For Holland McGuire, Stanislaus State offered familiarity, connection and a pathway toward serving the next generation of agriculture students.
McGuire, an agriculture education student from Waterford, chose Stan State because it was local and rooted in the region she has always loved.
“I chose to attend Stan State because it was close to home and so familiar to me,” McGuire said. “I grew up around here and have always loved the small-town aspect. I couldn't leave.”
Her most memorable experiences were the everyday moments that shaped her transition into college life: attending classes, building relationships with classmates and adjusting to the demands and opportunities of being a Stan State student. Those simple, steady experiences helped her build confidence and community.
“My experience at Stan State showed me that you don’t have to be perfect or have everything figured out to succeed,” McGuire said. “Staying consistent, showing up and pushing through challenges helped me grow over time.”
McGuire said Sofía Brizuela-Obando, assistant professor of agricultural education, had the greatest impact on her during her two years at Stan State. She described Brizuela-Obando as a dedicated mentor who walked alongside her throughout the agriculture education program.
“She cares so deeply about each of her students and is so passionate about what she does,” McGuire said. “She walked with me through every step of this program, guiding me toward my next steps as well. I am so grateful for her guidance and leadership.”
Her dedication has been clear to those around her. Allison Kincaid-Nervino, marketing specialist in the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing, described McGuire as a hardworking student with a passion for giving back and a drive to become an agriculture educator in the Valley. McGuire has balanced full-time studies while maintaining two part-time jobs to support her education.
“Holland (Holly) is a dedicated and hard-working student who's always had a passion for helping others and is using that drive and passion to become an ag educator here in the Valley,” Kincaid-Nervino said.
This fall, McGuire will begin the single subject credential program at Stan State, participating in the new agriculture-centered credential option to pursue her goal of becoming a high school agriculture teacher. She hopes to help students understand the many possibilities in agriculture and the industry's importance to the region.
“With my Stan State degree, I will become a high school agriculture teacher, where I am so excited for the opportunity to work with future generations and teach them about the importance of the agriculture industry,” McGuire said.
#StanGrad File
Name
Holland McGuire
Hometown
Waterford , CA
Degree/Credential
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Agriculture Education
What memories stand out most from your time at Stanislaus State?
“Some of the most memorable parts of my time at Stanislaus State were the everyday experiences — attending classes, building relationships with classmates, and adjusting to college life.”
Which faculty or staff member had the greatest impact on you, and why?
“Dr. Sofia Brizuela-Obando had the greatest impact on me throughout my two years here. She cares so deeply about each of her students and is so passionate about what she does.”
What advice would you give to current and future students?
“My advice to future students is that it is okay to not have everything figured out right away. Take advantage of every opportunity and dive into the experiences, and the rest will follow. Everyone here is on their own path, and it is okay for yours to look a bit different. Work with your professors, ask questions and put yourself out there. You will only ever regret the opportunities that you did not take hold of.”
Note: This article is part of the StanGrad series highlighting Stanislaus State students who are part of the Class of 2026. Read more StanGrad profiles.
