Nona Golden, a fourth year student, majoring in Anthropology, has been working in Whittier’s SURF garden since campus reopened in late August, and she absolutely loves it.
Gardening is a work-study job at Whittier and Golden applied for the job through Handshake, a website that lists all the on-campus jobs offered at Whittier College.
The best part about the job, according to Golden, is being outside and working with field assistant Delia Hitz. Golden loves working with Hitz because she is learning how to germinate plants, and as well as tending to the coffee orchard and garden. Just being outside and taking a break from being inside and looking at screens all day is refreshing to Golden.
There are many perks to working in the garden, one being being able to take fruits, vegetables, and herbs whenever you want. Depending on what’s in season, Golden is able to take home whatever she helps grow. Recently, she was able to take home some eggplants. A couple of weeks ago, she was able to take home some avocados as well, it just depends on what is in season.
Working in the garden is an escape for Golden because of how relaxing it is to be outside and away from stressors in life such as school work. It is her favorite way to recharge and better her day when things aren’t going the best as it is a way to stay grounded and connected with nature.
