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The Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology

Xena Millan
Xena Millan
Xena Millan and child (Kennedy)
Xena Millan

Agricultural Education / Campus Farm Student Spotlight: Xena Millan

 
Fresno State senior Xena Millan is like all our agricultural education students who are excited about the possibilities that they see in future generations while sharing their love for agriculture.
 
The Bakersfield native is looking forward to graduating in the spring of 2022, and has her hands even more full than most seniors since she is the mother of a one-year-old, Kennedy Grey, and commuting from her home in Bakersfield. 
 
Read more about the first-generation college student who is also a former campus creamery student worker in this recent interview.  
 
 
Q: What are you drawn towards an animal science / teacher preparation degree?
 
Millan: "I always wanted to become a teacher. I sometimes struggled with the basic subjects in school, and then I joined FFA in high school and discovered that there are much more fun and creative ways to become a teacher, and I think animal science is perfect for me. It was fun to learn in school so I'm sure it would be a blast to teach!"
 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State?

Millan: "I chose to attend Fresno State, because it is not that far away from my hometown, so I could get the full college experience without being too far away from my family. I also chose it because Fresno State has so much more programs to offer when it comes to agriculture. After I get my degree and get into the credential program here I am excited to fulfill my dream of becoming a proud, agricultural high school teacher, and then hopefully a professor."
 
 
Q: Which classes & faculty members had the biggest influence on you while at Fresno State?
 
Millan: "Some of my favorite classes have been my livestock classes like 'Intro
duction to Cattle Production' and 'Introduction to Poultry Production.' I hope as a teacher one day that I have students that enjoy my classes as much as I have as the ones at Fresno State. Some faculty members that have influenced me the most are Ryan Person, Steve Rocca, Kevin Woodard, and Brad Mendes. Cirenio Hisasaga is probably one of the most informative student teachers out there, too!" 
 

Q: What units have you worked with on the campus farm, and how have they prepared you for your career path?

Millan: "I worked with at the Fresno State Creamery before I had to go on maternity leave. The opportunity to work there and with other food science majors definitely gave me a different perspective about the agricultural industry, and how there are so many different options within it. I think that was a really good perspective on my career path so I can share those experiences with students. While I worked there, I enjoyed making ice cream of course, and delivering products to the Gibson Farm Market, and creating Fresno State chocolate milk."
 
 
Q: What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

Millan: "Before Fresno State , I had the bare minimum when it comes to an agricultural background. My dad however has worked in a dairy farm called Ansonea Dairy for 23 years, and that is when my interest and love for dairy and agriculture first started." 
 
 
Q: Have you had any work or volunteer exerpiences at Fresno State, and how did they help you professionally?

Millan: "I was part of the Ag Ambassadors that worked with high school ag programs and helped host their campus visits to our farm and facilities. I have loved all the experiences and the awesome people I met." 
 

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

Millan: "Being pregnant my entire sophomore year and still continuing to do school has definitely had an impact on who I am today. I was able to still attend class and participate, and I really appreciated having those hands-on experiences! During COVID, when classes were online I was fortunate that I could manage my class schedule and be able to bond with my newborn. Now a new challenge awaits as I am commuting for school and also responsible for a one-year-old at the same time! I love all these new challenges and opportunities as they shape who I am."