What made you join Alpha Zeta? Are you from the Central Valley? Have you always had a passion for agriculture?
Briner: "I was born and raised in the Central Valley. I am from Atwater, California. Though I am from an area that is full of agriculture, I did not come from an agricultural background. My father was a businessman and my mom was a correctional officer. My passion for agriculture started when I began high school. I became heavily involved in the FFA through my agriculture classes. I did events such as opening and closing, job interview, and I even competed on a few judging teams. I also raised livestock for our local fair. However, I am most proud of being on the milk quality and dairy foods judging team where my team placed first in the state. Through that experience, my team was able to complete nationally where we placed sixth in the nation. Through these many experiences, I gained so much knowledge of the agriculture industry and it made me become an advocate for ‘ag.’ The reason I joined Alpha Zeta is so I could continue being an advocate for agriculture and help be a leader to get more people involved in the agriculture industry."
Since graduation, what have you been up to? Do you have a small business? Are you working for a Valley business or corporation?
Briner: "Since graduation, I have entered the credential program at Fresno State. During the fall semester, I had the opportunity to do my initial student teaching at Yosemite High School. It was a very positive experience, and I loved teaching students about agriculture. I am currently doing my final student teaching at Le Grand High School and it has been another positive experience. I am very involved here at Le Grand and I am even coaching my own judging team, Best Informed Greenhand."
What is your advice to students approaching graduation? How can they prepare for life outside of college?
Briner: "The best advice I can give to students that are approaching graduation is to take advantage of every opportunity they are given, even if it’s not something they want to do forever, at least it's an experience and a stepping stone in the right direction."
What are some of the things you learned or gained in Alpha Zeta that helped you make it to where you are today?
Briner: "Alpha Zeta has made me a better leader. I was afraid to serve as an officer for Alpha Zeta, but the skills and experience I have gained has helped me as a teacher. Alpha Zeta has helped me with my public speaking as well as my professionalism as a whole. It offered me interview practices, resume building, and networking. These will help me in the near future when I begin interviewing for a teaching position."
We love hearing how Alpha Zeta helped Morgan get where she is today. Thank you for your time, Morgan! We can't wait to see what you will do next.
Stay tuned for more alumni highlights!