Campus Farm Student Spotlight: Christopher Gonzalez

In 2020-21, Christopher Gonzalez is finishing up his Fresno State Agriculture Education degree and teaching certificate & looking forward to having the same impact on the next generation of high school ag students as he enjoyed from his mentors.

The past four years, the #FresnoStateGrad has also compiled an impressive extra-curricular college resume that involved the Agricultural Ambassadors, Alpha Zeta Cal Epsilon, California FFA State Conference Committee & Ag Communications clubs, the campus quarter horse unit & United Cerebral Palsy of Central California.

Read more about the inspiring Le Grand, CA native in this recent interview.

 

Q: What was your degree in, and why were you drawn to it initially?

Gonzalez: "I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Agricultural Education - Teacher Preparation. I made the decision to become an ag teacher because of the ag teachers that I had throughout high school. They encouraged me, inspired me, and were always there for me when I needed them to be. The amount of passion that came from each and every one of them is a big reason why I decided to go into this profession. I hope to make a difference in the lives of our youth through my passion for agriculture."

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State?

Gonzalez: "Many reasons - our campus radiates beauty at every corner and offers an abundance of opportunities that I knew I would be able to benefit from. I made the right decision for myself and would do it all over again if I could! With that said, #GoDogs!"

 

Q: Did you have any other family members that are Fresno State graduates?

Gonzalez: "I am a first generation college graduate and the first in my family to have attended Fresno State."

 

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

Gonzalez: "Between my experiences in Alpha Zeta (the campus professional agricultural honors society) at different events and meeting talented individuals, it’s safe to say that my time here was well spent. I was initiated into the chapter in the Spring of 2017, and served as the chapter scribe in 2018-2019. Last school year, I was also one of the many founding members of our campus Ag Education and Communications Club and served as its first Vice President."

 

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

Gonzalez: "The animal production courses were my favorite classes at Fresno State, hands down. I thoroughly enjoyed how hands on each and every one of them were. These classes allowed for me to hear from and network with those who are directly involved within each aspect of the industry."

 

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

Gonzalez: "From the moment I stepped foot onto campus four years ago, Dr. Steven J. Rocca made it clear to me that if I ever found myself in need of any help, no matter what the circumstance was, that I could turn to him. He was always there to support and guide me into the direction needed to ensure that my progress to graduate on time would be met. Without his help, I honestly don’t know how I would have gotten through to the end."

 

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

Gonzalez: "Before high school, I had no background in agriculture. I came into this profession with only the experience I had gained through the FFA. I became heavily involved, participating in all that I could, which in turn led to my desire to become an ag teacher."

 

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?

Gonzalez: "I began volunteering at the Quarter Horse Unit in August of 2018. I was also hired as a student manager. Aside from the everyday feeding of our quarter horses, I took calls in our office and directed them as needed. I also provide tours of our unit to the public. My experiences at the Quarter Horse Unit prepared me for my career in a way that no other job has. When it comes to animal science, equine is typically left out of the picture, but by working at the unit, I have allowed myself to become more well rounded in the animal science pathway."

 

Q: Did you do any internships/part-time jobs while at Fresno State, and what skills did you develop?

Gonzalez: "Aside from working at the Quarter Horse Unit, I worked with the campus winery a handful of times for their monthly “bottling day” and have contributed time with the Gibson Farm Market during corn season. Another job that I had throughout my time at Fresno State was with United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of Central California. I began as a one-on-one aid to an individual with disabilities and aside from continuing my one-on-one support, I have also become an instructor for the classes provided to these individuals."

 

Q: Did you participate in any other outreach activities/events that benefited the community?

Gonzalez: "Many of the outreach activities that I took part in involved educating our future generations of agriculturalists. From the 2018, Ag Day at the Zoo to the 2018 and 2019 Farm Fall Fest, I engaged in educating our youth on different aspects of agriculture. During my time involved with the Ag Ambassadors program, I attended Merced - El Capitan’s very first college night in 2016 where I provided both agricultural and college related information to high school students from the surrounding area."

 

Q: Did you travel to any conferences and make any presentations/attend lectures/etc.?

Gonzalez: "I served on the 2017 California State FFA Committee as a member of the Career Fair subcommittee. I engaged with those in the industry to organize and put on the career fair held at the annual State FFA Convention.

Gonzalez: "At the start of my college career I was heavily involved with the Ag Ambassadors program (2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years) on campus and attended high school and college visits where I participated in advocating the importance of agriculture as well as promoted Fresno State’s agricultural program. Aside from these presentations, I also attended the California State FFA Convention and World Ag Expo by getting involved with the Fresno State booth that again, promoted our program."

 

Q: What's your next career step, and how do you plan to use your degree professionally?

Gonzalez: "I was accepted into the teaching credential at Fresno State in the Spring of 2020. This allowed me to get ahead of the curve for when it comes time to student teach. I started student teaching this fall. Afterward, I plan to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to obtain my Masters in Agricultural Education and begin my teaching career!"

 

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

Gonzalez: "First and foremost, I would like to thank my mom, dad, younger brother, and partner for being my biggest supporters. I would not have been able to accomplish all that I have without your unconditional love and support over these last four years. The four of you have been there to see both, my struggles and accomplishments and I thank you for helping me get through it all."

Gonzalez: "To my friends and extended family, thank you for always being there to show your love and support. From late nights to early mornings and everything in between, you were there with and for me. I appreciate each and every one of you, thank you."