The Wild

I recently quit my job. I also gave up my favourite hobbies, moved in with a bunch of students who are half my age, and returned to University. I have to tell you, 2023 has begun with a bang.

I did this so that I could shift my career, and maybe change myself along the way. My former job and lifestyle was simply not sustainable, and with middle age I have had to look hard at my long term goals, and priorities. Beyond my lifestyle and financial needs it would be really nice to work in an industry or career that does something good for the community. I believe that there is a future in horticulture, and that it is a pathway to the life that I want to live.

The horticulture course is offered by an accredited university, and is provided through partnerships with various external institutions. It is different from a degree program in both scope and length, and at the end I will have a certificate.

I received a degree more than a decade ago, and I have never had regrets about it. It is a bit cliche, but University taught me to think critically. It also taught me how to write, and do research. It generally made me a much better human being.

Before the pandemic I had taken the introductory classes, which were introductions to soil science and basic botany. Currently I am learning about integrated pest management (IPM+) and greenhouse crop production. In addition to this I am learning about arbourculture, and trying to obtain a double specialization.

My return to classes prompted me to start this blog. My plan is to document and share some of the things I am learning along the way.