Brad Borges is a Junior in Agricultural Systems Management.

Brad completed a degree in Mechanized Agriculture at Modesto Junior College and knew that he wanted more education before jumping in to the workforce. Finding himself at Texas A&M University he has come to love the culture, the traditions and the spirit of Aggieland.

This week, Brad sat down and chatted a little about his experiences at Texas A&M University and in the department.

What drew you to Texas A&M?

Brad: As a California native, it was a difficult decision to move all the way to Texas to further my education in Agricultural Systems Management. I had completed a Mechanized Agriculture Degree at Modesto Junior College in Modesto, CA in two years and I knew I wanted more education before I went into the workforce. I had applied to multiple universities both in and out of the state of California, but my main selling point for Texas A&M was the culture and education. I could not believe the amazing traditions and spirit that truly embodies what it means to be an Aggie. I visited over the summer a year before I came here and it was spectacular how everywhere you would turn true titans in American history had walked down the same steps, especially in Scoates Hall. I also knew for a fact that I would be getting some of the best education that one could find in the country. At the end of the day, no matter what college one attends you can get the “college experience”; however, at Texas A&M University, you become a part of a group, a network, a family, and that is why I attend Texas A&M University.

Why did you decide to study Agricultural Systems Management? What interests you about AGSM?

Brad: I decided to study Agricultural Systems Management for a variety of reasons but mainly for the first word, Agriculture. This word is my true passion, I believe that we as humans have a responsibility and a right to care for this planet and all who inhabit it. I know that the professors and faculty will help me excel in the leadership and management roles that this major will set me up for. Also, the mechanical courses makes this a well-rounded major that produces very intelligent graduates for a variety of fields. My personal interest in the major is water resource management. I hope to one-day return to California to find a career in water management in hopes to better prepare for future droughts that will occur. I love being an Agricultural Systems Management major in that I believe it truly embodies the A&M in Texas A&M.

What clubs are you a member of and why?

Brad: I became involved in a few clubs during my first semesters at Texas A&M. I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the university during the celebration of our department’s centennial. Here I was introduced to the clubs that run the Biological and Agriculture Engineering department. I became involved in the student chapter for ASABE and the AggiePullers. I was also elected as the Vice President of AggiePullers due to my previous experience with the ASABE Quarter Scale Competition. I am also a part of the AGSM curriculum committee as the undergrad student representative for this current academic years as well. I applied and was accepted as a student member of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council (C.O.A.L.S. Council). And I was just recently elected as the Vice President of Leadership for C.O.A.L.S Council and I look forward to serving the college. When I look to the future, I plan to stay involved with all these organizations; however, I would like to be more active in the AGSM student club, unfortunately scheduling conflicts have prevented me from being able to attend the meetings but I plan to fix that in the future. I would also like to be involved with the Aggie Orientation Leader Program (AOLP) in order to welcome new Aggies in to the Aggie Network.

Have you been abroad? Tell me about your experience.

Brad: I have not received an opportunity to study aboard as of now; however, I did have the opportunity to participate in Mexico Exchange when the Mexico students came to Texas A&M and I will be going to their university this summer, which I am very much looking forward to.
Also the study abroad program through the department in Belgium sounds like an amazing experience. Especially because it would focus on the soil, water, and irrigation courses that I am highly interested in and I would be able to learn about ideas in a different country and bring back my knowledge and experience to my career.

Tell me an about the research you are doing? Why do you want to do research?

Brad: Along with some fellow students, and Dr. Kingman, we have just recently begun a research project working with the AgriLife Extension services out on Stiles farm about an hour away from College Station. We will be working with no till equipment for soybeans, corn, and cotton. I am thoroughly excited to see where our research will take us in the future.

What do you want to do when you graduate? Why do you want to go that direction?

Brad: As of right now, I am not 100% sure what I will be doing once I graduate from Texas A&M University. One thing I know for sure is that I want to work in water resource management and irrigation somewhere in this world. I am passionate about agriculture and I want to help the world in any way in order to continue to produce enough food and water for the growing population. This could mean going to third world countries and showing them how to irrigate fertile land, working in the states for farmer’s water rights, or continuing my education to a Master degree or higher. Or all three! As a Fightin’ Texas Aggie, we are always told to pass it back and help the future generations have a better life then our own. I firmly believe that attending Texas A&M will help me do just that.