• Health
• Money
• Leisure
• Make a Difference
• Family
• Online Community
• Membership

Dream Job Journal

Deborah -"Flexibility Seeker"

Volume #1

January 28, 2008

          In early January 2008, upon returning home from work, my sister,Mary Ann, told me I probably would be very interested in listening to a message that was left on our telephone answering machine.

          My first thought was who was soliciting me for something, now? My sister, said to just listen first then see what you think. The voice on the answering machine was telling me that I had been chosen as a finalist for AARP’s My Dream Job Contest over a field of 7,300 contestants.

          At first, I was in a daze not believing what I had just heard. I played the recording several times over just to wrap my mind around the words. When I e-mailed my essay online, I thought that I did not have much of a chance of winning. Now, the opportunity had presented itself to me.    

          Days passed and after being interviewed in a conference call over the phone, I was informed I was one the 6 (six) winners of the My Dream Job Contest.

          My mind was racing at the prospect of fulfilling my dream of owning and operating my own heirloom seed company. This achievement would be the crown jewel in my career as a garden professional. All of those 7 (seven) years of study to become the first African American Master Nationally Accredited Landscape Design Critic had a special new importance. When you are the first of a race, or nationality to achieve a goal, you not only beat the odds, but you set precedence for those who follow.

          Having other people see the merit in your life long work is in itself an accomplishment. Having someone else willing to support your causes at an age when your career (58 years of age) is on the down side if almost too much to hope for. I am still in shock that I won. I feel extremely fortunate to have been chosen along with the 5 (five) other winners.

          Working in the “Green Industry” is not for everyone. Many years of the 21 years that I have been a garden professional have not been easy. I had low paying jobs. I had hard and dirty jobs. I worked from sun up to sun down especially during the growing season from mid March to Late May each year. But for those of us who are real “Garden Nuts”, it is what we live for each year. The rewards far exceed the demands. There is something each and every year to explore in gardening. I for one never grow tired of reading about gardening, teaching gardening techniques and lecturing about all expects of gardening, landscape design and related subjects.

          Ten years ago, I found my true niche in gardening. I discovered heirloom gardening. Imagine exploring of the possibilities of growing, preserving and even cooking with what I term “edible antiques.” The food that is grown from these special treasures has a place in all of our histories regardless of our race, creed or nationality. I am proud to be a saver of these priceless little bits of horticulture tissue. And now I can share my edible antiques with others. It is a wonderful passion I am more than willing to share.

          There are many challenges before me to make this dream a reality. I do not expect it to happen overnight. I have some ideas about what I should expect to make my goal succeed, I am fortunate to have professional lines of support which means the world to me. I am sure with the aid and support of many dedicated professionals, friends, other passionate gardeners and foremost my family, I will be well on my way toward fulfilling my dream.

          I extend my most sincere best wishes and congratulations to my fellow winners. You all are special people with extraordinary dreams. I am sure you will all be a great success!