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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
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Nursery & Landscape Notes is introducing you to the next generation of green industry professionals by featuring current and recent college students with plans to pursue careers in the field.
Charles Cheema Student Profile Name: Charles Cheema Hometown: Wilmington, NC College: Elon University,
Alamance Community College (ACC), North Carolina A&T University Graduation dates:
May 2019; ACC: June 2022; NC A&T: TBD Major/Area of Study: Elon: outdoor
education; ACC: horticulture; NC A&T: agricultural education Horticulture-Related Places You Have Worked/ Interned: Garden Valley Farmer’s Market,
Maple Grove Flower Farm
How did you discover horticulture?
During my senior year of college, I took a few agricultural education classes as part of my outdoor education degree program. Working in the greenhouses, in the nursery and out in the farm garden was an incredibly positive experience, and those
courses were a saving grace for me during a tough time in my personal life. Realizing how much I loved working in the dirt and how much it helped my mental health and brought me fulfillment, I decided to pivot my professional path and work toward a career in horticulture. I reached out to Dr. Elizabeth Riley, head of the horticulture technology program at Alamance Community College, and she helped me plan my coursework and get started in the program. What were your most valuable experiences, either in school or from other exposure to the industry, and why?
Going back to school to follow my passion was the best decision I’ve ever made. I feel confident that the in-person, handson learning at Alamance Community College has prepared me to be a worthy professional in the green industry. As part of the program, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to the Green Industry & Equipment Expo, the LANDSCAPES Conference and the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC), where ACC placed 10th overall and third among community colleges. At NCLC, I placed in the top 10 in all three of my competitions: irrigation design, irrigation assembly and interior landscape design. Working at a wholesale flower farm has been an invaluable experience for me, and being able to learn directly from 16 NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES || SPRING 2022
