She is my mentor
Her name is Maria. She is the farm manager of the current farm I work for, UCC Hawaii. She’s had the position for 20 years. Took me quick enough to find someone like her. I rent a room in her place too.
Prior to working full time in UCC, I started off as part time picker.
I wanted to leave my previous farm so badly, so I was looking for field maintenance work. At that time I showed up in UCC’s office. Maria said that if I want to work there, I had to start as a picker. The only experience I had in picking at that time was on my days off that I’d voluntarily pick cherries in the previous farm, making 30lbs the most. I was hesitant to say yes quickly, but I immediately recognized the sternness in her voice like she carries herself as a teacher. I asked if I can work 2 days a week and they were fine with it. They gave me papers to sign, then after a week, I returned it, and started. I won’t ever forget the time that Beny, the person in charge of finance, told me that they didn't think I’ll ever come back.
Many things happened in between but after 3 months of working part time, I finally decided to work full time with Maria. Now, more than ever, living my life in Hawaii finally makes sense. More than validating the way I think, she strives to always improve everything. Her focus and determination on the job makes me want to keep up with the amount of experience she has in coffee. She has the strongest mindset and the kindest heart. Finding a person with those characteristics, and a deep knowledge/understanding in coffee farming is absolutely rare to find. I learn about farm life too, reducing waste and some common sense on skills I’ve never touched base on.
Her strength reminds me of my mom and my grandmother’s. I am one stubborn individual who takes on, on these women in my life. Don’t get me wrong. I love them. The advise they give on my career is just sometimes irrelevant because I’m the only one who took a profession in coffee. However, with all questions and guidance I have right now, I will listen to Maria. I recognize her value in my life and I know that in this aspect of coffee, more than being my boss, she is my mentor.
