Agricultural Business Student Spotlight: Ashleigh Sorensen

As the Jordan College's ASI senator, junior Ashleigh Sorensen, plays an important role for its 2,000 agricultural students as a voice for their needs and administrative decision-making on campus. 

The Sanger native is well-prepared for the position with her experience as an officer on the College's Leadership Council (and its liaison to the campus farm) and as a member of the Ag Ambassadors, Agricultural Business Club and Smittcamp Honors College.

This fall has been extra special for her with her selection to the College's honors research cohort after receiving her FFA American Degree at the national conference.

Learn more about her background, and what's ahead in this recent interview.

 

Q: Why did you choose Fresno State, and how did you choose agricultural business as your major?

Sorensen: "I have always wanted to pursue a career in agriculture. Fresno State offered me the opportunity to attend a prominent agricultural school here in the Central Valley where over 400 different crops and commodities are produced. I chose this major because I’ve grown up in a farming family and developed a love for the industry. Also, I participated in FFA in high school which furthered my interest in agriculture and exposed me to the diverse career paths the field offers."

 

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

Sorensen: "Yes, my three sisters are Fresno State graduates. Courtney graduated in 2009 with a BA in Mass Communications and Journalism along with a Certificate in Marketing. Brianne graduated in 2010 with a BS in Public Health. Sheela graduated in 2012 with a BA in History and a minor in Anthropology."

 

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

Sorensen: "Through the classes that I have taken within the Jordan College, I have really enjoyed getting to learn from all the faculty members that I have met. Specifically, Dr. Berends' accounting class introduced me to a field that I could see myself having a long-term career in. Additionally, I am appreciative of Dr. Levi, Terence Wan, and Imelda Dudley, who have all offered me valuable academic and career guidance."

 

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

Sorensen: "My father, Craig Sorensen, is a third-generation farmer. He farms almonds, along with various types and varieties of tree fruit and citrus on about 500 acres in the Sanger and Parlier areas."

 

Q: Have you had any internships or part-time jobs while at Fresno State, and how did they help you professionally?

Sorensen: "Yes, through an accounting internship at Family Tree Farms in Reedley, I have learned the day-to-day responsibilities and roles of people that work in an agricultural business accounting department. I have become familiar with using Famous Software, Excel and other office suite programs, gained knowledge of the importance of accurate data entry, and I have learned general office administrative skills."

 

Q: Have you received any scholarships related to campus, the Jordan College and/or Ag One?

Sorensen: "Yes, I am a recipient of the Smittcamp President’s Honors Scholarship, the Nisei Farmers League Scholarship, the Rodger & Margaret Jensen Scholarship, the Hans & Anna Beck Scholarship and the Ag One Ross Borba Family Scholarship."

 

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

Sorensen: "On behalf of Ag Ambassadors, I have helped represent Fresno State at the Community College Ag Leadership Conference. As a member of the Smittcamp Honors College I have also volunteered at the Fresno Greek Festival, Kearney Park Civil War Reenactment, and the Fresno Unified Academic Decathlon. Additionally, I participated in the Listos California Bridging Project to make phone calls to victims of the California wildfires and provide them with relief resources. Last December, I volunteered at the Salvation Army to distribute toys to families in need during the Christmas season."

 

Q: How has being an ASI senator helped you grow or develop new skills?

Sorensen: "I have been able to connect with fellow students in so many ways, grow new relationships, and network with individuals throughout the university and in our community."

 

Q: Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are today that have shaped who you are?

Sorensen: "A significant challenge I experienced along with many other students was in Spring 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, and Fresno State shut down its campus and all classes became virtual. For me personally, I struggled with transitioning from classroom learning to virtual courses. This experience also hindered my ability to meet and collaborate with others. While it was not an ideal situation, I remained positive and focused on being as disciplined in my studies and made an effort to attend virtual meetings to connect with fellow students."

 

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

Sorensen: "As of this point in time, I am interested in working in agricultural accounting or finance. I plan to utilize internship opportunities to continue to gain a vast knowledge of the diversity of specific roles in these areas. As a junior, I know that my future classes may lead me in a different direction as my continued exposure to the industry grows."