Dominic is a rising senior at Baltimore City College High School. He began working at Great Kids Farm in summer 2013 through the YouthWorks program. While his placement at the Farm was by chance, he's stayed on as an intern ever since, and has grown into a leader among his peers. He shares some thoughts on how his experiences at Great Kids Farm have shaped his thinking about the natural world and the nature of work.
By Dominic Brooks
I came into the internship program of Great Kids Farm through YouthWorks. Usually YouthWorks picks agricultural or culinary students for the farm, but I was neither and was randomly selected. I came out onto the farm and was introduced to the farm, Greg, and a small group of students. That same day I got right to work on harvesting some beets. I worked through the summer of YouthWorks and continued on as a Work-Based Learning intern so I could work during the school year. I have been working at the farm for over a year now.
When I first started on the farm I wasn’t really connected to it, but now I am part of the environment that Great Kids Farm presents. This job is not just a working experience or a play to earn money. It is a job that also offers a learning experience to anyone willing to absorb the information. I barely knew anything about plants and now I can identify types of plants and how to take care of them. What surprises me on the farm is when I look around and I see all this produce and healthy greens and realize that all of it was planted on a true natural organic farm. I mean that is something huge to be called a organic farm and look as beautiful as it does today. Representing the farm to visitors is a major role I don't mind playing. Although bring a change of clothes because you may have to get dirty to keep the farm looking nice.
The farm overall has changed me. I no longer just look at plants. I understand them, and have a sense of what makes them grow. I didn't like getting dirty at all. I still don't like it, but the farm is getting me to accept bit by bit. The farm changed my belief that a job is just work. I see a job as a chance to grow or learn different aspects of multiple things that can further your mindset or skills in life. My intake of nature as became stronger after the year on the farm as well.
After graduating from Baltimore City College I plan on attending UMBC to obtain a degree in Computer science. I want to use that knowledge to become a video game designer and make a good living. I may even try college basketball while I am there. What working at Great Kids Farm has taught me that can be helpful in my career is to appreciate the little things, to manage my time, and to be on time. There isn't much connection between the farm and the career I want to get involved with, but learning how to be a good, trustworthy worker will follow me to my new career. All together, Great Kids Farm has been a great working and learning experience . I plan to continue working and teaching other student interns who come along for the rest of my time as a City Schools student.