Key Note Speaker: Mario Magana

Mario Magaña
4-H Extension Educator, OSU Extension Service, Marion County
3180 Center St NE RM 1361
Salem, OR 97301
503-373-3760
mario.magana@oregonstate.edu

I was born in Mexico in the State of Michoacán in a very small town named “Los Horcones.” I grew up in a very large family of 8 brothers and 7 sisters. My father, mother and all brothers were born in Mexico as well. I came to the United States of America in 1983 looking for work in the field of agriculture because that was the only experience that I brought from Mexico, since I worked in my homeland helping my family to grow our crops since I was seven. The main purpose of coming to the United State was to improve my family’s lifestyle.

I came to the State of Washington in January of 1983. I worked in the fields of agriculture (pears, cherries, peaches, plums, asparagus, hops, grapes, etc) doing different tasks like applying pesticides, cleaning, irrigating, and picking all types of fruits and harvesting hops. I worked two years in Iowa Beef Plant in Pasco, Washington and one year in a mechanic shop in Grandview, Washington.

One day I was picking apples when I heard on a radio station about a program at Washington Sate University offering opportunities for adults to get a GED Diploma. I went in 1990 and received my GED and at the same time I applied to Oregon State University to get my Bachelors Degree. I was admitted in 1992 and received my Bachelors Degree in 1997. I applied to the Graduate School at OSU in 1996 and was accepted in 1997 and graduated in 1999 with a Masters in Forestry, with a Minor in Adult Education, and a Minor in Spanish.

I applied for employment at Oregon State University in January of 2000 and was hired in February 28, 2000. From February 28, 2000 to July 15, 2003, I worked in Morrow and Umatilla counties. Since July, 2003, I have been working in Marion, Polk, Yamhill, and Clackamas counties. My responsibilities are to create, develop, and implement after-school enrichment classes, projects and activities where Latino children, youth and families will get involved in educational, safe and fun activities.

http://oregonstate.edu/education/people/4h/magana.html

I also assist students in their search for financial aid resources for continuing education, help adults to obtain GED's and advise those pursuing a career in a college or university.