Petunia the Pansy Sparks a Journey for Aspiring Horticulturist.
Erika Beck’s journey into the world of plants began with a simple wager involving a pansy named Petunia. As a freshman at Tri-Valley High School, Beck made a bet with a student teacher in her agriculture program. She claimed she could keep a tiny donated pansy plug alive, despite her track record of killing every plant she touched. “I had the biggest brown thumb around,” Beck admitted.
However, Petunia, named humorously “like naming a cat ‘Dog,’” sparked a passion for gardening within her. “I carried it everywhere— to school, to softball, to volleyball,” she said. This bond with the pansy ignited her interest in plants and their growth.
Beck’s connection with Petunia extended beyond mere survival. She chronicled the pansy’s journey on Instagram, where Petunia thrived and produced baby offshoots. “She did amazing,” Beck recalled. Unfortunately, when the pandemic hit, Petunia no longer traveled with her, revealing that she enjoyed being on the move.
The love for plants blossomed within Beck, leading her to pursue jobs and internships in the field. “I’ve worked with a wholesaler, in floral design, and in greenhouses,” she said. Despite still killing some plants, she finds joy in learning about different care techniques.
In August 2023, Beck enrolled in the horticulture and turf management programs at Southeast Technical College (STC). “I liked how it was close to home and affordable,” she explained. The smaller class sizes provided a personal learning experience.
Beck’s commitment has opened doors to national opportunities in the field. Last year, she and her classmates attended the Sports Turf Management Association (STMA) national conference and student competition in Florida. This led to an invitation to a Women in Turf event during the Little League Softball World Series, where she worked with an all-female grounds crew.
“It was so much fun,” Beck said. “I was never too interested in sports turf, but it opened a new avenue for me.” She appreciated the chance to see the behind-the-scenes work and the willingness of experienced women to teach her.
Beck joined the women in the crew, who playfully referred to their mascot as a duck. They embraced their unique position as women in a male-dominated industry, finding camaraderie and support.
According to Cory Borgen, Beck’s sports turf management instructor, she stands out among STC students for her positive attitude and strong work ethic. “Erika capitalizes on unique learning opportunities,” he said. Other students, like Ben Kuiters, have also secured internships with major organizations, such as the Atlanta Falcons NFL grounds crew.
With over 20 years of experience, the STC horticulture department has a history of students attending significant events and securing valuable internships. Notable alumni include Ryan Woodly, who became the director of grounds for the Milwaukee Brewers and has since hired several STC graduates.
Co-curricular organizations like the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) play a crucial role in students’ professional development. Borgen noted these organizations encourage students to engage with industry professionals, enhancing their skills and confidence.
As the demand for horticulture and turf management grows, STC’s enrollment has remained steady. The Women in Turf initiative is working to address the industry’s worker shortage and promote careers for women in this field.
For Beck, the future is bright. “There’s so much to do with this degree,” she said. She hopes to explore various roles in the industry, particularly with large companies managing extensive gardens and greenhouses.
STC’s horticulture and sports turf management programs boast a 100 percent job placement rate for graduates. “Our graduates are in high demand and often secure jobs months before graduation,” Borgen said. Some employers even offer to pay for student tuition in exchange for a commitment to work after graduation.
Those interested in horticulture or sports turf management are encouraged to gain experience through job-shadowing or part-time work at garden centers, landscaping companies, golf courses, or city parks. The STC admissions office offers tours of the facilities.
Both programs also provide full-ride Build Dakota Scholarships, with applications opening on January 1. Beck encourages others to explore this field, saying, “It’s a lot of fun, and you don’t need a green thumb. If you love plants and creativity, it’s a fantastic program. Every day, you learn something new, and no two days are the same.”
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