From Columbia to College Station, seeking Aggie leadership training

Growing up in Colombia, Miguel Diaz had no initial plans to study in the United States, but when he met other international students who raved about the unique Aggie experience at Texas A&M University, his academic path changed.

When deciding to move to Texas, Diaz considered the language and cultural challenges as well as the distance from family and friends.

However, he was convinced that the reward outweighed any hurdles, and as a doctoral student in the School of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication at Texas A&M University, he began his quest to combine his passion for agriculture and biology with a social curiosity.

He decided that the department offered him an unprecedented opportunity for a world-class education.

Aggies leave a lasting impression

Diaz grew up in the Andean town of Paipa. After high school, he traded the quiet of the small town for the hectic city life in Bogotá, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

He first heard about Texas A&M during an internship at the University of São Paulo in Brazil.

“During my time there, I had the opportunity to meet several Aggies who were also interning, as well as Brazilian students who had previously interned at Texas A&M,” he said. “Their enthusiasm and positive experiences left a lasting impression on me. They often spoke about the university’s impressive campus, vibrant football tradition and the strong sense of community that permeates the Aggie network. That first contact stayed with me for years.”

As Diaz began considering potential doctoral programs, he remembered those words from former students. He said Texas A&M naturally resurfaced in his mind and prompted him to look into the institution more closely.

“My research confirmed what I had heard; Texas A&M was highly ranked in my field of study,” Diaz said. “The combination of academic reputation and community spirit that I remembered made it a compelling choice.”

Finding your calling

As a child, Diaz said, he had a variety of ambitions. He dreamed of becoming a high school science teacher, a biologist, or even a musician. As he grew older, however, he realized the importance of tailoring his ambitions to his developing interests and strengths.

“My interest in my field began with a passion for science, particularly biology and chemistry, and its application in agriculture,” he said. “The deeper I delved into it, the more curious I became about the interplay between social factors and technical components in agricultural systems.”

This curiosity led him to study how social dynamics influence agricultural practices and decision-making processes. Diaz wanted to understand why people behave in certain ways, how they make decisions, and what factors shape their understanding of agricultural issues.

“I was driven by a desire to explore the educational elements related to the environment and agriculture,” Diaz said. “These interests guided me on my academic path and fueled my commitment to studying agricultural leadership, education and communication.”

Although Diaz is not yet sure if he will work in academia or industry after completing his PhD, he knows he wants to honor the personal and educational opportunities he has been fortunate enough to receive in a way that allows him to give back to the community in a meaningful way.

Educational Mentors

Mentors played a crucial role in Diaz’s academic journey from Brazil to Colombia and then to College Station.

Professors in São Paulo introduced him to the world of social sciences in agriculture and laid the foundation for his studies. Mentors during his master’s studies at the University of Colombia encouraged and guided Diaz through the intricacies of environmental research, providing him with theoretical and practical insights.

Diaz was fortunate to meet many encouraging and outstanding faculty at Texas A&M University, but one particularly influential person was Dara Wald, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental communication and co-director of the Science Communications Lab in the Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications.

“Dr. Wald introduced me to the field of environmental communication,” said Diaz. “She taught me that high-quality research is a meticulous process that requires patience and attention to detail. Her emphasis on rigor and supportive guidance have significantly shaped my approach to research.”

Diaz said his professors imparted knowledge to him and inspired him to strive for excellence in his studies and research. He said their influence was profound, shaping his academic path and instilling in him a deep appreciation for their respective fields.

Family and friendships as a balance to studies

Diaz visits his hometown at every opportunity to see his parents, family and friends.

“My parents have always been incredibly respectful and supportive of every decision I’ve made,” he said. “They are my role models of persistence, hard work and determination, and I am grateful for their guidance and encouragement.”

He is also grateful to have found an extended family in College Station. Through his faculty, international student networks, and willingness to engage in new activities and experiences, he has made friends that he knows will last him a lifetime.

Diaz said Texas A&M’s vibrant and welcoming community offers numerous opportunities to participate in Aggieland’s unique traditions.

“My friends and I spend a lot of time together and plan different activities to ensure we live a balanced and fulfilling life,” he said. “They provide companionship and emotional support and help make my time even more enjoyable and enriching.”

His circle of friends also includes people who share some of his passions, including soccer, basketball, dancing, music of all genres, and watching movies.

“I love going to the movies because it’s a great way to unwind and immerse myself in different stories and perspectives,” said Diaz. “I like to dance to Latin music with my friends. It’s a fun and energetic way to connect with my cultural roots and share joyful moments with my friends.”

Like many Aggies, Diaz enjoys attending tailgate parties and football games.

“The passion the Aggies have for football is truly remarkable,” Diaz said. “Participating in the traditions and rituals that surround each game is unforgettable.”

Diaz loves the palpable excitement in the stadium, the sense of community and solidarity and enjoys immersing himself in the electrifying atmosphere of the games.

The passion and commitment on campus have inspired his academic and personal goals.

“Studying at Texas A&M University is a transformative experience.”