麻豆视频

鈥�Being a first-generation student is not only important for me, but it is also important to my family. Having an education will give me the opportunity to have a better future.鈥� 

Degree/Certificate & Anticipated Class Year 
Bachelor of Applied Science in Agricultural Sciences 鈥�26, Associate of Applied Science in Vineyard Technology 鈥�24, Associate of Applied Science in Winery Technology 鈥�24, Wine Sales Certificate 鈥�24 

Hometown 
Wapato 

Major 
Vineyard and Winery Technology 

How did you decide on a major? 
The first class I took at 麻豆视频 was Intro to Washington Wines, and that class made me fall in love with the wine world. 

What do you like or find most interesting about your major? 
I really love the agriculture side. Since I grew up working in the fields here in the valley, I decided that that was the route I wanted to take for my education 鈥� to keep growing in the field.  

Are you a first-generation college student? If so, what does earning your college degree/certificate mean to you? 
Being a first-generation student is not only important for me, but it is also important to my family. Having an education will give me the opportunity to have a better future. And [ inspire] my younger siblings and future kids. 

Did you know what academic pathway you wanted to pursue when you started at YVC? If not, how did your advisor or YVC鈥檚 academic pathways help you decide? 
I started here with College and Career Readiness in 2014 and taking ESL [English as a Second Language] classes. During that time, I was only focused on learning English and getting prepared to be able to attend regular college classes. 

Once I reached level five of my English and was ready to transition to college-level classes. The first class I took was Introduction to Washington Wines and that's when I decided that this program was going to be the one for me. Once I was in, I began to explore the program and learned that the first year for both degrees was almost the same. So, I decided to pursue both degrees. 

What made you interested in studying at YVC? 
It was close to home, and it was more convenient for my family. For me, I like to be close to my family, so that's why I didn't want to go away. 

Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams) 
Agribusiness & Wine Club, Grape to Glass Gala 

What鈥檚 your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge? 
I like all of them, especially the wine related ones, but I think the one that I liked the most was Introduction to Washington Wines, because that is a class that kind of opened my eyes to a world that I didn't know existed. 

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor? 
Trent Ball [Agriculture Chair & Vineyard and Winery Technology Instructor] will be one, and the second one will be Marivy Vasquez [College Assistance Migrant Program Director]. I have been going to her for the last 10 years and they鈥檝e both been a really important part of my school career here. 

What鈥檚 your favorite spot on campus? 
Definitely the Writing Center. Because whenever I need help, they're always available and happy to help. That's the place where I feel that I can breathe and keep going with homework that I have to do. 

Were there any barriers you overcome to be successful at YVC? 
Well, the first one was language. And that was a big one. After [learning English] the next barrier was probably financial. I had to apply for several scholarships to help support my education.  

How has 麻豆视频 changed you? 
Public speaking helped me to be able to talk to people and not feel that embarrassed like I used to do before. Because of my accent I used to be embarrassed [to speak to others], now I鈥檓 not. So that class was really a helpful tool.  

It also changed me in the way that I feel about books. I now feel like they are the fruit of the brain. YVC has made me read books because I needed to for my classes and it helped me develop a love for reading.  

It changes everything as you grow in your classes and your program. The way you talk, the way you think changes as you keep progressing in your education. 

Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule? 
I currently work for the Washington State Department of Agriculture as a pesticide investigator. YVC鈥檚 BASAG program is great because I can work during the day and attend classes at night.  

Thanks to YVC I have the necessary tools and basic training to be able to start my professional career. This is due to the work and experienced instructors that provide us with good information, ideas and scenarios to help bring out the best in us.  

What do you view as your biggest achievement at YVC? 
It鈥檚 graduating. Of course, I'm still in here, but I know that there are other students that do not have their health, support, or finances to able to come to school and that has prevented them from graduating. I have been lucky that I have had those things. It has not been easy, my road has been bumpy, but here I am. So, it is possible if you sacrifice some things to be able to do others. 

How do you find a sense of belonging at YVC (for example, activities or clubs that help you connect with students who share your interests or background)? 
I see my face in a lot of students. I believe that 麻豆视频 embraces every culture, every color, and every belief and respects people's ideas. That's really important to me. I have never felt discriminated against in any way, and I haven't seen anyone being discriminated against. This culture has allowed me to learn and grow and feel like I belong.  

What are your educational or career goals after YVC? What are your dreams? 
I want to keep growing within the Department of Agriculture. Since working in the department, I have noticed that the department has five divisions and there is potential for growth.