For Carolina Lopez Murillo, an agriculture business major, agriculture has always been a part of her life.
Murillo grew up in Kern County, always surrounded by agriculture. Her mother, a farmworker and her brothers had connections in the industry.
“I knew that I didn’t want to work in something as strenuous as them, but I always admired agriculture,” Murillo said.
That admiration eventually turned into curiosity, which led to a career.
Murillo began working in agriculture finance, completing legal paperwork for farm loans. The job opened her eyes to a broader perspective of the industry. She was filled with curiosity about the ins and outs behind this business.
She decided to enroll in the agriculture business program at Cal State Bakersfield.
Throughout her time at CSUB, she was actively involved in the agriculture club, serving as Treasurer for three years. She organized and collaborated with different areas on campus to support the club and help build connections between students and industry professionals.
While balancing her course load, and career Murillo is also mother of a 12 year old son, Benjamin. She returned to Bakersfield College in 2019, when her son was five. He has been her greatest support through this entire journey of hers.
Her hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed by her professors.
Dr. Aaron Hedge, an economics professor at CSUB, praised Murillo noting that she is one of the strongest students in the program.
Another professor in the program mentioned how engaged is as a student Murillo is bringing real-world agriculture experience to the classroom.
“It’s not just a benefit to me, but it’s a benefit to the other students in class, to have somebody that’s engaged like she is,” Dr. John Deal said.
She is extremely grateful for CSUB and the knowledge that she has acquired throughout her time in the program.
“You still have a business degree and all of the skills are transferable. There’s nothing that you can’t take that you’ve learned in this program and apply it anywhere else,” Murillo said.
The ability to connect work and academics simultaneously is what Murillo accomplished at CSUB. She will be graduating with her Bachelors of Science in Agriculture Business on May 16.
