Fantastic article of a CVCEC Landscaping alumni, Tracy White from: TEWATOHNI’SAKTHA Review (3rd & 4th Quarter Report – October 31, 2018- March 31, 2019) – PAGE # 4
The following text is by Jordan Standup:
“Employment & Training Client Success Story – White has a keen eye for the lay of the land.
Kahnawa’kehró:non Tracy White is putting her vast talents to work for a landscaping company located in Pointe Claire called Plantenance as a Horticultural Care Manager. She began working there last May following her graduation from the New Frontiers School Board’s Landscaping Operations course in Ormstown. “After seeing an advertisement for the Landscape Operations course, I contacted Tewatohnhi’saktha for assistance. I met with Nadine Montour (Employment and Training Counselor) and discussed my options,” White explained. “We went through the counselling process, and I applied for the Landscape Operations course in Ormstown.” She began the course back in September 2017 and proudly graduated as the class valedictorian last May. When asked what made her decide to pursue this particular course, White said it was actually a funny story. “My friend Iris asked me if I wanted to go with her to shop for rocks. All I heard was ‘shopping,’” she laughed. “Little did I know that I was going to be helping her build flower beds. I had no idea what I was getting into. It was a long project but a lot of fun and definitely a learning experience. At this point, I figured that I should learn how to do this properly.” Fast-forward a bit and White is now working at what she could only describe as her dream job. “Absolutely,” she said. “I love working outdoors, planting and creating beautiful spaces. I am constantly learning and improving my skills. I’ve attended trade shows.” White is in the process of becoming a Certified Landscape Technician, which is nationally recognized. But she doesn’t plan on stopping there. “I would like to expand my knowledge with other certifications in the coming years,” she proudly asserted. White grew up in Kahnawake and later attended high school at Howard S. Billings in Chateauguay. She would go on to attend Montreal’s Concordia University and then spent a great deal of time working in customer service in an office environment. These days though, she’s busy getting dirty outdoors. “This change in careers has been the best decision!” she said. “A lot of hard work, long hours but I love what I’m doing. I’m a landscaper in the spring/summer/fall and the winter is for figure skating.”