writing and winning

Do you remember me mentioning that I'm taking horticulture classes?!

 Well, about two months ago I wrote an essay and applied for a scholarship through the Old Dominion Golf Course Superintendents Association, and I won. 

It's been nearly a decade since I wrote something of this nature, I am certainly (very very) out of practice, and to be chosen for a piece that feels close to my heart was incredibly gratifying. 

I want to share it with you now.

Disclaimer: includes the most cliche closing line of all time.

crocosmia blooming last summer

March 10th, 2012 was the first day I ever really worked outside. I'm not talking about mowing the lawn, or weeding the backyard garden. I'm talking about really working. The type of work that leaves your muscles feeling like jello. The type of work that challenges your mind and your sanity. The type of work that makes you want to scream, and cry, but when you finally make it through and your head touches the pillow you know that it was all worth it.  

I finished my coffee, tied my work boots, and stepped out onto the 117-acre farm holding my breathe. I was terrified. There were thousands of animals to be fed, and dozens of fences to be inspected, moved and mended. We started with the rabbits. Then onto the sheep. Cows, goats, chickens, pigs, turkeys. The task of hauling them all water alone took a good part of the day. It was completely exhausting, but the air and the sunshine were invigorating. I loved it.  

That was the beginning of my yearlong internship at Tuckahoe Lamb and Cattle Company in Cartersville, Virginia.  It was an experience that taught me the struggles and rewards of a green career, working with nature, and battling the elements that go along with it. It challenged me in ways I never could have imagined, but also taught me an important lesson about myself; I am meant to work outdoors. 

Fast forward to March 1st, 2017. After spending four years trapped within the walls of bars, restaurants and country clubs, I started my dream job. I was offered the position of Horticulturist at Hunting Hills Country Club by Chuck Cooke, a former colleague from our time at Ballyhack Golf Club, where he was the Assistant Superintendent of the grounds and I was a Head Server in the clubhouse. I clearly remember those days, watching the guys work outside and longing to join them. With little knowledge and no substantial experience in the field, I found myself again, terrified. However, it was the opportunity of a lifetime for me to work outside again, and I dove in head first. My first month was rocky, to say the least. I struggled to start and operate power tools, I butchered several varieties of plants, and my puny waitress physique cried out for me to surrender.  

I had passion though. Hours after work were spent researching plants, pests, and diseases. Every flower bed was studied, plants identified, pruning methods discovered. I also help the crew with many golf related tasks, such as setting tee markers, fixing ball marks, and aerification. I have learned an incredible amount of information already, but I am determined to learn more. I am now seeking higher education in the horticulture field to further my knowledge. This is a field of study that I am truly passionate about, and intend to spend the rest of my life pursuing. I hope that you will consider me for this scholarship because this truly is my dream come true.