From migrant farmworker to Food Industry Management major

Julian Rafael, a sophomore majoring in Food Industry Management, started his journey far from East Lansing.  Today, his goal is to make a better life for migrant farmworker families by using his degree to build a food distribution business.

Rafael grew up in a migrant family in Phar, Texas located near the border with Mexico. At a young age, he joined his mother, father and brother as a migrant farmworker. Each year, the family followed the harvest cycle, from sweet corn to cherries to watermelon. Rafael continued to work alongside his family through high school.

At high school, Rafael met a recruiter from the College Assistance Migrant Program who persuaded him that Michigan State University could be a good option. CAMP is an educational program that offers young people a unique opportunity to study at MSU. Directed by Luís García, CAMP is a residential program that assists migrant and seasonal farm worker students with academic, social, and financial support to enable them to complete their first year of college.

Reflecting on the impact of CAMP and its staff for his own educational experience, Rafael said, “[CAMP] has really helped me a lot. They guide me through everything and are here for me as a family. We as CAMP scholars are all in this experience together and that has made it feel like home because it feels like family.”

Rafael switched his degree program in 2022 to FIM in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics. He realized this new pathway would help him impact individuals who come from a migrant family background or are involved farm labor. After two years on campus, Rafael still finds the experience to be a little daunting, but he continues to bet on himself to build a successful career.

“I didn’t see myself coming to MSU originally,” Rafael explained. “Look at me now, though. I believe that Food Industry Management is going to help me build my own business that can help a lot of farm workers.”

Julian on an apple industry tour with other AFRE students

Rafael takes advantage of experiences outside the classroom to deepen his understanding of the food and agricultural industry in Michigan and abroad. He has studied in Mexico with CAMP and joined AFRE field trips to Michigan agribusinesses. He is currently looking for internships related to Food Industry Management.

Rafael recognizes that an experience like attending MSU may be intimidating to young students coming from migrant families.  He shared these words of encouragement: “Todo se puede. You can do everything. If people try to bring you down, show them who you are. Show them your worth.”

This story was updated from an original article written by Levy Randolph, and was originally featured on the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics website.