Terilyn Wong 

She/her 

• Major: Sustainable Environmental Design 
• Co-Coordinator, Sustainable Horticulture 2022-2024 
• Intern, Sustainable Horticulture 2021- 2022
• Landscape Assistant 2021-2023

Remember: “Do not imagine opportunities, strive to create valuable experiences, and nurture relationships for growth.” - The Collective 

When I entered my undergraduate career as a Sustainable Environmental Design major, I felt unsure about where my academic journey was headed. The only thing I knew for sure was that I had a passion for environmental stewardship and education. In my first year at UC Davis, I was fortunate to start as an intern for the Sustainable Horticulture team. Since then, I have advanced into the role of co-coordinator and also worked as a Landscape Assistant, while taking on various other roles. With all of my experiences, I now write ‘The Arboretum and Public Garden’ as ‘The Collective’ for everyone, every experience, and every memory. I had no idea how the Learning by Leading program would come to influence me, but after everything, it’s proved to be far more impactful than I could have imagined.

This program has cultivated a vibrant network of connections that continue to inspire and support my academic journey. I have been grateful to surround myself and collaborate with land stewards, passionate horticulturists, and environmental activists. I’m incredibly grateful for the Sustainable Horticulture mentor, Ryan Deering, who has not only enriched my interest in horticulture but also helped me further my work in landscape design. Furthermore, Ryan has prepared me for a future dedicated to community engagement and land stewardship. In addition to Ryan, I have had the chance to work alongside many other staff mentors who have constantly supported me.

The Arboretum has not only provided me with a supportive net but also helped me develop professional horticulture and leadership skills as well. My leadership abilities have grown through my experience as a co-coordinator. For example, I learned how to manage and educate large groups of people. This opportunity has allowed me to become a strong, confident leader, while simultaneously developing my interest in environmental stewardship and education. In addition, as a Landscape Assistant, I have gained transferable skills in the field of horticulture. Before joining Learning by Leading, I never could have imagined that I would be able to drive a tractor, prune thirty-foot-wide trees, or be able to design landscapes.

I thank the Arboretum — the Collective — for the opportunity to grow my personal and professional life. I will miss the many fond memories and connections I made through this program.