Page 13 - The ALEC Gazette-2018

As a constant reader of Stephens’ studies and a female majoring in agricultural communications, Watkins was exactly the audience for this study. Watkins thought that the intended positive tone is received but it is never controversial or combative towards any idea or persona.
She commended Stephens for using the testimonies to describe the process of any struggles, overcoming them, and the after success for each female. She believes that this study is a great conversation starter for how women’s issues differ on an international level and what can be done to change that.
With this study focusing on women’s issues and being
entirely directed by females, Stephens realized the
importance of a “radar or bias check,” which became
her definition of Christopher Stripling’s role in the study. Stripling is the agricultural education professor at UT and has verified many of Stephens’ women studies to help her maintain an unbiased, professional, and positive nature throughout each paper.
Stripling would look at themes perceived by the female researchers
to see if they were apparent. When asked what the effect of the study was on him, Stripling emphasized that it makes you truly listen to these womens’ voices and digest their journeys
“The stories made me think about what may be some of the challenges females face entering the agricultural industry. It now makes me think more about the females around me and their possible struggles,” Stripling said.
He sees these women as role models on paper to help females see that there are other women that have been successful, regardless of hardships, in the field they want to enter.
Tone is a major player within any conversation, no matter what the topic. This study uses every testimony as a stage for positivity, and Stephens hopes the reader receives the candid openness to mentor and share their (study participants) story. This same openness is hoped to be applied to current women in agriculture and their stories as well. p
Agricultural leadership, education, and communication students discussing agricultural issues coursework
“For me being someone that’s studying agriculture and as someone that is passionate about womens rights, it’s something I see as important and we need to work for. Dr. Stephens has championed that for as long as she has been in this industry.”
-McKenzie Watkins
Tennessee 13