Casey Montgomery is a junior Career and Technical Education major from Taylorsville, KY
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Why did you choose your program, and how does your program contribute to your career goals?
Growing up in agriculture on the family farm and through 4-H and FFA, I have always loved learning more about all the industry has to offer. Although, as I got older, I began to see and truly appreciate the impact numerous agriculture educators and classes made on my life and on those around me. It inspired me to pursue an opportunity to give back to the industry and give back to others through education. Since joining the agriculture education program here at UK, I have been transformed into a better educator, better mentor, and better person. I have learned how to cultivate a classroom environment enriched in effective teaching strategies, intracurricular development and accessibility/inclusion in education. Through these experiences, I am ecstatic to enter the career field and strive daily to shape tomorrow's agriculture leaders- today.
What's been your favorite course and why?
One of my favorite courses thus far has been AED 362! This course is our field experiences course in agriculture education where we conduct observations with educators in our state. This course allows you to first hand experience the agriculture classroom through observations and encourages you to truly observe and reflect on the different environments, strategies, etc which are being used directly in the classroom. This course, inspired me through the advice from my observation educators, the impact of my observation class students, and the guidance, education, and leadership of my professor, Dr. Epps. It helped solidify my place and my why of being in agriculture education through first-hand experience inside an agriculture classroom.
Have you completed an internship or job or been involved with a club that has been especially meaningful to you?
In the summer of 2023, I was very fortunate to serve as a University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Intern in a local county office in our state. This experience allowed me to explore education from a different perspective than the traditional classroom setting. It allowed me to see all the workings, which go into serving as an extension agent. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to witness the impact extension plays in communities in our commonwealth through this internship experience. On campus, I have been a part of the Sigma Alpha Sorority. This experience has allowed me the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded women as we strive to grow personally and professionally. It has supplied me with a community on campus who supports and encourages one another. I have also been involved in UK's rather new Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter. This opportunity has expanded the horizons of knowledge regarding legislative advocacy, agriculture literacy, and opportunities within Kentucky agriculture. It has created a community of driven individuals who all share a love for agriculture, who motivate others to be involved, and who welcome everyone to have a seat at the table.
What advice would you offer to incoming freshmen in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment?
Very similar to any advice for young adults! - Don't be afraid to take a step out of your comfort zone; this is where growth occurs! - Get involved, bulid relationships with others, and find your community on campus! - It's ok to not know now... use this time to explore what all different fields have to offer! - Live presently in the moment; time flies by. - Network with people in the professional world. You'll never know where a connection will lead you! - College may seem scary, but it will all be worth it once you get here! - UK may seem to be a big school, but there truly is a small, intimate community here on ag campus! -Ask the question!
What are your top 3 "Life Lessons for Young Adults"?
- Don't be afraid to take a step out of your comfort zone; this is where growth occurs!
- Get involved, bulid relationships with others, and find your community on campus!
- It's ok to not know now... use this time to explore what all different fields have to offer!
- Live presently in the moment; time flies by.
- Network with people in the professional world. You'll never know where a connection will lead you!
