Howdy, my name is Taryn Hopper and I am a Junior here at Tarleton State University. I come from the South East, Texas area but knew Tarleton was home when I got here. I am an Agriculture Services and Development w/ teaching certification major with plans to graduate in May of 2024.
Agriculture Services and Development w/ teaching certification…
What does that even mean?
All it means is Agriculture Science Teacher. You can however, major in Agriculture Services and Development without adding a teacher certification as well. The ag services and development degree itself is a degree that you learn a lot in and really can use for whatever you might want to do after college. The classes are set up to give you a really broad mindset and foundation to take and do what you want with it.
How did I decide on Ag Services and Development w/ Teaching Certification...
I had grown up in FFA doing all the things! Showing pigs, competing in LDE’s and CDE’s, was on our chapter’s officer team, and even received my American degree in 2021. I am passionate about livestock/ agriculture and wanted to help spread the word to be the change. Overall though, I truly had an amazing one of a kind agriculture science teacher! Ms. Word was who inspired me to become an agriculture teacher. I want to give my future students the same opportunities and experiences that Ms. Word gave me. I would not be where I am without her and I want to be that for someone else one day.
What are some of the classes I have taken…
I have taken really a kind of wide range of classes. After I got all of my basics out of the way, I have taken ag communication classes, an intro into welding (I promise it isn’t as scary as you think), intro to Ag economics, Livestock Management, general animal science, horticulture, floriculture, etc.
Here is a look at the coursework to expect https://catalog.tarleton.edu/advising_guides_department_2019-2020/BS_AGSD_WSTC.pdf
What are some of the opportunities I have gotten because of this major…
- Worked as an intern at the 2022 National FFA Convention, helping set up and facilitate national contests.
- Worked as an intern at the 2023 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo
- Helped facilitate multiple Invitational and Area FFA contests that Tarleton State puts on
- Currently taking a class that is facilitating a Steer and Heifer show at the end of April called the Pursuit of Purple
- Met so many wonderful people and made lifelong memories/friendships along the way.
- Interviewed National FFA Officer candidates that come to Tarleton to work with Dr. Frazier before going on to National Officer selection.
What is some advice I would give for someone with this major…
I promise it is really okay to not be sure about your major, I wasn’t completely sure when I first got to Tarleton. If you aren’t 100% sold on being an ag teacher (or any major), take as many different electives as you can to try and see what else you might like. Aside from the certain classes required to graduate, you can choose any ag elective so take all the ones that interest you and go from there.
Take advantage of EVERY opportunity that comes your way! Even when you might be a little nervous or maybe don’t know anyone around you, still push forward. You will meet so many people and make so many connections that will last a lifetime so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Going on the national FFA convention trip, I wont lie I was a little nervous. It was at least a 12-hour drive with people I had never met before, I literally didn’t know anyone. Although, I knew this trip would be once in a lifetime so I went anyways and had an absolute blast the whole time. I know it’s scary but there’s so much good that’s right past that scary part.
There is a place for everyone here at Tarleton and in the College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Come by and check us out sometime! We not only offer campus tours but tours of the Tarleton Agriculture Center. We also offer College preview days to showcase everything about that specific college. Although the college of agriculture has already passed, there will be another in Fall ’23 or Spring ’24.
Keep up with Tarleton’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources!
So with all of this being said… are you ready to apply to the best kept secret in Texas?