September 15, 2015
Scholarship helps Andrew Burgess begin an exciting life journey
Andrew Burgess
In 2004, “I enrolled in the Horticulture Technician Program at Algonquin College in Ottawa (Woodroffe Campus). I didn’t realize it at the time, but the program would not only change my life financially, it changed who I am as a person today. I am forever grateful to my dedicated teachers and the people who helped push me during tough times in the program.”
That summer Burgess applied for a scholarship in hopes that he would get a bit of extra cash to help out with the tuition burden and expenses in general. “Being a young student, I was thrilled to find out that I was eligible for a $500 scholarship.” Burgess adds, “$500 is $500, and it certainly helped out with general expenses while I was a starving student grinding my way to the top. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to have it out there for the taking.”
Burgess chuckles that he still has the scholarship certificate on his wall above his office desk. Much has changed since Burgess received his scholarship in 2004. “Today, I am the proud owner of Natural Impressions Landscaping. We have been in business since 2009, and as mentioned, it has completely changed my life in so many positive ways.”
A loyal member of Landscape Ontario, Burgess sits on the Ottawa Chapter Board of Directors. “Needless to say, I’ve come full circle,” he says.
Burgess states that the horticulture program is an incredible program and a wonderful career path. “I can only hope that the scholarship opportunities continue for future students, and we see more of them available.”
No fear of the scholarship program ending. The Ontario Horticultural Trades Foundation was created to support the green industry through scholarships, bursaries and awards available to high school and post-secondary students. Students may find more information at horttrades.com/scholarship.