The best part of my job is that I get to spend time outside every day and enjoy breathing some fresh air! I don't think there is a better time to be outside than right as the sun is rising and there is fresh dew coving the ground. There are often great reminders to me how much I enjoy my career path. Some days I will see hawks flying over head, while other days I get to watch as the sunrise lights up the native areas in a brilliant red color. There are days when I am less excited to be outdoors (when allergies are acting up or when there is an irrigation break on a hot and humid day) but I am very excited to be in the profession that I am.
I have worked on golf courses since I was in high school. For a long time it was just a job and source of income. It wasn't until my senior year at the University of Minnesota that I decided to make turfgrass my career path. I started to contact professors about furthering my education. I had many options ranging from an associate degree all the way up to a graduate degree. Getting a graduate degree excited me. I had experience with research as an undergrad and wanted to have the opportunity to learn from classes as well as from personal observation and study.
I ended up at ISU working with Dr. Nick Christians. The experience turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. I had the opportunity to continue on with research. This led me down an avenue that taught me much. I was able to present data at conferences and in writing. My skills were being tested and my knowledge was growing. Another great experience at ISU was being able to teach a lab. I had a good understanding of the material, but getting ready to present it to others really solidified my comprehension. I was only at ISU for two years, but the amount that I learned was exceptional.
My time at ISU prepared me well for my current position. I have been here for two summers now and I continue to learn and have great experiences. I get hands on application of what I learned at ISU every day. One thing that I really enjoy about my position is the broad range of jobs that I perform. I can be involved with course set up, mowing, aerating, topdressing, verticutting, bunker maintenance, trim work, irrigation, fertilization, pesticide application, course renovation, and crew job assignment all in one week!
ISU helped prepare me for a career in turfgrass. With my knowledge and experiences I feel ready to learn and advance with my career goals. Hands on experience is very important, but you need to have a good base of knowledge to help make the most of your experiences.
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