Previous Recipients Share Their Experiences
AFE’s Vic and Margaret Ball Internship/Scholarship Recipients give feedback on their internship experiences.
Shawn Appling
University of Georgia
“I really enjoyed working at Goldsmith Seeds, Inc. This was one of the best summers I have had in a very long time. I was able to meet people that enriched my life and I visited places that I will never forget. I am thankful that the Vic and Margaret Ball Internship program allowed me to work in a different part of the country that I would have not visited otherwise.”
Esther Buck
University of Idaho
“I had the opportunity and pleasure to intern for six months at Molbak’s Home and Garden in Woodenville, Washington. I gained extensive scientific and practical knowledge from working and interacting in all different areas of the greenhouse operation. I worked in six different areas – propagation, planting, inventory, pricing, wholesale, and retail. Overall my experience at Molbak’s was extremely enjoyable and increased my horticultural knowledge immensely.”
Kevin Douglas
University of Maine
“When I first heard I received an internship at Skagit Gardens, I was ecstatic. I was looking forward to traveling to the west coast and working in a greenhouse. When I arrived at Skagit Gardens, it was everything I was expecting. I went from propagation to the moving crew to taking care of some crops. I am looking for a job on the west coast. I fell in love with the west coast and want to move back.”
Nathaniel Lang
University of Wisconsin – River Falls
“White Flower Farm in Litchfield, CT is a forerunner in catalog and internet sales across the country. Growing everything from aster to zinnias is a great place to gain experience with lots of unique plants. Working with different departments allowed me to see the whole picture. One of the best parts about working at White Flower Farm was the employees. The employees taught me how to do my job, made me laugh, and engaged in interesting conversations. My internship is the first job I have had in the horticulture industry other than working for my parents. This experience allowed me to make a good comparison of what each does well and can improve. The opportunity to work at such a highly regarded business was a once in a lifetime experience.”
Jeremy Moore
Central Florida Community College
“At Metrolina I learned skills and horticultural practices, as well as having a chance to experience a new host as an employer. In addition, interning at Metrolina has influenced my career, education and my future plans in the horticulture industry. I made lifelong connections and have been further educated in the field that I plan on making a career.”
Hana Sumbera
Texas A & M University
“My experience working at Molbak’s Home and Garden proved to be very valuable to my career in the horticulture industry. while being far from home was difficult at times, I was given the opportunity to work with a completely new plant pallet and growing environment. I believe that this experience working in a different area of the country will make me more valuable to employers in the horticulture industry. I would encourage other students to take a change and use this scholarship as an opportunity to go somewhere completely new. Molbak’s made me feel comfortable in Washington. I always felt welcome and included as part of the team.”
