October 14, 2024
Early retirement from a tech career enabled Tobi Holloway to find her calling.
As a nontraditional student at JCCC, Tobi Holloway has embraced a journey as unique as it has been rewarding. She’s forged her own educational path, taking classes in both sustainable agriculture and horticulture. Each course she completes is another step toward rethinking our landscapes and making meaningful change through sustainable environmental practices.
A pivot to sustainable agriculture
Tobi’s interest in environmental activism began during the COVID-19 lockdown. After an early retirement from a career in technology, she sought a new direction.
As part of the Great Resignation, driven by a desire to make a more meaningful impact, she decided to earn a permaculture design certificate from Verge Permaculture. Permaculture design is a holistic approach to agricultural systems and land use. Its practitioners strive to create sustainable, self-sufficient ecosystems.
Then Tobi enrolled in JCCC’s SAG 276 summer practicum on Open Petal Farm to gain hands-on experience in sustainable food growing. She was impressed by the quality and depth of the Sustainable Agriculture program. Her experience exceeded her expectations.
“I was so grateful to have access to classes and a community of people that aligned with my concerns about our food system,” she said.
A source of hope and community
Tobi’s passion for sustainable practices led to her involvement in the Student Sustainability Committee (SSC) on campus, providing her with both hope and connection. When she first joined, she was also lobbying her neighborhood homeowner association (HOA) for the right to install solar panels (a request that was denied).
“Being a member of the SSC balanced the disappointment and dismay I felt in my neighborhood with a lot of hope and joy and enthusiasm that I felt in the SSC meetings. They are people who care about the same things I care about, and know a ton, and are doing great things,” Tobi said.
Growing young minds
Tobi also took part in an internship at Open Petal Farm and continued to take sustainable agriculture and horticulture courses at the College. That led to her current “dream job” on campus.
The Hiersteiner Child Development Center (HCDC) garden is a vibrant space where children engage with fresh produce from seed to table.
“I became the Seed to Table Specialist at HCDC by applying for a job posting,” she said. “They were looking for someone who had taken classes in horticulture or sustainable agriculture, so it was a great fit for me.”
The kids at the HCDC participate in planting seeds, watering, weeding, harvesting, and enjoying the produce. Tobi collaborates with Katlin Middleton, the kitchen supervisor, to ensure the garden's bounty is part of the children’s snacks and curriculum.
She appreciates the support from Claire Zimmerman, Open Petal Farm Manager, and the close proximity of the facility where she exchanges garden waste for fresh compost. She said the best part about her job is the collaboration and the joy of working with the kids. Tobi has plans to educate other audiences as well.
“I would like to teach continuing education courses to inspire other Johnson County residents to grow native edibles to help regenerate ecosystems, support more food security for people, filter our stormwater, and improve our relationship to nature,” Tobi said.
In addition, she hopes to offer consulting for people who want help designing and implementing regenerative edible landscapes.
Advice for prospective students
JCCC offers a wealth of opportunities for students interested in horticulture and sustainable agriculture. “I would tell prospective students to walk around campus and take a tour of Open Petal Farm and the greenhouse. Check out the JCCC website to see all the ways to get involved, and get a glimpse of all the cool things that are happening,” Tobi said.
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