Milan Pozderac is a senior studying agriscience education with a minors in environmental science and production agriculture. Hailing from Fredericktown, Ohio, Milan is a graduate of Fredericktown High School. He is one of 14 seniors from the Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership to be selected as an ACEL Distinguished Senior.
Why did you choose your major?
When I first came to Ohio State, I was still unsure of what I wanted to do in my career, but knew I wanted it to be in agriculture. My first year of my undergraduate career was spent learning more about the different majors in the college and the careers associated with them. It was important for me to have a career that was purposeful and fit my strengths and desired lifestyle well. These were all things I found in agriscience education, where I could teach and help students grow as individuals, remain in agriculture, and use my skills to help others.
Why did you choose to attend Ohio State?
I was raised a Buckeye, as both my parents and grandparents met here at Ohio State. For me, I never really wanted to go anywhere else. Though when I visited campus, my decision was solidified. Ohio State is rich with history and tradition, has one of the best agricultural colleges in the nation, and I fell in love with everything the campus offered.
What classes did you enjoy the most?
I have had great experiences with all my classes at Ohio State, but two that stand out are public speaking (AGRCOMM 3101) and foundations of personal and professional leadership (COMLDR 3530). Along with being enjoyable, both these classes changed my thinking about leadership and speaking. They impacted me as a student and now as a teacher going into the profession.
In Brazil with Alpha Zeta Partners.
What student organizations have you been involved in as a student on campus?
FarmHouse – ATZ Fraternity (Served as New Member Educator and Spiritual Chair)
H2O Church (Served as small group leader)
Alpha Zeta Partners Honorary
Soil Judging Team Member
CFAES Ambassador
With fraternity brothers at Back to School Bash
With fraternity brothers.
What internships did you complete and how did they help you decide what you did or did not want to do after graduation?
I completed an internship with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, where I was part of a team that put on the Land and Living Exhibit at the Ohio State Fair. The exhibit’s purpose was to tell the story of modern Ohio agriculture to fairgoers. There I was immersed in current agricultural issues and was able to design educational activities around them. This experience reaffirmed that I wanted to teach after graduation and continue to share this story to my students. I also completed student teaching experiences with Fairfield Union High School’s agricultural education program and FFA chapter.
What stands out as your best college memory?
The CFAES Olympics were always a fun way to end the academic year with the college. I competed with my fraternity, FarmHouse, twice and we were able to win in both 2018 and 2019!
What do you plan to do after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to find a position as an agricultural educator in Ohio!
Judging soil as a member of the Ohio State Soil Judging Team
Why should someone else consider your major at Ohio State?
Agriscience education is a purpose and passion driven career, where you can gain greater knowledge about the agriculture industry and focus on serving and teaching students. It opens you to a wide variety of opportunities while also letting you focus on those areas you want to grow in.