Industrial Technology Student Spotlight: Mario Bedolla Lopez

Fresno State industrial technology senior Mario Bedolla Lopez has been even busier than your typical college student this past fall.

Besides working a full-time job at Perigo Welding, he has taken a full load of classes at both Fresno State & the College of the Sequoias so he can graduate this spring, a full year earlier than expected.

Read more about the Porterville resident whose career path was inspired by his high school welding instructor in this interview.

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State and pursue a degree in industrial technology?

Bedolla Lopez: "Many of my family members went to Fresno State, including two cousins, my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and girlfriend. They have degrees in agricultural business, business administration, counseling, and kinesiology and physical education, and I wanted to continue the cycle. Also, I like the spirit of the school, and the university’s environment is joyful and thrilling."

 

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

Bedolla Lopez: "IT faculty Dr. Arun Nambiar is a professor that understands the hardships of students and is very helpful. He understands students' struggles with balancing work and school, especially during these tough times during the pandemic. He encourages us to strive for success in our courses and is a very down-to-earth guy."

 

Q: What units have you worked with on the campus or the campus farm?

Bedolla Lopez: "I have not worked on any courses related to the campus farm yet, but I did get to take part on testing my boss's filtration system at Fresno State's water treatment center."

 

Q: What is your background in agriculture?

Bedolla Lopez: "I work in a welding manufacturing  company known as Perigo Company Inc. as a stainless and mild steel pipe welder. The job consists of fabricating inlet and discharge systems of sand media tanks, along with fabricating spray rigs for vineyards along with providing the valley with all there welding needs. Working in this shop has allowed me to learn many useful skills that I will use at I progress in my studies, such as how to weld, read blueprints, follow procedures accordingly, and how to use critical thinking and strategic planning."

 

Q: What scholarships have you received related to campus, the Jordan College and Ag One?

Bedolla Lopez: "I have been fortunate to receive the Dorothy D. Bliss Scholarship and Ag One Isheim Family Scholarship award."

 

Q: Have you participated in any other outreach activities that benefited the community?

Bedolla Lopez: "I have been asked to speak to the students who attend Monache High Schools welding program, but due to the pandemic, it was put on hold until schools open up again."

 

Q: Have you been involved with any professional conferences or organization events?

Bedolla Lopez: "I used to be part of the Skills USA organization. I competed in welding and took first place both times in the regional placement as a junior in 2014 and senior in 2015."

 

Q: Have you overcame any challenges to get where you are today and have shaped who you are?

Bedolla Lopez: "Yes, I have faced many challenges while pursuing my education. The struggle to balance a work and school life has caused many sleepless nights and severe headaches. I work a minimum of 40 hours a week in a thrilling, fast-paced environment and take a full load of classes each semester. When school was opened I would commute from Fresno to Porterville, with no days off from school or work. However, having a very loving and supporting family has allowed me to continue thriving in my studies. Along with having such a supporting family, I have an employer who has allowed me to continue with my studies and has worked with my school schedule every semester for the past 4 years. Mr. Perigo has given me my first job right out of high school, has encouraged me to pursue an education, and has been a great role model."

 

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

Bedolla Lopez: "After I finish with my bachelor’s degree in industrial technology, I plan on perusing my master’s degree  and teaching credential. I plan on using my degrees to teach at Fresno State's industrial technology department or at College of the Sequoias cohort program. "