: What led you to choose the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?
A: What led me to the College was my involvement in Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences. My MANRRS advisors always pushed me to challenge myself and step outside of my comfort zone. I attended a few conferences and saw the endless opportunities and dire need for more passionate people in the agriculture industry.
Q: What does the college mean to you? Describe your overall experience.
A: The College of Agriculture, Food and Environment means more to me than I could ever explain. The College ignites a fire inside of me to stay active and continue to work hard every day for what’s important to me in agriculture. Changing my major in 2019 was the best experience for me within the College because, as I look back to where I was compared to where I am now, I couldn’t be more proud of the work and effort that I’ve put in to reflect my academic dedication.
Q: How is the college preparing you for your future?
A: The College is preparing me for my future by giving me experiences and lessons that are truly valuable to my future goals. I enjoy my classes and lectures in the College a lot more than others across campus because they are more relatable, immersive and interactive. I am learning all of the things necessary for pursuing involvement in my interest in the industry.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
A: In 15 years, I hope to serve as U.S. Department of Agriculture under secretary for research, education, and economics. I also hope to work with Columbus, Ohio City Schools to create a curriculum for urban farming and food equity and kickoff many of my outreach programs in urban communities to educate inner city youth about food justice and diversity in agriculture.
Q: Why would you recommend the college to future students?
A: I recommend the College to future students because I cannot name a place that felt more intentional in my development as a student and professional. I enjoyed finding myself in the College and would do it all over again. The normal stressors of being a college student were only a minor impact on my progression because I had a great support system and a constant reminder of reassurance in the College that I know I wouldn’t have received anywhere else.
