Amanda is a Californian who moved here from San Francisco 13 years ago. She worked as a bartender for 15 years and in the food/beverage industry for 30 years total, before seeking a career in landscaping and gardening. She received a horticulture degree from Clackamas Community College. Amanda enjoys gardening and landscaping because of the hands-on work. She loves her job because she gets to “play in the dirt, make beautiful landscapes, talk to people (and their dogs), and drive tractors.” Outside of work, Amanda enjoys traveling, cooking, and going out on the river with friends.
Do you have any advice for the students?: Travel! Nothing can really expose you to other people and cultures more than travel. We can look at videos or read books about other countries but you have to get there to understand and experience how the rest of the world lives or it’s too easy to make assumptions.
What’s your favorite thing about your job?: As I rarely have one favorite of anything (because there’s too many options) I can say that I like being able to interact with staff & faculty across the campuses and departments as well as participate in groups like the DEI Committee or Sustainability Council. I enjoy watching the seasons change and look forward to what nature can throw at us; being able to have creativity within my job. And running the wood chipper, driving tractors, snow days…those are super fun!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?: Hanging out with my wife, cooking, camping, traveling, gatherings with friends and family.