Agricultural Education Student Spotlight: Ayden Garcia

Fresno State senior Ayden Garcia has used his love for agricultural mechanics to plot his own career path as a future ag educator.

The Chowchilla native was first introduced to our campus ag mechanics program through the FFA Field Day competitions that are held on campus for high school students from across the state every April. Now it's a second home through his classes and part-time position on campus with the agricultural operations unit.

The projects and equipment give him a great chance to develop skills tied to equipment and facility maintenance for the University Agricultural Laboratory's 18 farm units, Jordan College and other campus areas.

As part of our #HispanicHeritageMonth series, learn about his future and how his family's agricultural roots have shaped him in this recent interview.

 

Q: Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, and how did you pick your major?

"I chose to attend Fresno State because of the well-developed agriculture education program. I  was familiar and impressed with the entire agriculture department after competing in the Fresno State FFA Field Day competitions. With my background in FFA and agriculture I decided on majoring in agriculture education  with an emphasis on mechanized agriculture at Fresno State."

 

Q: What do you consider your hometown and /or where are you a native of?

“My hometown (Chowchilla) is about thirty-five miles north of Fresno State on Highway 99, and this simple town has always been my home. It provided me immediate access to what the Central Valley is known for — agriculture. This helped shape my career aspirations to be an agricultural mechanic teacher.”

 

Q: Did you have any other family members graduate or attend Fresno State?

“I am a first-generation college student. Therefore, I am also the first in my family to attend and be on track to graduate from Fresno State. This achievement is an honor, and I plan to use myself as an example to share the great opportunities there are at this campus.”

 

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

“My agriculture education classes have had the most significant impact on me. It is motivating to sit through class and study my future career. In conjunction with my agriculture education classes, those professors have had the most influence on my life. The enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for agriculture education is evident in all of the faculty members. This educational environment is infectious, and I hope to one day duplicate this environment.”  
 
 
Q: Talk about your types of responsibilities and skills you have learned in your campus farm work that you can apply to your career.

“I work at the Farm Machinery Center that is part of ag operations unit on the University Agricultural Laboratory. I started in January of 2022 and have enjoyed the experience of working on campus. My responsibilities vary from going on parts runs, tire repair, routine vehicle maintenance, restocking shop consumables, farm equipment repair and welding/fabrication jobs. Apart from all my responsibilities, the skills I have gained while working on campus are how to navigate various parts dealers, communication between coworkers and management, and building my mechanical skills to complete the wide variety of jobs I am tasked with. All the skills and experiences will be directly applicable to my career goal as an agriculture mechanics teacher. I am thankful for the ability to work on campus and appreciate the opportunities it has provided me with." 
  
 
Q: What was your background in agriculture before you started at Fresno State?

"My initial exposure to agriculture began as a child when I would beg to visit my great grandparent's farm, which is just outside of Chowchilla. Now It is a second-generation farm that has transitioned into being solely almonds. Growing up at the ranch, activities consisted of irrigation checks for the old alfalfa fields, stacking lumber, chasing lizards, and playing in the junk drawer cabinet."

"Later in life, a more structured introduction to agriculture began in high school where I participated in FFA. I was actively involved in the Mechanized Agriculture Department where I would spend break and lunch on top of class time to weld and complete projects. My participation in the FFA was very foundational and inspirational, which played a role in influencing me to continue my education in agriculture. Using the skills I learned from mechanized agriculture classes and a minor welding program after high school, I worked as an ag mechanic for a custom farming operation for three years. I completed routine maintenance on machinery, fabrication of parts and minor equipment such as fuel trailers, and welding repairs on farm equipment. This job provided me with support and first-hand experience in the agriculture industry."

 

Q: Have you received any scholarships related to campus or the Jordan College?  
 
“In the fall of 2022 I was the recipient of the Gary and Marlene Peacock Memorial Scholarship. This being my first scholarship, I am extremely excited and grateful to gain the financial support. This opportunity wouldn't have happened without the amazing work from the Ag One Foundation and the generous donors.”  

 

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

“The challenges I have overcome that helped shape who I am today are leaving my comfort zone and embracing the experience. Whether that be taking on a new project and am in a lead position, starting a new job and college simultaneously, and most importantly maintaining a high level of dedication to everything I commit to. Accepting these, and any challenges, during my college career has only allowed me to grow. I am thankful for my path and those who support me.”  

Q: What are your potential next career steps?

“After graduating with my Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Education, I will begin the credential program at Fresno State. Upon completion I will finally be prepared to become an agricultural mechanics teacher at the high school level."