Three paths, one community: Graduating seniors reflect on growth, purpose, and what comes next

As commencement approaches, three graduating seniors in Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education are preparing to take their next steps — carrying with them distinct goals, shared experiences, and a strong sense of belonging.

Carly Thomas, Michael Worrell, and Rebekah Sanderson arrived at Virginia Tech with different plans, but each found clarity through hands-on learning, faculty mentorship, and opportunities that extended well beyond the classroom.

Discovering new directions and asking for opportunities

For Carly Thomas, a transfer student, her initial goal was simple and practical.

“Honestly, my academic goal was just to get out of college as quickly as possible,” Thomas said. “College is expensive, so I came in with the mindset of, ‘Let’s get in, let’s get out, let’s get this done.’”

Thomas entered Virginia Tech planning to pursue a traditional classroom teaching role, inspired by her family’s background in agriculture. But coursework and internships within the department shifted her perspective.

“Through my internship experiences here at Tech and through my coursework, I got a lot of opportunities to explore things I was only mildly interested in at first,” she said. “Those things ended up becoming a huge part of my academic career and what I want to do professionally.”

A nonprofit management course proved especially influential.

“That class really changed my perspective,” Thomas said. “It was so interesting to learn about nonprofits, especially while I was interning at the Virginia FFA Foundation. I found so much value in connecting my learning to what I was actually doing in the real world.”

Other experiences, from leadership coursework to a life sciences field photography class, solidified her interest in communications.

“As my time at Virginia Tech went on, I really discovered how much I loved communications,” she said. “Especially communicating agriculture to the public and educating people in nontraditional ways.”

As a graduating senior, Thomas says she feels prepared and grateful.

“ALCE really is the department of ‘ask and you shall receive,’” she said. “I’ve only been here four semesters, but I feel like I truly maximized my time because I asked for opportunities. I’ve done internships, research, and teaching assistantships all because I was willing to ask.”

Looking ahead, Thomas is excited to give back.

“I’m excited to use the skills I’ve gained and hopefully represent ALCE well,” she said. “Most of all, I’m excited to help create opportunities for students like me.”

A lifelong curiosity comes full circle 

For Michael Worrell, graduation marks not an ending, but a continuation of a passion that began long before he enrolled at Virginia Tech.

“I’ve always wanted to do something with entomology, I just didn’t always know what,” Worrell said.

Raised on a farm, Worrell said early exposure to agriculture sparked his curiosity. But it was participation in Virginia Tech’s Hokie Bug Camp and Bug Fest that truly set him on his path.

“I went to the very first Hokie Bug Camp with my best friend,” Worrell said. “We entered an insect collection competition at Bug Fest and got third place. Then second place the next year. Then we won best in show.”

From there, he never looked back.

“When I aged out as a camper, they let me volunteer,” he said. “There’s never been a year of Hokie Bug Camp without me.”

That long-standing involvement led him to pursue an entomology minor alongside his undergraduate degree and ultimately to graduate school. This fall, Worrell will stay at Virginia Tech to pursue a master’s degree in life sciences, focusing on entomology research.

“I’ve had my eyes set on grad school for a long time,” Worrell said. “Being able to work with the same professors I’ll have as my co-advisors, Dr. Thomas Kuhar and Dr. Enakshi Ghosh, has been really reassuring.”

Through undergraduate research on pest management and leadership roles, including serving as president of Alpha Tau Alpha, Worrell says he gained skills that extend beyond academics.

“Being ATA president taught me to step up when something needs to be done,” he said. “Even if you don’t know how to do it yet, you figure it out.”

For students considering graduate school, Worrell offered simple advice.

“Find the right people first,” he said. “Working with professors you trust makes all the difference.” 

Turning passion into preparation 

Rebekah Sanderson’s journey was shaped by her love for agriculture and education — and by finding the right academic home.

“I grew up on a farm my entire life,” Sanderson said. “Agriculture has always been something I love, and I’ve always enjoyed teaching people about what I’m passionate about.”

Originally enrolled in a different major, Sanderson switched into community leadership and development after learning more about the program.

“When I learned about the track and how it prepares you for so many different careers, it just made sense,” she said. “I still want to work in extension or agricultural education — I just changed how I was going to get there.”

Hands-on teaching experiences shaped that goal.

“I had a class where we led activities for elementary students visiting Virginia Tech,” Sanderson said. “That experience really stood out to me, with being able to engage with students and think intentionally about curriculum.”

She said creating lesson plans, rather than just participating in them, was a turning point.

“I’d only ever been on the receiving side,” Sanderson said. “Seeing how it’s created and implemented was really eye-opening.”

As a first-generation college student, Sanderson said the department’s sense of community played a crucial role in her confidence as she transitions to graduate school.

“Coming into undergrad, I felt really lost,” she said. “But now I know so many people in the department. I know I have support. When you have thousands of questions, and you always will, it’s comforting to know someone will help you find the answers.”

Sanderson will continue her academic journey through Virginia Tech’s career and technical education master’s program, where she looks forward to student teaching.

“It’s exciting to be able to try it in a supportive environment,” she said. “I get to see if this is truly the path I want, without fully committing right away.” 

One department, lasting impact

While their plans differ, all three students pointed to relationships as the most meaningful takeaway from their time in the department.

“I think the biggest thing I’ll take away is the relationships I’ve built,” Thomas said. “ALCE is such a tight-knit community.”

Sanderson echoed that sentiment.

“It really is the people,” she said. “That’s what made this experience as good as it’s been.”

As Thomas, Worrell, and Sanderson prepare to graduate, they leave with more than degrees — they leave with confidence, clarity, and connections that will continue shaping their paths long after they leave campus.