70th Anniversary Photo Gallery Future Students Alumni & Donors

Name: Ashley Martinez

Major: Plant Science, Horticulture

Year In School: Senior

Age: 23

College Activities: Los Robles, Los Rancheros, Ag Ambassadors.

Hobbies: Gardening, baking, cooking, spending time with my family, friends and boyfriend, spending time outdoors at the beach, park , and gardens, painting my nails, make-up and much more!

Hometown: Born and raised in East Los Angeles, but have resided in Menifee for the past 10 years.

High School: Nuview Bridge Early College High School in Nuevo, CA.

Transferred From: Mt. San Jacinto College in Menifee, CA.

Work: Avid Tutor at Nuview Bridge High School.

Career Plans: I will be graduating Spring of 2012 and I hope to attain a job within the USDA. I would like to continue my education by attending graduate school so that one day I can come back to teach, hopefully at CPP or at a community college . Eventually I plan on opening my own nursery/ l andscape design business .

Favorite Cal Poly Experience: Since my time here at CPP, I have been very blessed and have had many wonderful experiences. Just to name a few: Last year I was chosen as a recipient for the Hilda L. Solis Scholarship, I was also chosen as the recipient for the Kellogg Garden Supply Scholarship . Another favorite experience would have to be all the rewarding memories and knowledge I have gained by being an Ag Ambassador for 2010-2011 school year.  

Goals as a Returning Ag Ambassador: I am really excited for being given aother opportunity to serve another year as an Ag Ambassador. I learned so much about Cal Poly, the College of Ag, each major within the college, and had so much fun that I just had to come back for another year:) This program is very rewarding because we are given the responsibility to help and inform students about college! Being able to have a positive influence on another's life is really important to me which is why I am looking forward to another year. I am also looking forward to meeting new people and making new friends as I get ready to fulfill my last year here at CPP

 

Name: Beth Burdman

Major: Apparel Merchandising and Management, Retail Option

Year in School: Third

Age: 20

College Activities: Welcome Week Leader, AMMA, Volunteering for ASI BEAT's Midnight Madness

Hobbies: Reading, watching movies, jewelry-making, and working out (especially kickboxing).

Hometown: San Jose, CA

High School: Ann Sobrato High School

Work: Cal Poly Pomona Office of Public Affairs

Career Plans: I would love a career in anything related to fashion. However, I love to write as well and am working towards a minor in Journalism. My ultimate goal is to write for a fashion magazine.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: I've volunteered for University Housing Service's Welcome Week for two years, and it's a lot of work but a ton of fun. The best part is recognizing that you made a difference in even one student's transition to college life.

Personal Statement: I have returned to be an Ag Ambassador for a second year because I would like to continue to serve the College of Ag. I hope that I can be of assistance to the other Ag Ambassadors if they are unsure of anything. I would also like to continue to inform high school students about the importance of going to college. Every student should feel like they are at home at their school, and hopefully we can find some new students to call Cal Poly Pomona their home.

 

Name: Brittany Whitfield

Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet Option

Year in School: Fifth

Age: 22

College Activities: Black Student Union, Shades of Queens, Science Education Enhancement Services

Hobbies: I enjoy working out, reading, writing and playing video games

Hometown: Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but live in Long Beach

High School: Valley Christian High School in Cerritos, Ca

Work: I work at a veterinary clinic in Pasadena

Career plans: My goal is to attend veterinary school and one day have my own small animal practice.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: Attending Midnight madness and doing karaoke with my friends.

 

Name: Cassie Bullock

Major: Plant Science

Year in School: Sophomore

Age: 20

College Activities: Ag Ambassadors, Equestrian Show Team

Hobbies: I enjoy riding horses, running long distances, fencing, hanging out with friends

Hometown: Palm Desert

High School: Palm Desert High School

Work: Currently unemployed, over the summer I work for a summer camp at a country club

Career Plans: I would love to continue my education in viticulture and one day help manage or  own a vineyard and winery. That is my ideal future, but in the mean time I plan on  working where I can get a job, hopefully involving researching improvements in  Agriculture.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience:  My favorite experience so far has been meeting my close new friends and enjoying campus life together. I met my current roommates last year in the dorms and we get along famously! We enjoy watching movies, exploring the campus, and playing pranks on each other. Our different personalities and interests make for such a fun year. For April Fool's Day one of my roommates and I wrapped everything in aluminum foil, including all of the desk items and walls. Lacey is a music major and enjoys taking documentation of the year and composing it into a 10 minute memoir of the year. I know years down the line all of us are going to remember the quality time we spent and never regret a second spent together. That is what I love about living on campus, I get to bond with incredible people and experience new things! 

Personal Statement about being an Ag Ambassador: Cal Poly Pomona is the perfect fit more me academically, socially, and personally. As an Ag Ambassador I hope to share my experiences and open eyes to all of the opportunities Cal Poly has to offer. I know that lots of high schoolers are overwhelmed about what they plan on doing after they graduate. Being there myself, I completely understand! I sincerely hope that I can make a difference for at least one individual in making their decision. Choosing a college is a major decision. I will do my best to help make it easier!

 

Name: Celine Morales

Major: Plant Science

Year in School: 4th Year

Age: 21

College Activities: Los Rancheros-Agronomy Club, Los Robles-Horticulture Club, Cru-Christian Club

Hobbies: I enjoy sports: volleyball, softball, baseball, and swimming. I like camping, fishing, hiking, playing pool and dancing.

Hometown: Azusa, CA

High School: Apple Valley High School

Work: I currently work on campus as a Front Desk Assistant, next fall I hope to work in the Collins Garden with other plant science students.

Career Plans: I hope to go into the Agricultural industry and work as an agronomist.  I hope to one day be an arborist for the Forest National Park Service.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: My favorite Cal Poly Pomona experience has to be all the labs we do: the plant collection, weed collection, insect collection, cropping systems lab, pastures and forages labs, and advanced plant propagation.  They are my favorite experiences here at Cal Poly.

Personal Statement About Being an Ag Ambassador: I hope to reach prospective students within our community and share with them the possibilities awaiting for them here at Cal Poly Pomona.  My goal as an Ag Ambassador is to share all the knowledge I have gained here that may be useful to them and to hopefully answer their questions and concerns.  I came into Cal Poly as an E.O.P. student and I want to extend as much help to others as I can, in my appreciation to all the help I received to get me where I am at now.  I aspire to shine the light within the College of Agriculture because I truly believe the education one can receive here is priceless and very rewarding.

 

Name: Dakota Scout Stewart

Major: Animal Science, Pre-vet Option

Year in School: First Year

College Activities: Some colleges activities include living and working on the Sheep and Swine Unit first quarter, Ag Ambassador, and part of the Inter Tribal Leadership Council.

Hobbies: I love spending time with my best friends and my family!

Hometown: Anaheim, CA.

High School: Fullerton Union High School

Work: I currently work at Red Robin in La Habra, CA

Career Plans: My career plans include finishing school at Cal Poly Pomona, going to an accredited vet school and then following that with work in a small animal veterinary practice.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: One of my favorite Cal Poly Pomona experiences would be the overnight orientation, Poly Nights, I met a very good friend and learned so much about the college; it was a chance to get a sense of what college was really going to be about!

Personal Statement About Being an Ag Ambassador: Being an Ag Ambassador is very important to me, because I really want people to know about the Cal Poly Pomona, and the College of Agriculture in particular. All my life I wanted to be a vet but I gave up on it because I was very unsure of the steps I had to take to get there, but then joining FFA in high school showed me the way. I just really don't want other kids like me to miss the opportunity.

 

Name: Danae Sandoval

Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet

Year in School: Third

Age: 20

College Activities: Ag Ambassadors, Pre-Vet Club, Foal Watch

Hobbies: Dance, reading, baking, horseback riding, and traveling.

Hometown: Anaheim, CA

High School: Cornelia Connelly High School

Work: Full time student

Career Plans: Attend and graduate vet school, then work in equine medicine

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: Overall I think the AVS labs are probably one of my favorite experiences at Cal Poly, but the symposium trip to Purdue University, IN during my first year has probably been my favorite experience so far.

Personal Statement about being an Ag Ambassador: I am excited to be involved with Ag Ambassadors because I get to meet new people and participate in a leadership role. I thought it was important to become an Ag Ambassador because not very many people know the great opportunities the College of Agriculture has to offer, and that is why my goal is to help spread the word to more high schools.

 

Name: Engy F. Assal

Major: Animal Science, Pre-vet

Year in School: Fourth

Age: 24

College Activities: Ag Ambassador, SDLI, Pre-vet Club, Coptic Orthodox Club, CRSP Program, Animal Care Facility and Foal Watch.

Hobbies: Drawing, painting, walking my pets, listening to music, walking on the beach, reading, hiking, horseback riding, travelling and spending time with family and friends.

Hometown: Alexandria, Egypt

High School: El-Dorado and Placentia High Schools

Transferred from: Golden West College, Huntington Beach, CA

Work: Front Desk Student Assistant at the Learning Resource Center on Campus.

Career Plans: Become a veterinarian and travel around the states working in national zoos.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: There are so many wonderful ones to choose from, such as hands on labs (AVS 114L and AVS 414L) and going to Mississippi State Vet School in 2011 for APVMA symposium with the Pre-Vet club.

Personal Statement about being an Ag Ambassador: I wanted to become an Ag Ambassador because the position represents the College of Agriculture to others. I am so excited to be more involved in campus activities. In this position, I can strengthen and improve my public speaking skills tremendously. It involves a lot traveling which gives me the chance to meet other students around the nation and share college experiences. As an Ag Ambassador I can learn and gain life experience everyday and I definitely want to interest other students and educate them.

 

Name: Gabriel Barrios

Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet Option

Year in School: Fourth

Age:   21

College Activities: IHC senator, NRHH VP of programming and administration, Welcome Week leader, ASI Indoor Recreation Committee member, Resident Advisor for Palmitas (10-11) and Montecito (11-12).

Hobbies: Going to the beach, dancing, playing sports such as basketball, tennis, and soccer, going to movies, and reading.

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

High School: Christian Brothers High School

Work: Full-time student, Site Director at a day camp, Resident Advisor, Conference Services

Career Plans: I plan on becoming a veterinarian, however, I do not know in what field yet. I am really interested in oncology (study of cancer) and pathology (study of pathogens) so maybe I'll work in a lab.

Favorite Cal Poly Experience:   My favorite experience was the animal science labs working hands on with animals and getting real life experience. The experience of processing a baby pig is one I will never forget. The knowledge I gained from that experience was immense, even though coming back to my dorm room smelling like pig was not the best! However, it was truly “learning by doing.”

Personal Statement About Being an Ag Ambassador: As an Ag Ambassador, I want to get high school students interested in the College of Ag! I also want high school students who never thought they would go to college excited about going to college. I hope I am able to share some of my experiences here and give valuable and interesting information to potential students. Being an Ag Ambassador is going to be a great way to get involved with the College of Ag and I can't wait to represent the college! As a returning Ag Ambassador, I want to inspire the rookies to become as passionate as I am for the College of Ag and recruiting high school students.

 

Name : Kristen Deignan

Major : Animal Science, Pre-Vet Option

Year in School: Second

Age: 19

College Activities: Pre Vet club, Social Justice Leader

Hobbies: Basketball, watching Disney Movies with my friends, swimming, snorkeling, going to the beach, looking and sharing at funny pictures with friends.

Hometown: Torrance, CA

High School : Torrance High School, Home of the Tartars!

Work: Social Justice Leader at the Asian and Pacific Islander Student Center

Career Plans: I would like to become a veterinarian and work with domestic animals such as dogs and cats. On the weekends, I would like to be a marine mammal veterinarian at a nonprofit organization, Sea World, or an aquarium.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: Attending the Cross Cultural Retreat was a learning experience. I learned about how to talk with others that are different from me, and that it is important to keep an open to others' ideas and feelings. Even just nods can make a person know that you are listening. The greatest part of the retreat was meeting some of the coolest friends I have now. We continue the fight against oppression.

Personal Statement: I hope to do a great job informing students about college and having fun at the same time. I believe it is important to encourage students to create their own path to college. My goal is to be relatable to students and be helpful enough to answer most questions that they have about school. This is important to me because I feel that this would help with students to be excited about going to college.

 

Name: Leandra Gossett

Major: Agricultural Science & Food Marketing /Agribusiness Management, with a focus in Animal Industry

Year in School: Third

Age: 22

College Activities: FMAM Club President, Agriculture Education Club, Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society

Hobbies: Spending time with my family and friends, playing with my dog and taking her on little adventures, hiking, jogging, video games, and Cooking and experimenting with new recipes

Hometown: Beaumont, CA.

Transferred From: Crafton Hills College, Yucaipa, CA.

Work: Teacher Assistant at Cal Poly

Career Plans: I plan to work for a veterinary pharmaceutical company

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: I have had a lot of great experiences at Cal Poly so far, but my favorite was when I became President of the FMAM Club and I obtained the opportunity to help other students, the community, and the College of Ag!

Personal Statement About Being an Ag Ambassador: I feel very passionate about helping students that may not have guidance at home due to a lack of knowledge about college. I want to help them feel comfortable with the idea of going to college and the process that it entails. I want to replace fear with excitement and encourage them to pursue their dreams through continuing their education.

 

Name: Liz Kurzawinski

Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet

Year in School: Second

Age: 19

College Activities: VP of Community Service for Kappa Delta Sorority, member of the Kellogg Honors College, member of Alpha Lambda Delta Freshman Honor Society, and member of Golden Key International Honour Society.

Hobbies: Snowboarding, dancing, swimming, hiking, and baking.

Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA

High School: Edison High School, CA

Work: Employee at Huntington Pet Vet.

Career Plans: I would like to become a Veterinarian.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: My favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience is Greek Week!

Personal Statement About Being an Ag Ambassador: As an Ag Ambassador, I hope to bring my knowledge of our college and community to those who are unsure about their future, and open their eyes to all of the wonderful opportunities The College of Agriculture has to offer.

 

Name : Lorrin Cheeney

Major : Animal Science, Pre-Vet

Year in School : 2nd (sophomore)

Age : 20

College Activities : I am involved in many extracurricular organizations at Cal Poly Pomona, which include the Equestrian Team, Pre-Vet Club, and Interhall Council .

Hobbies: I love to ride horses, play sports, hang out with friends, and meet new people.

High School : Crescenta Valley Senior High School, La Crescenta, CA.

Career Plans: I plan to attend vet school so I can fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a large animal or equine veterinarian .

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience : I would have to say that my favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience would be the challenging and rewarding classes that have given me insight to pursuing my future career goals.  I also love the hands on animal experiences that our campus has to offer because it makes learning about the different animals very personal and rewarding.

Personal Statement about being an Ag Ambassador: Being an Ag Ambassador is also being a role model for Cal Poly Pomona, to promote and continue the college of agriculture's excellent academic reputation and to encourage other potential students to experience the endless opportunities the school offers for lifelong success.

 

Name: Marlene Belmar

Major: Animal Science, Pre-Vet

Year in School: Second

Age: 19 years old

College Activities: Pre-Vet Club, Interhall Council (Publicity Commissioner), Montecito Hall Council (Treasurer), Kellogg Honors College

Hobbies: Acting, Singing, Dancing, Arts and Crafts, Cooking, Baking, Watching Movies

Hometown: Pasadena, CA

High School: Pasadena High School

Career Plans: Animal surgery, animal dermatology, genetic research.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: I would have to say that my favorite Cal Poly Pomona experience was the rat dissection we did in Bio 121 Lab. It was so great to have our female rat's insides exposed and visible for us to examine. Being able to see how large the liver and cecum were within our rat was exciting, and I loved being able to hold the small intestine in my hand. This lab really made me realize that I really enjoy biology, but more importantly that pursuing a career as an animal surgeon is something I can see myself doing. It made me like my major even more.

Personal Statement About Being an Ag Ambassador: As Ag Ambassador, one of my main goals is to become a valuable resource for prospective students, as well as my peers on campus. I hope to achieve more knowledge about the College of Agriculture, mainly on what each major has to offer for its students academically, as well as extracurricular activities on campus. I strive for interactions with students, as well as holding leadership positions were students can look up to me. Being an Ag Ambassador is important to me because I really value education and have had a great experience within the College of Agriculture this year. I hope to keep on enriching my time here at Cal Poly Pomona with more memorable experiences.

 

Name: Mercy Ochoa

Major: Agricultural Science

Year in School: Second

Age: 19

College Activities: ASI Lobby Corps. ; Foal Watch; Pre-Vet Club; Ag Ambassador

Hobbies: Being involved in school activities, spending time with friends and family, writing, cleaning, eating, and sleeping.

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

High School: William and Carol Ouchi High School

Work: Full Time Student.

Career Plans: I would like to graduate from CPP with high honors and go to veterinary school where I hope to eventually become specialized in felines.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: The list is endless but one of the most memorable Cal Poly experiences I had was when I went to the Pre-Vet Symposium in Mississippi, because it was my first time out of California and my first time on a plane. I learned so much exciting information at the symposium, I spent it with wonderful people, and I milked a cow for the very first time!

Personal Statement about being an Ag Ambassador: Being an Ag Ambassador is very exciting! I am ecstatic that I can contribute to the College of Agriculture by representing my school and college department at events. I am also happy that I will be advocating to high school and college students about the exciting opportunities that await them at CPP and in the College of Agriculture, but most of all I am glad that I will be able to share this experience with other Ag Ambassadors and Peer Advisors.

 

Name: Nazanin Sattari

Major: Food and Nutrition, Nutrition Science Option

Year in School: Second

Age: 19

College Activities: Food and Nutrition Forum, Ag Ambassadors

Hobbies: I enjoy exercising, playing video games with my brother, spending time with my family, and playing volleyball. I am also fond of doing arts and crafts, watching movies, and listening to music.

Hometown: Azusa, CA

High School: Azusa High School

Work: I currently do not work, but I hope to have an internship at a pharmaceutical clinic by my third year. The experience will definitely serve as an advantage when I apply for jobs in the future.

Career Plans: After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona, I would like to attend the pharmacy school at either USC or Loma Linda. As a child I was interested in medicine and why I had to take a certain medication when I was sick. My dream career is to be pharmacist. I would be delighted to work at a local pharmacy in the future. In addition, I enjoy giving back to the community. I want to travel to other countries and help the needy and sick people in any way I can.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: Cal Poly Pomona's diverse setting makes me feel comfortable and enjoy being around other students since I am Iranian. The staff and students were friendly and helpful, making the transition easier. My AG 100 class in my first year of college guided me in understanding how the university works and ways to be successful in college. Joining a club was another exciting moment. The new people I have met are amazing and offer very good advice. Orientation was a fabulous experience as well. I started making new friends and learned how the awesome college was going to be.

Personal Statement: I know my public speaking skills will be much better after this experience as an Ag Ambassador. This is important for me because I am getting involved on campus and making new friends. When I was in high school, I was not able to have someone come and talk about college because I was not in the AVID classes. It is significant for me to have this opportunity to share with younger students how college is a positive step towards building their future. I want to be a role model for other students and being an Ag Ambassador is the first step in achieving that goal.

 

Name: Taylor Zumstein

Major: Food Marketing & Agribusiness Management

Year in School: Second

Age: 19

College Activities: CPP Equestrian Team and Livestock Show Team

Hobbies: Besides riding horses and showing livestock, I enjoy traveling with my family and my show teams. I also love to read (books of my choice of course J ), write, and draw.

Hometown: Fallbrook, CA

High School: Fallbrook Union High School

Work: I give riding lessons to young children at Fairbrook Farm, and also work at a horse camp during the summer.

Career Plans: Once I graduate Cal Poly, I plan on starting my career right away. I will be involved in the training and sales of equine, riding lessons, and also livestock production. I plan on starting my own herds of sheep and cattle, and selling their offspring to FFA and 4-H members. I will also assist local members in learning the knowledge necessary to raising and showing a market animal.

Favorite Cal Poly Pomona Experience: One of my most favorite experiences at this college so far has been being included in the College of Ag. Whether it be in the classroom or during an event, I have enjoyed the familiarity of my fellow Ag peers and professors. I also love the opportunity to travel to Ag functions and horse shows.

Personal Statement About Being an Ag Ambassador: Through becoming an Ag ambassador, I look forward to experiencing more programs and activities Cal Poly has to offer. One of my many goals as an Ag Ambassador is to be an ideal role model for future and present students, and to spark interest in students that are considering Cal Poly as their next school. I hope to bring out enthusiasm and animation in my peers and in the people I speak to.