Shannon Allen
Class of 2020
Gassaway, West Virginia
"Agriculture ... is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness." -- Thomas Jefferson
What book would you recommend and why?
I do not recommend a specific book, but I would recommend the author Dick Francis. His books are eloquently written yet leave you on the edge of your seat. He has written several books I enjoy, but I enjoy his series based around mysteries within the horse racing business in Europe. These books allow you to feel as though you are actually living each and every mysterious adventure.
What are your hobbies?
What do you love most about your major?
The people within my major and most of the agriculture community are like a big family. You meet a variety of people that have the same love of agriculture and the pursuit to teach others about it. We are all connected even thought we are individually very different.
What are your career goals?
At this point, my career goals are very open. I do not have an exact plan of where I want to be, I just know I want to "teach a little ag."
Tell us about your experience with research or an internship.
I have been conducting research as an undergraduate student research assistant with Jason McKibben, assistant professor of agricultural and extension education, for the past two semesters. It's been a wonderful and insightful experience that I wish to continue!
What is a cause you're passionate about?
I'm passionate about getting agricultural education in schools and increasing agricultural literacy throughout our nation. It is important that we know where our products come from and the skills needed to make those products.
It's simple: Find something you love to do, set goals and work hard.