Студентка аграрного вуза из Мексики начала стажировку в программе восстановления земель Sky Island Alliance

Hi, my name is Vanesa Martínez, and I’m originally from the State of Mexico. I’m currently studying agronomic and livestock engineering, with a specialization in natural resources, at the Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro in Saltillo, Coahuila. Since I was young, I’ve felt a great curiosity about life and everything that’s part of our environment. I’ve always been drawn to the different forms of life, both aquatic and terrestrial, including those we can’t see with the naked eye. Over time, that curiosity became one of the main reasons I decided to study a field related to the agricultural sector and natural resources. I chose my field of study because I believe it allows us to understand the relationship between living things, the environment, and the ways we use and conserve our resources. Within my studies, the area of natural resources has sparked a great interest in me, because it lets me learn about conservation, management, and the responsible use of ecosystems. Studying this field doesn’t just mean gaining technical knowledge — it also means learning to see our surroundings differently, trying to understand that every element of an ecosystem has an important role to play. People are also reading… I decided to do my internship with Sky Island Alliance and their Ranchos Regenerativos program in Sonora, primarily because of the goals and work related to land management and natural resources. I believe this experience is an opportunity to build on the knowledge I’ve gained during my university studies. One of my main hopes is to learn more about how this organization works, the activities it carries out, and the knowledge applied in its day-to-day work. I want to make the most of this stage by learning everything I can from the people on the SIA team, gaining new perspectives, and picking up the tools I need to keep growing both academically and professionally. At the same time, I hope the knowledge and experience I gain during my internship will benefit not just me, but also the people I share it with — helping build awareness about the importance of responsible resource management. A phrase that inspires me: “Not all those who wander are lost.” (The Lord of the Rings). To me, this means that we don’t always have to know exactly where we’re going in order to be moving forward. Sometimes we’re exploring, learning, and discovering our path along the way.