Student Spotlight: Lauren Papke
Lauren Papke is a student in the Agricultural Education master's program. We spoke with her to learn more about why she decided to pursue agricultural education and how the program has helped her achieve her professional goals.
What led you to pursue the Master’s in Agricultural Education? Why were you interested in this program?
I have wanted to be an agricultural educator for as long as I can remember. As a student, I dreamed of being on the other side of a classroom educating my future students about the industry. I am a second-generation graduate of this program, and when the time came to decide where to apply for college, I knew Oregon State was at the top of my list.
I got my undergraduate degree from OSU, and it was a goal of mine to get accepted into the Ag Ed Master’s Program. The community this program thrives on really drew me in. Each cohort creates their own culture, and I believe it is that culture that allows us to thrive in the program with each other, and the faculty.
What has been your favorite part of the program so far?
My favorite part of the program so far is getting to form close-knit bonds with the other student-teachers and forming a family while we navigate this year. It takes a village and we have created one where we can rely on each other and use one another as resources in life, and school.
One of my favorite memories is returning to my student-teaching placement after being in Corvallis for the fall term. It was the best feeling seeing my students again after four months apart. I loved learning about everything they had done while I was gone, and what we are all looking forward to doing together.
What do you hope to pursue in the future and how does this program support your goals?
In the future, I hope to be a high school ag teacher. It is my passion to be in the classroom educating the next generation of agriculturists. This program has prepared me for a life in the classroom and how to manage everything life throws at me during my career. It has given me a network of professionals to rely on and a community of ag teachers from around the state to lean on and learn from.
Any advice for students interested in the program?
My biggest piece of advice for students interested in the program is to challenge yourself. This program is an amazing opportunity to take a step into what life will look like after graduation, and will give out as much as you put in. It will challenge you, but that is the awesome thing about it, because when you are challenged, you grow. Student teaching is a nerve-wracking experience, but taking everything in stride and saying “yes” to as much as possible will give you the best experience and prepare you for life as an ag teacher.