Karla Cumming hasn’t graduated from Parkland Secondary in Saanich yet. But she’s already connecting her love of gardening with her post-secondary education plans.

She’ll  continue her learning at Camosun College’s horticulture technician program in nearby Victoria. And while she only found out about the program from her school counselor this year, Karla has been in the garden since elementary school.

With her dad’s help, Karla started her own lawn-care business. With a push mower and 10 committed clients, Karla learned to build her confidence. “The main skill I've learned from having my own lawn-mowing business is how to communicate with people. With every passing year I've gotten better at communicating with my customers and knowing that it's better to talk out a scenario than just let it go unacknowledged,” Karla says.

Karla continued to explore her passion for gardening during her Grade 10 year, expanding her knowledge with courses like marine and earth science and outdoor education. “My school, and especially my family, have been a great support all along with my passion for gardening. In Grade 9 I had a spare block and often not much homework to do. There was a raised bed in one of the courtyards that the marine science teacher let me weed to prepare for her class’s carrots and lettuce.”

After completing her Grade 12 courses, Karla will delay graduation and take advantage of the South Island Partnership with Camosun College. High school students from Victoria (SD 61), Sooke (SD 62), Saanich (SD 63), the Gulf Islands (SD 64) and the Cowichan Valley (SD 79) can earn dual credit through the partnership.

“I couldn't have had a better teacher than Ms. McNamee, who was always so excited for every student’s future and full of energy,” Karla says.

Beyond the classroom, Karla hopes to connect her gardening skills with volunteerism as an agriculturist missionary, helping Third-World countries develop sustainable planting and composting practices.

Learn More:

Camosun College's South Island Partnership: http://camosun.ca/learn/south-island-partnership/index.html

Camosun College's horticulture technician program: http://camosun.ca/learn/programs/horticulture-technician/index.html

Check out other B.C. student success stories.