For plant lover and Horticulture student Corinne Creio,'24, growing and nurturing are a way of life. The lifelong Long Islander and current Islip Terrace resident cares for two young children, a small flock of chickens, and a lone backyard turkey alongside her garden which overflows with fruits and vegetables.
“Over the past several years, I’ve become even more engaged and interested in the plant world, especially as it intersects with humanity,” she wrote in a biography submitted to Farmingdale State College. “I realized I wanted my part-time hobby to become my career and decided to pivot to horticulture.”
Previous careers left her unsatisfied. “I’ve worked in hospitality and customer service for most of my life and attained a nursing degree eight years ago, but neither occupation was my true passion,” explained Creio. “I was familiar with the fact that FSC had a Horticulture program. I started with one class in the Spring of 2020, and on my very first night, I instantly knew I had found the right place; I looked around and thought, ‘These are my people!’”
Since then, Creio has flourished in the Department of Urban Horticulture & Design and is a highly-deserving recipient of the 2020 Three Village Garden Club Scholarship. Professors tout her stellar academic performance and creativity in the design studio. In addition, Creio’s assistance volunteering during last year’s plant sale was instrumental in the success of the Farmingdale College Foundation fundraiser.
“She is an excellent student who has thrived in our program,” said Dr. Jonathan M. Lehrer, Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Urban Horticulture & Design. “ I am most impressed by Corinne's dedication as a returning student who balances college with family obligations.”
After completing her bachelor’s degree at FSC, Creio aims to focus on a career utilizing sustainable design in the development of public gardens. She also aspires to further her education and pursue a landscape architect degree. “It is my hope to work with others to build and enrich communities, to be a steward of our resources, and to share my love and knowledge of plants and nature,” Creio wrote in her scholarship profile.
All of this could not occur without the Foundation’s scholarship support. “Receiving the Three Village Garden Club Scholarship enables me to do my studies full-time while staying home to be the primary caretaker of my two children,” she noted. “It has given me and my family some breathing room and extra motivation.”