Jimena Anguiano | Agricultural Sciences Major | Ontario, OR |
Chemistry Minor | First-Generation College Student | Bioresource Research: Plant Growth and Devlopment Option |
Class of 2027 | 2025 Farm Credit VIP Scholar |
2024-2025 OSU MANNRS Co-President | 2024 USDA-NRCS Intern |
Malheur Experiment Station Intern |
Possibility & Perspective
My field of study has led me to two internships, one at the OSU Malheur Experiment Station in Ontario, OR and another at the USDA-NRCS office in Washington D.C. Both teaching me new skills, and techniques, and allowing me to expand my knowledge and experience new opportunities. This field has also led me to two study abroad programs in Puerto Rico, where I am able to not only learn but also teach those who are less informed about Agriculture, but also learn from those who have experience in the field whether it’s via a degree or not. I am currently working in a lab on campus in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. This great opportunity will allow me to shape and develop my own research that I hope to conduct in the future. Along with my internship experience, the college has done the best of their job to prepare me both professionally and personally in both academics and also in professional settings.
Networking & Navigating
A defining moment in my life that caused a major shift in my perspective was working for the USDA. Having the ability to intern for a federal agency at their headquarters as a freshman in college was something that was NOT included in my bucket list. It was such an honorable moment to be able to see the progress that immigrant, refugee, and beginning farmers have been doing with their land and how much they had contributed back to their communities. I have learned a tremendous amount of information and knowledge in my time as a students and the opportunities I had outside of school. One special piece of a advice I have to offer for future and current students is, “Step out of your comfort zone, try new things. Make new friends, join clubs, and network. Your network is definitely your net-worth.”
Impact & Insight
One thing that I’m most passionate about is educating the public including family members and close friends about agriculture. Some of my hobbies include getting my hands dirty, and planting flowers. I enjoy taking care of them and building beautiful bouquets. I hope to one day have my very own flower farm. I grew up surrounded by Agriculture my whole life, but someone who truly shaped and inspired me to choose my field of study was my high school FFA Advisor, Mrs. Huss. She was and is one of my biggest motivators. She helped pave my way and grew my interest in agriculture. I hope that one day I am able to educate many and have a great impact on their lives and view agriculture with love, like how she did with me. One of my goals is to own a farm one day, and I will use the knowledge my education in the College of Agricultural Sciences has given me to know how to operate an industrial business and build a future from soil.