Victoria Tolin Student Spotlight

Fresno State agricultural education senior Victoria Tolin has used a wide variety of experiences on the campus farm & in classes to pave the way for an exciting future as an agricultural education teacher.

She has also developed key leadership, communications, & public outreach skills as a Block & Bridle club president & Alpha Zeta Cal Epsilon honorary society member.

Learn more about the Bakersfield native's hard work to shape lives & emphasize agriculture's importance to the community in this recent interview.

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State?

Tolin: "I wouldn’t have attended Fresno State if it wasn’t for my best friend, Erik Jensen, coming here first. Erik introduced me to the Red Wave Sale and Show, quarter horse unit, and the Ag Ops shop. I was really impressed by how much students do and participate in the day-to-day operations of the University Agricultural Laboratory."

Tolin: "When I arrived, I knew Fresno State was the university for me when I learned how much the Jordan College valued and emphasized a hands-on laboratory education. Fresno State is the only agriculture school that offers such a vast range of real world opportunities, and what the industry is really like."

 

Q: What was your most memorable / rewarding experience at Fresno State?

Tolin: "It’s difficult to choose just one moment. I am incredibly proud of my time as President for the Block and Bridle Club and my involvement in Alpha Zeta. However I think the most impactful moments come from working for the FFA Field Day and the Red Wave Show - they were very overwhelming and very important. My first year working both events I constantly felt lost. Looking back and having completed them, I have grown and learned a lot. You don’t realize what you know until you put it to the test, and our professors did that by creating these challenging but meaningful experiences. At the end of the 2020 Red Wave Show I sat down and thought, 'That was way crazier than the first time,' but I knew so much more, and also problem-solved when I didn’t know. The passion, determination, and brotherhood that come along with a Jordan College degree is next to none." 

 

Q: What were some of your favorite Fresno State classes?

Tolin: "Poultry production with Rodrigo Lopez, soil science with Dr. Goorahoo, sheep production with Corderio, and beef production with Ryan Person."

Q: Which faculty members had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State?

Tolin: "Dr. Randy Perry, Dr. Steve Rocca, and Ariel Diggan. Inside and outside the classroom, I have learned so much about agricultural education, animal science, as well as management and leadership."

Q: Were you involved with research on campus, and how will it benefit your career path and the industry?

Tolin: "I currently work at the Institute for Food and Agriculture and love it. Every day we see something new and exciting. Being a part of the behind the scenes of making research projects successful is super rewarding. We are working on the future of agriculture here!"

Q: Describe your work at any farm units, and what types of responsibilities and titles you had, and how it prepared you for your career path?

Tolin: "Before moving to IFA I work at the campus horticultural unit for Calliope Correia. Before working there, I was completely lost in the plant science world. My time in the greenhouses working with Calliope was as rewarding as it was colorful. It is easy to get up and go to work when your boss is so incredibly passionate about what she does. It is absolutely contagious. I was involved quite a bit with the famous 'Jars of Happiness' floral arrangements and campus produce deliveries. Something really special about the horticulture unit is that it's a team effort. Everyone gets to do everything! Watching a plant grow from a cutting, to a full house plant, then taking it to the Gibson Farm Market, then seeing someone put in in their basket (to buy) was pretty cool. The campus farm is incredibly special and is a huge asset to our students' education and our community. There is something special about Fresno State agriculture, and we have got to protect it."

Q: What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

Tolin: "I was minimally involved in FFA at Bakersfield High School. Mrs. Wilkie and Mr. Wyrick had a huge impact on me, but I didn’t realize how momentous until about two years after I graduated. After high school I found myself hanging around, and occasionally working on my best friend’s family farm. Jensen Farm raises club lambs and after a week of being around the sweet babies, I knew I wanted to do something with this. After some time at Taft College (Go Cougars) working on two AA degrees, I finally figured out that I wanted to be an ag teacher, and that Fresno State was the only place for me."

Q: Are there people you would like to thank in your family that have been key influences for you receiving your diploma, and how?

Tolin: "I’d like to thank my mom Melissa, for always being an example of determination and doing what needs to be done. Despite many setbacks and challenging times in our family, my mom always got back up and got the job done. She’s who I get my fighting spirit from."

Tolin: "The Jensen family, my extended family, without them I would not be here. I did not think I was “smart enough” to go to a community college let alone Fresno State. Their encouragement and refusal to take excuses have taught be to embrace my learning disability, and make it my super power. Learning differently is a challenge, but as a teacher it's a gift."

Q: Were you a part of any clubs/organizations at Fresno State?

Tolin: "I have had the pleasure of being an officer for Block and Bridle for 3 years and attending our national convention twice. Not only have I learned the subject matter (animal science) but have had the privilege to bring what we know to the public. From petting zoos at the Gibson Farm Market Fall Festival, to throwing chalk at runners at the Fresno County 4-H Color Me Green run,I have had a blast sharing my passion with the community, and educating them about the agricultural industry along the way." 

Tolin: "I was initiated in to Alpha Zeta Cal Epsilon in the spring of 2018. Ever since I have been surrounded by an amazing group of future industry leaders. There is no doubt in my mind we will all be back together again, sharing our passion and our pursuits in agriculture very soon."

 

Q: What's your next career step?

Tolin: "I'm currently enrolled in the credential program through the Kremen School of Education. When I finish that I hope to get hired on as an agriculture teacher with the Kern High School District in Bakersfield, CA, my hometown."

.