09/03/2026
Owl Spotlight: Congratulations to Edgar Esparza, a wildland resources and forestry major who recently graduated from Citrus College.
Prior to enrolling in 2022, Edgar says he was working at dead-end jobs and was unsure of what he wanted to do next. "I didn't have direction," he said. "That was when I decided to come to Citrus College to major in wildland resources and forestry."
"It just kind of happened," Edgar added. "One day, I was hiking because I really love nature. I always have. I lived in a little village in Mexico until I was 13, where I was surrounded by forests. I loved hiking, fishing and swimming, and picking fruit from the bushes. It was really nice, and I realized I wanted to make a career out of it."
As the only community college in Southern California that offers a forestry program, Citrus College became the natural choice for Edgar. And, after his first day in class, he knew he had made the right choice. "The instructor, Bobby Goodman, has an energetic vibe and drew me in with his lectures of how the forest connects with the ecosystem."
Edgar spent the next three years balancing full-time employment with a full-time class schedule, using his time off to complete homework and volunteer in Azusa Canyon. "I found that I had become more intentional at this age," he said. "I am more mature in my mindset than I had been when I was younger."
According to Edgar, all of his hard work was worthwhile. "I was motivated by wanting more and wanting to better myself, not only for me but for my family, friends and everyone who surrounds me," he said. "I saw this more as a calling than an interest. I have a passion for preserving the environment."
Now that he has earned his associate degree, Edgar is taking the next step toward that calling at Cal Poly Humboldt. This fall, he began pursuing a bachelor's degree in forest restoration. His professional goal is to be a ranger or have a career in "anything environmentally related."
Now that Edgar can "see the light at the end of the tunnel," he has some words of wisdom for other students:
"Keep going. Keep pushing. Keep trying," he said. "No matter what life throws at you, what obstacles you encounter or how you feel, just keep trying over and over again until you get it right. In the end, it's worth it."
Thank you for allowing Citrus College to be part of your journey, Edgar! We can't wait to see what your future holds. 🌲🦉🌳