Houston native and soon-to-be Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) graduate Kira Christian is a “foodie” at heart who plans to put her passion for food to good use.
“I aspire to one day have a food corporation of my own,” said Christian, who is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a concentration in animal science and food sciences. “Studying the science of food at PV deepened my love and motivated me even more to create food products of my own.”
Christian will kick-start the road to her dream by serving as a conservationist with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
“This opportunity came about by way of the USDA 1890 Scholars program,” she said. “The program provides students with a full-ride to an 1890 institution of their choice. Also included is the chance to intern with the agency that sponsors them as well as a job after graduation.”
Christian admits Prairie View was not her first choice for college. However, she quickly learned she had ultimately made the right decision.
“I realized that I would have many more opportunities at PVAMU compared to the other schools I was considering. I knew that I’d be able to receive a great education in the field that I was interested in,” she said. “Another aspect that helped confirm my decision to attend was the professors. Being a student at PVAMU is like being in a family-like atmosphere. The professors really care and want you to do well. They constantly seek opportunities for us to gain knowledge and work tirelessly to ensure our success. I love my professors. PVAMU was the best decision that I could’ve made.”
During her time at PVAMU, Christian was a part of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and she served as a College of Agriculture and Human Sciences ambassador. She also played significant roles in the PVAMU Garden Club, PVAMU Livestock Club, and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, & Related Sciences (MANRRS).
“I feel that the aspect of PVAMU that helped me to achieve my career goals the most was my involvement in the MANRRS chapter,” she said. “In addition to education, I believe that professional development is what helps students to succeed the most when getting ready to enter the workplace and after entering. MANRRS helped me develop in a way that no other organization could have. I have received so many opportunities and so much knowledge from being involved over the past three years. MANRRS is not simply for agriculture students. Every student on the campus can benefit from being a part of the organization.”
Christian also received several opportunities from PVAMU, including scholarships, being able to participate in internships, national competitions, and speaking at numerous events on and off campus.
“PVAMU is like no other,” she said. “The way PVAMU prepares its students for the workforce and the number of opportunities to succeed are endless. If you want to do something, PVAMU has a way to make it happen for you. The resources that are put into student success is unmatched.”
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By Marchita Shilo