Learn. Grow. Do. Teach.
There were plenty of reasons not to do it. I could have easily talked myself out of it. I’m too busy. I haven’t done anything like this in years. It might be too hard. What if I fail?
But ultimately, my love of learning and growing in my profession won out, For the past few months, I’ve been studying to become a certified arborist. I’ll admit, the challenge is a bit daunting, and I’m a little nervous. But I’m also confident. I’ve conquered big challenges before.
I completed my formal education in 1981 and then again in 2001, having earned a degree in environmental horticulture and an international MBA and designation as a Georgia Certified Landscape Professional.
Once I’m credentialed by the International Society of Arboriculture, I’ll have the most up-to-date knowledge, science, expertise and experience possible to perform tree care at the highest professional level for my clients. The certification will be a nice feather to put in my horticultural cap and another qualification for Art of Stone Gardening.
So please wish me luck! The ISO test is in March.
Teaching, too
While I’m a big supporter of professional development and lifelong learning, I also love teaching. And I get to do a lot of it in different settings for various types of students.
I recently taught classes in Landscape Design and Water Smart Landscape Design for members of the Hall County Master Gardeners. And in March, I’ll be teaching a class on Woody Plant Identification for the Dawson County Extension Service.
Let me know if your group is interested in having me teach a class or if you’d like to be notified when I have classes or workshops coming up that will be open to the public.
