Past Profiles
Profile from Recent Department of Horticulture Graduate, Cindy Sobaski
Cindy is currently Director of Education at Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha's Botanical Center.
I have the best job in the world. I get to write about and talk to children and adults about plants. As Director of Education, I write articles, brochures, and interpretative signs, organize and teach adult classes about gardening, floral design, etc. and develop opportunities for children to learn about plants and nature in a fun, hands-on way. I also oversee the garden's volunteer program, which allows me to work with and get to know 300 amazing people.
I graduated from ISU in Horticulture in 2001. It was while I was at Iowa State that I discovered public horticulture education and realized that it was the perfect fit for my interests and personality. While at Iowa State I was very active in the Horticulture Club, where I learned so much and made life-long friends. I took part in three travel abroad courses, and completed internships at the Missouri Botanical Garden and Callaway Gardens. Iowa State opened to door to so many great opportunities!
After graduating from Iowa State, I entered the Longwood Graduate Program, which is a Master's program in Public Horticulture at the University of Delaware and Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA. There I learned more about public gardens while working with Longwood Gardens staff and through classes at the University of Delaware.
My undergraduate and graduate work prepared me for my current position, and many other careers in public horticulture. I was lucky to find a career that does not feel like work. I work hard every day, but I truly enjoy what I do.
