NCNLA STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Student Spotlight: Saralyn vanHalem Nursery & Landscape Notes is introducing you to the next generation of green industry professionals with this section featuring current and recent college students with plans to pursue careers in the field.
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aralyn vanHalem is a native of Mebane, N.C., who graduated from Alamance Community College (ACC) in June 2018 with a degree in horticulture. Soon after graduation, she began working as a head grower of tropicals/vines, herbs and annuals at Plantworks Nursery in Rougemont, N.C. She is the recipient of the 2019 Outstanding Recent Alumni of the Year from ACC.
How did you discover horticulture?
Gardening and farming have been in my family for generations, so I always had it in my blood. I just didn’t know it would become my passion until I was almost in my 30s.
What were your most valuable experiences, either in school or from other exposure to the industry?
While I was getting my degree, I became the greenhouse manager for the school, which really gave me a chance to test the waters of growing plants before I left to work at Plantworks Nursery.
What were your favorite college classes? My favorite classes were Specialty Crops, Equipment Operations, Irrigation, and Arboriculture.
What are your plans after graduation? After I graduated in 2018, I started working at Plantworks Nursery in Rougemont. At the end of October 2020, my family and I are moving to Florida, where I have accepted a job as labor manager for Fernlea Flowers, a wholesale nursery.
What advice would you give to a student interested in the field?
There are so many paths in the horticultural field; never stop trying until you find where your plant heart belongs.
There are so many paths in the horticultural field; never stop trying until you find where your plant heart belongs.
What is your favorite plant and why?
This is an extremely tough question for me! I have so many, but I am a sucker for Rex Begonias.
FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 11
