Community Sustainability undergraduate, Sarah Albrecht, pursues the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education major at MSU- aligned with her life-long love of teaching
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EmailSarah Albrecht, an Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education major in CSUS, shares how a life-long love of teaching and welcoming student community made the major a natural fit after her degree program at Lansing Community College.
A life-long love of teaching drew Sarah to various opportunities to practice and learn the art of teaching. After high school, Sarah wanted to pursue a career that combined her love of teaching with promoting greater sustainability and giving back to the agricultural community. After completing two years at Lansing Community College, Sarah knew the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education major at Michigan State University was where she needed to be. Now finishing her degree in AFNRE, Sarah is looking towards a career of teaching in Michigan, inspiring the next generation of agriculture educators.
Read more about Sarah’s story in our interview with her below.
Name:
Sarah Albrecht
Hometown:
Mason, MI
Major:
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education
Minor:
Expected graduation date:
May 2025
Why did you choose Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education as your major?
Since I was a little girl, I knew I loved to teach. From teaching the dolls in my room how to do math problems, to becoming a dance teacher at my studio, I loved every part of it. In high school, I was lured into participating in FFA. I quickly grew to love everything about the organization, becoming a regional and state FFA officer. This organization instilled in me a commitment to growth, desire to learn, and passion for agriculture. Once I graduated, I knew I wanted to combine my love for the FFA, sustainability, and the agricultural industry with my forever desire to teach, I quickly knew Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Education at Michigan State University was where I needed to be after my 2 years at Lansing Community College. I am now interning at Ovid-Elsie High School under Tracey Hoffman and am learning more and more every day.
Who or what inspired your interest in sustainability?
I was introduced to the concept of sustainability in high school when I joined the Mason FFA chapter. I would have to give credit to both my older brother, Matthew, and my agriculture teacher, Mr. Pete Barnum, for inspiring me to care about sustainability. They both have played an instrumental role in helping me gain experience, understanding, and confidence in my ability to communicate sustainability to the next generation of young people.
What has been one of your best experiences within your major so far?
The best experience that I have had within my major so far are the class days with my cohort. I am blessed to be learning and growing alongside 5 other incredible individuals. I have found forever friends within this major at Michigan State University and cannot thank them enough for their friendship.
What do you want others to know about this major?
I want others to know that this major is ever changing in the best ways possible. The professors and graduate assistants in AFNRE are continuing their own education and working to teach us not only what is happening in the industry now but how to adapt when things evidently change in the future. The AFNRE Team at Michigan State is incredible and I know that they will forever be just an email away if I need anything post-graduation. I have no doubt that after I graduate from Michigan State University and take a job as an agricultural educator that I am fully prepared to take on that role with confidence.
Any thoughts or advice for current students?
My best piece of advice for new and current students is to get involved in your major the best that you can. I am forever grateful for my time in the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education Club.
What are your future plans?
Once I graduate, I will be interviewing alongside 8 other incredible agricultural education grads to find a place to begin my teaching career. I would love to work at a junior high or middle school program and become an FFA Advisor at my school.
What’s your favorite thing about MSU?
My favorite thing about Michigan State University has to be the people. During my time at MSU I have met some of the greatest individuals, better than I could have imagined. MSU will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Sarah has also completed a professional internship experience as a part of her major program. All students in the Community Sustainability majors complete a professional internship to broaden their professional network and apply principles learned in the classroom to real-world applications. We asked Sarah a few questions about this experience and what important takeaways she learned through this experience.
Where was your internship experience?
Ovid-Elsie Area Schools – Ovid-Elsie High School
Can you briefly explain what you did during your internship?
During my internship I will teach all the classes that my mentor teacher, Tracey Hoffman, has on her schedule. I began with one focus class and have been ramping up to lead all the classes at this point. After spring break, I will begin ramping back down to just my focus class.
What is the most valuable part of the internship experience?
I think the most valuable part of my internship experience is the opportunity to learn from an incredible agricultural educator like Tracey Hoffman. She is committed to her students, her chapter, her district, and the agricultural industry and I am grateful to have been placed at her program.
