2006 Scholarship Winning Essay

Ryan Power is a senior at the University of California at Santa Cruz majoring in Environmental Studies with a focus in agroecology. UCSC was his first choice for college because of its abundant parks, gardens, and farms. In his second year, he became involved with the Program in Community and Agroecology (PICA), and acted as garden manager of the Foundational Roots Garden in UCSC's Lower Quarry. Through PICA and his work in the garden he experienced first-hand the great educational potential of working with soil and vegetables. He hopes to use the skills gained from the University for creating positive learning and healing experiences through outdoor, hands-on farm/garden curriculum. As a Chinese proverb advises, "Life begins the day you start a garden," and none should be without that opportunity. In a few years Ryan sees himself working in edible landscaping ventures, school gardens, and agroecological farming operations. Wherever he is, you can be sure he'll be growing food.