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Howdy, Arianna Menchaca ’25

Cargill THRIVE Scholar is committed to never wasting a heartbeat.

By Dorian Martin ’06

Photography by Case Rhome

Arianna Menchaca ’25 found herself facing a whirlwind of emotions after her mother died from COVID-19 in 2021.

At the time, she was transferring from San Antonio’s Palo Alto College to Texas A&M University. Already worried about making the academic transition and finding her place on the university’s 5,200-acre campus, Menchaca faced the added weight of grief and concerns about her family’s financial situation.

Fortunately, the animal science major found community in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Cargill THRIVE Program. “THRIVE has helped me tremendously to keep moving,” she explained. “In addition to providing programmatic assistance, THRIVE is a supportive group of amazing individuals. I’m so thankful it provided a scholarship that helped lift the financial burden off my shoulders, so I could attend Texas A&M, continue my education and keep excelling in my community and school. Without it, I don’t know where I’d be.”
 

A Place to Prosper

Initiated in 2021 by Cargill, a leading global food, ingredients, agricultural solutions and industrial products company, the THRIVE Program provides funding for scholarships and enrichment support at Texas A&M, other universities and associations to break down some of the barriers to success faced by many college students. Thus far, 760 students have benefited nationally during its first three years. 

“Cargill is a strong corporate partner of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and its investment in THRIVE has been so impactful for our students,” said Dr. Chris Skaggs, associate dean for student development. “The program has equipped our students with the skills necessary to reach their full potential and succeed as future agricultural industry leaders. It provides real-world experiences to help students secure employment opportunities following graduation and transition with confidence into the working world.”

Cargill focuses not only on financial support, but developing and mentoring its students.

Texas A&M currently has 146 Aggies spread across four THRIVE cohorts. “They’re terrific students who have graduated in the top percentile of their classes,” said Jerome Linyear ’23 ’26, the university’s graduate student program director.

THRIVE Scholars participate in numerous on-campus enrichment activities, such as seminars on StrengthsQuest and entrepreneurship, etiquette dinners and resume workshops. Additionally, upper-class THRIVE Scholars mentor the program’s freshmen, which creates a sense of community while providing ongoing leadership development experiences.

The program also invites THRIVE Scholars into the Cargill community. Students have had opportunities to interact with company and industry leaders at Cargill’s corporate office in Minnesota and its Fort Worth meat-processing plant, which positions students for internships.

These combined experiences give Aggies a deeper understanding of the global food industry. “I’ve benefited the most from learning about the complexities of agricultural production systems and being exposed to various career fields within the industry,” said Greyson Castillo ’25, an animal science major who plans to pursue a master’s degree in animal reproduction.

Pleased with the return on investment and impressed with the Aggie THRIVE Scholars, Cargill extended its financial commitment to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and expanded into the College of Engineering in fall 2024, bringing their total Texas A&M funding to more than $2 million. “Texas A&M students are passionate and dedicated,” said Melissa Stockness, a Cargill senior talent acquisition consultant. “They really bring enthusiasm and brilliance to the table.”
 

Arianna Menchaca ’25 is one of the many students who have benefited from Cargill's partnership with Texas A&M University

Meet Arianna

Like many Aggies in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Arianna Menchaca ’25 began her agricultural journey in her high school’s National FFA Organization chapter.

Wanting to translate her passion for animals into a career, she began her agricultural studies at Palo Alto College and turned to instructor Ty Chumbley ’06 for his recommendation on the best place to study animal science.

His advice: Texas A&M. And in a testament to the power of the Aggie Network, Chumbley promptly introduced her to Dr. Chris Skaggs and helped her apply.

Now the Cargill THRIVE Scholar is closing in on graduation and considering her next steps. She recently completed an internship at Cargill’s bioscience complex in Nebraska and is leaning toward a career in food safety and quality.
 

What drives your passion for food safety?

I appreciate making a difference in the products we produce. There is so much that goes into food safety and quality—from looking at product specifications to testing—to make sure the best products get to customers’ tables. It’s a large team of people going to great lengths to keep everyone safe. 

How are you involved around Aggieland?

I’m a member of the professional women’s agriculture sorority Sigma Alpha and of Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences. I hope to get involved again with the Saddle & Sirloin Club and be part of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Meat Judging Team! I also volunteer at Aggieland Humane Society, where I help dogs find loving homes. 

Describe yourself in three words.

Passionate, caring and driven.

What are the wise words you regularly turn to?

My cross country and track coach in middle and high school used to say, “Every day is a great day! Never waste a heartbeat.” That quote reminds me that even if your day didn’t go the way you wanted, you still need to be thankful and seize every opportunity that comes your way.

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