Veteran Student Spotlight: Nick Lara

 

Why did you choose to attend Fresno State, how did you pick your major, and which classes and faculty members had the biggest influence on you?

“In California, Fresno State is the unofficial, ‘official’ school for agricultural mechanics teachers. I’ve planned on attending before even joining the Army. All of my ag mechanics shop classes have been great, and the wonderful guidance of Dr. John S. Williams, Dr. Rocca and Mr. McKenna have helped me graduate.”

 

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

“I had no idea about agriculture until high school when I joined FFA, and from there I was highly involved. I showed goats at the Kern County Fair. I even got a seasonal job working at the Alpine Christmas tree lot. I started when I was 16 and haven't stopped."

Describe any internships you've done at Fresno State, your responsibilities, and how it has prepared you for your career path?

"I have been a student assistant at the Fresno State farm maintenance shop since January 2022, and I got the job with help from my ag mechanics professors. This is great, on-the-job experience. It also helps in teaching future students, and enlarges my depth of knowledge."

 

Give us a little more background on your military service and different positions.

"I've served in a range of areas ranging from Ft. Lee (Virginia), Ft. Carson (Colorado), Grafenwoehr (Germany), Poland, Austria, Hungry, and Romania. I had a rank of specialist, and worked as a  91B, wheeled vehicle mechanic, shop foreman and NCOIC (Noncommissioned Officer in Charge) for services, parts received, and installed. I was able to train incoming personnel on our specialty equipment like ASV’s (armored service vehicles) and CROWS (commonly randomly operated weapons system). I was also HAZMAT certified."

 

Is there any crossover connection between Fresno State, military and or agriculture experiences and ag education?

"Absolutely, I use techniques and other soft skills learned in service while teaching agriculture. It lends itself directly to classroom instruction and management. Being a 91B (wheeled vehicle mechanic) translates to a dies

el mechanic on the civilian side, and you can just trade out ‘United States Army’ for ‘John Deere’. This was an entire career that I can still apply to agriculture and agricultural education classes. The motto 'right time, right place, and right uniform' also seems to apply."

 

Are there any other important details about your service to add? 

"I would do it all over again. I used the Army as a stepping stone in life. I've learned many wonderful, challenging, and painful lessons. I also met some of the best people in life while serving." 

 

Are you a part of any other clubs or student organizations at Fresno State?

"I've served as chair/co-chair of the farm power state finals competition for our FFA Field Days hosted on campus every April."

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

"Yes, I was fortunate to receive the Ag One-Carl & Barbara Fanucchi Scholarship this past semester."

 

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

"I believe that everyone has to some degree. The more you have, often the better off you are. Long story short, I’ve overcome what seems to be endless challenges, and I'll have a lot more by the time I’m done."

 

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

"Once I get through the Fresno State ag education credential program, I would like to be hired somewhere in the Central Valley as an agricultural mechanics teacher and start serving again in a much different fashion."