Alumni Profiles - Meet Emily Gribben
Hometown: Seymour, CT
Year of Graduation: 2010
Majors: Agricultural Education, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Undergraduate Campus Involvement:
Sigma Alpha Professional Sorority, Horticulture Club, Intramural Sports, Collegiate FFA, Ag Ambassadors, Agricultural Extension Student Assistant in Entomology Department, Harrington Market Employee
Current Position of Employment or Education:
Agricultural Assistant Specialist at the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences
Describe your best Ag experience:
It is hard to determine my best Ag experience because I have so many that stand out. My student teaching experience was probably the most beneficial. I had the opportunity to teach what I loved to middle school students. I had the support of the staff and my peers to make the experience a positive one.
Which Ag course was your favorite and why?
1. Ornamental Horticulture with Dr. Frey was one of my favorite courses. I loved that the lessons were engaging, applicable and informative.
2. Another course I loved was Leadership with Dr. Barber. I enjoyed working with peers to develop skills in communications and teambuilding.
Tell us about your current position or program of study and what led you to that field.
I am currently teaching at the Maine Academy of Natural Sciences in Hinckley, Maine. This is a school for high school age students to learn about agriculture and forestry. I have a great deal of freedom in developing curriculum and lesson plans that I think students will benefit from. In addition, I am a liaison between the community and students. I have a chance to find real world experiences for my students before they even graduate high school!
How did your College of Ag experiences prepare you for your current job or post-graduate education?
The College of Ag helped me to become more confident in my abilities as a teacher and a student. I was able to learn through hands on experiences from knowledgeable people. The clubs and activities I was a part of also prepared me for the career I am in now. My Ag experiences also helped me to develop a network of resources that I use in my day to day life.
What advice do you have for students interested in your field?
The best advice I can give is to Dive In! Agricultural Education is a growing field and it is one that needs passionate individuals. It is critical that we continue Agricultural Education with upcoming generations. Ag teachers do not have a 9-5 job but that is part of the reason it is so rewarding!
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