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Tanya Franke

Hometown: Henrietta, Texas

Now resides in: La Grange, Texas

Degree: 2002, M.S. in Agricultural Education

Position: Fayette County Extension Agent - 4-H and Youth Development

How I got to Tech: "I completed my B.S. in Agricultural Services and Dev. at Tarleton State University and two internships out-of-state. I wanted to pursue further education at a larger university with an honorable Agricultural Education Department and Texas Tech came to mind as well as it was recommended to me by friends. I visited with the friendly faculty in the department and they were more than willing to work with me. They helped me with an assistantship and getting settled at Tech."

After graduating from Tech: "I completed a semester of student teaching through the department and served as a substitute teacher while looking for full time employment. Because of a hiring freeze with the Texas Cooperative Extension, I took a job as a customer service representative with Blue Cross Blue Shield and then taught fourth grade in Freer, Texas. The hiring freeze was lifted and I became County Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth Development in 2004."

Memories of Tech: "My most memorable times were sitting in the evening classes and learning about research theories from Dr. Baker. One of those evening classes I spent with soaked pants legs after wading through water after a big rain on my way to class. Another memory is having an evaluation class on Sept. 11, 2001 with Dr. Lawver. I will not forget the people in the AGED Dept. I truly enjoyed getting to learn from the professors and learning more about the bigger perspective of agriculture nationally."

Advice to prospective students: "Never be afraid to talk to your professors. Get to know them and let them know your goals. They are more than willing to work with you to help you achieve your academic and career goals. Your professors are valuable assets to your education and future. And when you get to where you want to be...never forget the people that helped you get there."

tcfranke@ag.tamu.edu