Both degrees were conferred in May 1988. I worked for a large swine company in southeastern Virginia for about 2 years where my work responsibilities ranged from production activities, such as health care, management, and feeding of 10,000-plus pigs, to human resource functions, such as training programs, recruiting, and workmen s compensation reporting. I then returned to my home state of Pennsylvania and have been employed as an Extension Agent for Penn State Cooperative Extension and Outreach Education since 1990. My Extension program responsibilities include livestock production, farm management, and youth livestock and horses. As an Extension Agent I have conducted a variety of non-formal educational workshops and clinics for livestock and dairy producers in Washington County, as well as the Southwestern Region.
Audiences vary in size and often include youth, as well as adults.
My classmates were of a very different background. Only one had a degree in an agricultural related field. Most had less than 5 years of work experience. Many were straight out of an undergraduate or graduate program. When presented with the opportunity to study abroad, I did not hesitate.