Meet Phillip, a graduating ag education major
By Katie Allen, Corner Post staff

An active member in his Future Farmers of America chapter in Wheaton, Mo., Phillip Witt formed a close relationship with his agriculture teacher. When he was merely a junior in high school, Witt decided he wanted to continue working with the FFA program by becoming an agriculture teacher himself one day.

“From the time that I went through summer welcome and now finishing up my student teaching experience, I have never even considered another profession,” Witt said. “I love education. Working with young people and leaving an impact on their lives is a job that should be taken with great passion.”

Witt has enjoyed his college experience at MU and said that the one thing he would change would be spending more time with his classmates and future colleagues early on.

“It hasn’t been until just recently that I have begun to spend a lot of time, in class and out, with my ag ed classmates,” Witt said. “I have developed some very lasting friendships with students that have the same goals and desires as I do.”

Witt, an active member of the FarmHouse fraternity and Ag Ed Society, said that the best part of MU is the chance to get away from home and high school and grow as an individual.

“You never know how much you love home until you are away from it,” he said.

Witt said his fraternity helped him make the transformation into college four years ago.

“I know everyone has different opinions of fraternities, but (FarmHouse) has been one of the best experiences of my life,” he said.

Witt also advises undergraduates at MU to really enjoy studying.

“ If you hate your classes, maybe you aren’t in the right place,” Witt said. “Take every opportunity to explore careers you’re interested in and go to class.”

In addition to learning from his co-workers at his many jobs in college, Witt has also learned a great deal from the staff in the ag education department at MU.

“They (ag education department) have helped to develop my ability as an educator in more ways than I can count,” Witt said. “Any success that I have will be thanks to the amazing character and ability of those that I have learned from.”

After graduating this May, Witt plans to marry and teach agricultural education at Pierce City High School in southwest Missouri.

“I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to put my education to use,” Witt said.

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