Describe the world you come fromfor example, your family, community or schooland tell us how

your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

In a predominantly agricultural, but diverse community in the San Joaquin Valley, I found my
calling. My familys past, my community, and the opportunities provided by my school all helped me
realize the kind of effect I want to have on the world. Not only did this influence my dreams for the
future, but I was fortunate enough for this to shape the very person I am today and the mindset I have
come to accept as a part of my identity.
Agriculture had been a part of my life for as long as I can remember as my father and
grandfather had been very prominent sheepherders and horticulturists in Dos Palos. It was expected of
me to follow the same path. Because of that expectation, I was willing to be open to the idea of
agriculture. However, my other academic interests (science mostly) were more appealing to me than
taking the risks of entering into such a business. I did not wish to live that life exclusively and began
looking for ways I could still be involved without participating directly in one area. I still noticed the
problems the industry faced in this community, especially relentless drought, and I wanted to help. I
developed my own personal respect for the foundations of agriculture, and realized that it is one that
would be incredibly important for the future of our local community as well as the nation as a whole.
Going into high school, I was conflicted with what I truly wanted to do with my life. Through the
varying programs offered and the supportive staff who ran them, my high school truly gave me the chance
to discover my true interests and passions. I found my place, initially, in our schools Future Farmers of
America to further my exploration and knowledge of the industry. But over time, I found myself leaning
away from agriculture to challenge myself in other areas such as music and science. I was intrigued by the
experiences to be had elsewhere. My school offered advanced classes in biology, chemistry, and physics
and I was more than willing to immerse myself in such academia. At the time, I knew I wanted to to
pursue science as a means to help solve the problems we face today.
At this juncture, because of diverse interests and experiences, I decided that I couldnt live my
life singularly and for one passion. I realized that I wanted to do things that would have a strong and
lasting impact on the many people, cultures, and countries that make up our world. It is because of this,
that I wish to pursue hydrology as a major and to help ensure that water will be provided for future
generations.. I feel can I pursue my passion in science while still contributing to the agricultural world in
which I was raised.
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