Viticulture Student Spotlight: Esteban Garcia

 

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State?

Garcia: “My professor Ric Fuller, at Allan Hancock College encouraged me to pursue higher education, and was the one who told me about the Viticulture program at Fresno State.”

 

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

Garcia: “A lot of the Plant Science courses had a big influence on me, I have learned a lot of new things that will help me in my future career. Professor Sonet Van Zyl also had a big influence on me because she was always there to guide me and answer any questions that I had.”

 

Q: Have you been involved with research on campus, and how will it benefit your career path?

Garcia: “Yes, I’m currently holding a position as a student research assistant under Dr. Sommer. I picked the research department because I lacked experience within the research area, and wanted to gain experience in conducting research.”

 

Q: What do you consider your hometown and where are you native?

Garcia: “ I consider Santa Maria, CA my hometown because I grew up there, but my native land is the state of Oaxaca, Mexico.”

 

Q: What's your potential next career step, and where do you plan to work upon graduation?

Garcia; “I have accepted an offer from Sea Smoke as an Assistant Vineyard Manager. I  hope to gain experience that will allow me to become a Vineyard manager and eventually a Director of Vineyard Operations. I’m also planning on applying for the MBA program here at Fresno State.” 

 

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

Garcia: “My family has always worked in agriculture, and  I come from a long line of indigenous people from Oaxaca where my ancestors have always worked the land. They would grow corn for their everyday need. I have picked strawberries, lettuce, broccoli, raspberries, and grapes, and In 2019 I held a position as a Viticulture Technician at Sea Smoke.”

 

Q: Besides your USDA research, have you done any internships while at Fresno State?

Garcia: “Yes, my first internship was as a Winemaking Intern with Constellation Brands Inc. in Madera, Ca, and my second internship was as a Viticulture Technician with O'Neill Vintners & Distillers. During these internships, I was able to refine my communication skills and learn time management skills.” 

 

Q: What's your potential next career step, and where do you plan to work upon graduation?

Garcia: “I have accepted an offer from Sea Smoke as an Assistant Vineyard Manager. I hope to gain experience that will allow me to become a Vineyard manager and eventually a Director of Vineyard Operations. I’m also planning on applying for the MBA program here at Fresno State.” 

 

Q: Were you a part of any other clubs or organizations besides the Plant Science Club at Fresno State?

Garcia: “I’m currently the treasurer for the Viticulture Club, and volunteer whenever there is a chance. One of the great opportunities I had, was the FFA pruning contest here at Fresno State.”

 

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

“Yes, for the school year of 2021-2022, I was awarded the following scholarships.”

• W & M Plummer Scholarship
• Perenchio Family Scholarship
• Ag One-Women on Wine Riverside Scholarship
• CSUF Viticulture Club Scholarship
• Ag One-Ross Borba Sr Family Scholarship
• Marc Radin Agriculture Scholarship
• H&N Moordigian Scholarship

 

Q: Have you overcome any challenges to get where you are today, and how have they shaped to into the person you are?

Garcia: “One of the main challenges I had to overcome was the language barrier. It was difficult for me to learn English as my second language. I also overcame the obstacle of managing my time; for seven years I was a full-time student, dad, and employee. Finally, I had to overcome the financial struggle of being a first-generation college student.”

 

Q: Are there any other interesting notes about yourself that you would like to include?

Garcia: “An interesting note about myself is that I enjoy mixed martial arts (MMA), and whenever I have free time, I stop by my local MMA gym for some training.