First-generation Blinn student pursues agricultural career through RELLIS pathway

Marichel Hernandez preparing for future as an agricultural specialist

March 31, 2026

For Marichel Hernandez, agriculture is more than a field of study – it is a way to serve her community. Through the Blinn College District’s Agricultural Sciences Program and its partnership at the RELLIS Academic Alliance, the Eagle Pass native is preparing for a career protecting the nation’s food supply as an agricultural specialist with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

“In high school, I did Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4-H, which taught me responsibility through raising animals and helped me grow personally,” Hernandez said. “My hometown is five minutes from Mexico, and my dad is a Customs and Border Protection officer, so he suggested this as a good way to combine my interest in agriculture with a stable career.”

Hernandez’s path to Blinn began during an FFA competition visit to Texas A&M University, where she connected with a Blinn representative. There, she learned about Blinn’s proximity to Texas A&M and the opportunities its Agricultural Sciences Program offered for students seeking smooth transfer pathways.

“My college advisor told me about the connection with Texas A&M-Kingsville at RELLIS for agribusiness and I thought, ‘This is perfect,’” Hernandez said.

After she completes her Associate of Science in Agricultural Business at Blinn, Hernandez can seamlessly transfer into Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s agribusiness program and earn her bachelor’s degree. This pathway is part of Blinn’s role as the community college partner in the RELLIS Academic Alliance, which allows students to complete their associate degree with Blinn and continue toward a bachelor’s degree from one of the Texas A&M System regional universities located at RELLIS.

As a first-generation college student, Hernandez said Blinn’s affordability and supportive environment have been critical to her success.

“What I love about Blinn is that there are all these people who are helping me along the way. Since I’m first-generation, I’m doing everything on my own, and I want to set an example for my siblings because I’m the oldest,” Hernandez said. “I’ve been able to get scholarships, and coming from a small town like Eagle Pass, the small student-to-teacher ratio really helps me. I like that everybody is here for something they want to achieve.”

Blinn’s Agricultural Sciences Program is the largest in the state offering a two-year associate degree in agriculture. Degrees include an associate of science in agriculture or agricultural business, which transfer to the state’s leading universities, including Texas A&M, Sam Houston State, and Tarleton State. The program also offers a wide range of agricultural extracurriculars, including a national champion livestock judging team, Ag club, and Ag Mechanics Club.

In addition to her goal of becoming an agricultural specialist, Hernandez also is drawn to the prospect of teaching.

“My goal is to go back home and work at the international bridge, but I would also like to go into teaching,” Hernandez said. “I grew up teaching my little brothers their homework, and I used to teach my little stuffed animals, so that’s something I have always been passionate about.”

As she continues her journey, Hernandez encourages other first-generation students to take advantage of the support available to them.

“Don’t be afraid to ask for help,” she said. “Advisors are there to support you. They want to see you succeed. I’m creating a legacy by coming here to Blinn and RELLIS. I am going to be able to go back home with more experience and expertise to do what I want in the future.”

For more information about Blinn’s Agricultural Sciences Program, visit www.blinn.edu/agricultural-sciences.