Yara Gonzalez recently looked out the window of her new office and struggled to see anything through the snowstorm occurring outside. Slightly frightened and worried about the drive she would have to make home, she watched her first North Dakota snowfall.

Gonzalez is the new soil conservationist at the Morton County Soil Conservation District, where she works to help farmers and ranchers make better decisions for their land.

Gonzalez interned in the Devils Lake area office for three months in the summer of 2007. She then went back to Puerto Rico, where she is originally from, and graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez with a bachelor's degree in agronomy. After graduating, she decided to come back to North Dakota.

"It's a really nice place," Gonzalez said.

The differences in the environment of Puerto Rico and North Dakota are endless, and Gonzalez's co-workers appreciate the diversity she provides.

"She brings a whole different culture," said Michele Doyle, district conservationist.

Making the big move from Puerto Rico to North Dakota is, without a doubt, a challenge. But with the help of her friends, Gonzalez manages.

"I have some friends from Puerto Rico here," Gonzalez said. "We spend time together, and we cook and talk Spanish."

While being in this position for only a short period of time, Gonzalez has already settled in. After only three months in the office, Gonzalez said she feels comfortable.

Not only does she like the people in her office, who she says are very professional, she likes North Dakota residents altogether.

"I like the people here," Gonzalez said. "They are always smiling, and they are very polite."

As a soil conservationist, Gonzalez goes to a landowner's field to make a conservation plan for their land that will conserve their soil, enhance their water quality, improve and protect wildlife habitat and manage nutrients.

"I chose this major because I like conservation. I think people need to think more about a green world," Gonzalez said. "We need to make a difference."

Gonzalez is enthused about the new challenge and excited about making a difference while helping others.

"I think it's going to be a good experience," Gonzalez said.

(Macy Egeland is a student at Century High School. Reach Egeland at macy.egeland@;bismarcktribune.com.)