When Amanda Consoli receives her Dean’s Award for earning the highest grade-point average of any student in the School of Environment and Horticulture Studies, her husband, her children and her mom will be sitting in the audience cheering her on.
“My family has been very supportive, understanding of the time commitment to my schooling, and have provided constant encouragement throughout the program,” Consoli said in the days leading up to her June 11 convocation. “I feel very honoured and proud of accomplishing this achievement while juggling many responsibilities. I worked very hard and put in a lot of time and effort, and it is wonderful to be recognized with this [Dean’s] award.”
Feeling well prepared to step into the industry thanks to the education she received at Niagara College, Consoli said she’s excited to see what the future holds – and the many ways she can contribute to a heathier, more beautiful environment now that she’s graduated from the Landscape Technician Program.
Amanda Consoli
Academic achievement: Dean’s Award Winner, School of Environment and Horticulture Studies
To what factors do you attribute your academic achievement?
My academic success was due to my passion and interest in the course material. I was motivated to do well to prove to myself that I could succeed. I also wanted to be an inspiration to my children and show them that if you put in the work, you can accomplish great success.
Why are you passionate about your field of study?
I have been an administrative professional for 20 years. I wanted to get out of the office and get my hands dirty and have the knowledge and skills to contribute to the environment in a positive way. The Landscape Technician program provided me with hands-on, practical experience that has guided my thinking and design process to consider plant and material choices to make the landscape more sustainable. By creating a more balanced ecosystem, I feel I am making educated choices and doing my part to improve the environment.
What led you to study at NC and to your program of study?
I chose NC because the 125-acre Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake has the largest training greenhouse in the area, a landscape design studio, and a landscape workshop. At NC, I was not only a student but also a working student technician on campus. I had the privilege of gaining practical experience and learning sustainable growing techniques right beside the gorgeous backdrop of the Niagara Escarpment.
How did you find your program experience – any highlights?
One thing that stands out the most in my program was the caring and knowledgeable professors. They provided real-world experiences, practical advice, excellent networking opportunities and a new perspective about the industry. They provided guidance, support, and encouragement, and went above and beyond to help students be successful!
Do you feel your NC experience has helped prepare you for the future?
I feel very confident with the education I have received from NC, and that I am well prepared to step into the industry and contribute to the beautification of the environment. I believe in continuous learning and bettering oneself and I am excited to see what the future holds.
