Branden Longoria is a second year Political Science major here at FCC and this is his first year writing for the Fresno City Rampage, this is his first experience writing for a news organization. He was born in Kirkland, Washington in 2006 and graduated from Clovis High School in 2024.  Branden greatly values his connections with people, and understands the importance of empathy and the value of learning from others’ experiences. He holds the belief that this understanding is the key to effecting positive change. One of his goals is to transfer to a four year college and pursue a career in journalism. He has a deep love for music, and has been playing instruments since the fifth grade. Branden participates in many marching ensembles, including the Fresno State Marching Band and most recently performing with the Sacramento Mandarins, competing in the Drum Corps International World Championships in Indianapolis.  He currently works as an instructor for multiple high school and middle school marching bands in the Central Valley and hopes to continue teaching. In his free time, Branden enjoys listening to music, reading and hanging out with his friends. He also enjoys watching movies, and tries to make it to the theaters as often as he can. Branden is excited for this new adventure, and can not wait to see what his semester with the Rampage has in store for him.