Inspired by her memories of attending the Peach Blossom Festival as a child, Christina Wells wants to continue the program’s legacy of excellence that she recalled as a kid.

Wells, a lecturer for the department of communication, is in her second year as director of Peach Blossom with associate director Elise Barba.

Like her mother, sister and three aunts, Wells participated in Peach Blossom as a kid. She said the festival provides children an opportunity to gain confidence in public speaking and introduces them to Fresno State’s campus.

The 62nd annual Peach Blossom Festival will be held on campus March 12 and 13. More than 6,000 students from elementary schools all over the Valley, from as far north as Livingston and as far south as Delano, will participate in the festival.

Peach Blossom was created to allow children the opportunity to have a positive experience on a college campus while allowing them to appreciate and perform through oral interpretations.

“The festival has left such a positive passion for expression and in turn shaped my professional trajectory as evidenced today,” said Wells, who has worked at the University for six years.

Wells earned her bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of California, Davis; a master’s degree in communication arts from Fresno State and multiple subject credential from California State University, East Bay. She lives in Fresno with her husband and two children, Blair and Blake.

Wells enjoys staying active and working out to balance out being a foodie. She also loves playing outside with her kids and watching movies.

Campus News asked Wells about Peach Blossom, her passion for Fresno State and her goals.

What skills and experiences do volunteering students gain from running Peach Blossom? There are 10 teams that handle specific duties to ensure the event’s effectiveness. Those teams are: registration, T-shirts, judges, chaperones, facilities, certificates, web design, publicity and social media, donations and athletes. Each team requires a specific skill set but overall each student gains experience in teamwork, communication with the public and faculty, appropriate use of mediated forms of communication and time management (to name a few). These students are volunteering numerous hours and their efforts provide great experience for future employers.

How do kids respond to the University? What excites them most about Fresno State? I believe kids are in awe when coming on campus. They see such a beautiful and large campus full of diversity and opportunity. Being on campus makes attending college more accessible/realistic in their goal setting. I think they are excited to perform their presentations and interact with the college students and faculty judges.

What do you like about Fresno State? I enjoy teaching students and helping them find confidence in their communicative efforts. I truly enjoy the conversations held in my classes and witnessing students’ ”Aha moments.”

Goals include: Professionally, having another paper accepted and presenting at the National Communication Association Convention and/or at Western States Communication Association Convention. Also, to continue to grow the Peach Blossom Festival beyond current boundaries and grade levels. Personally, to complete another distance race, such as a half marathon or dare I say marathon.

(Editor's note: Campus News accepts nominations for faculty and staff profiles. These stories allow the campus community to learn about the many colleagues who contribute to the success of Fresno State. If you know someone with an interesting story — a passion for helping the community or a cause, a remarkable life journey, or there is just something fascinating about them to share — please email campusnews@csufresno.edu.)