Industrial Technology Student Spotlight: Hector Rodriguez

(May 26, 2022) - Recent industrial technology graduate Hector Rodriguez has taken advantage of his ties with The Wonderful Company to help lay the framework for an exciting career path.

The Wasco native was a Wonderful Academy high school graduate and has also interned with its nut and citrus areas while developing various leadership qualities.

Among his unique on-campus experiences, he has also been active as the president of the Catholic Student Association through its Newman Center location. 

Read more about the first-generation graduate's plans to expand on his favorite academic interests with a master's degree in this recent interview.

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State?

Rodgriguez: “I felt Fresno State was the right fit for me. It was close to home, financially affordable, and the programs that were offered were great! I had many other universities to choose from, but after choosing Fresno State, I have never looked back.”

 

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

Rodriguez: “I do not have any family members who have graduated from Fresno State, and I will be the first to graduate from a four-year university. However, I hope other members of my family will choose to become Fresno State alumni as well.”

 

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

Rodgriguez: “Dr. Balaji Seth has helped me with choosing a research project and has also prepared me for my master’s degree. His course, IT 286 Applied Spatial Technology, has had the biggest influence on me because it has helped me learn more about how technology is used in the agriculture industry.”

 

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

Rodriguez: “My father is a welder for a local company near Wasco, where he fabricates farm implements. I remember watching him weld growing up, which sparked my interest in working hands-on with agriculture.”

 

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

Rodriguez: “I currently have a research project on almond quality. I compare almond samples taken from the sunny side of trees and samples taken from the shady side of trees and analyze how the quality varies. I picked this project because I plan on staying in the Central Valley and continue working in agriculture, particularly with almonds and pistachios.”

 

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

Rodgriguez: “I plan on pursuing an industrial technology master’s degree after graduation in spring 2022. I hope to work with the Wonderful Company pistachios, almonds, or citrus divisions after completing my master’s degree.” 

 

Q: Besides your USDA research, have you done any internships or part-time jobs while at Fresno State? 

Rodgriguez: “I have had four internships with the Wonderful Company. Each internship has been with a different section of the company, such as with Wonderful Pistachios and Almonds, Wonderful Citrus, and with the Wonderful Academy. My favorite internship was with Wonderful Pistachios and Almonds. I worked with the Technical Operator Program, where we would create educational courses and teach classes to other employees, with the purpose of helping them understand how to properly maintain the equipment and machinery at the plant. I was given the chance to film and teach some courses as well.  I loved the atmosphere there, which has helped me get to know the department and challenge myself to grow and get out of my comfort zone.”

 

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

Rodgriguez: “I am president of the Catholic Student Association and serve at the St. Paul Catholic Newman Center. I help plan and coordinate events that help the community and college students attending various local colleges. The Newman Center serves as a place where students can come, relax, study, and make friends who are in the same boat as they are, while also offering them opportunities to grow in their faith. I am constantly reaching out to other students and other parish members and helping in any community events we have to offer.”

 

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

Rodriguez: “Financial issues have probably been my biggest challenge. Luckily, I had enough financial aid and scholarships to help me out each year. I also struggled with tough times, including mental health issues, throughout my three years at Fresno State. However, with the support of my friends and my family, I was able to overcome these challenges. These issues helped me become stronger in my faith and helped me to enjoy every day that I am at Fresno State. I was also able to recognize the fact that I have to keep working hard and stay disciplined with my education in order to reach my goals.”