During the time in TRF 1600 I have obtained many knowledgeable and important skills for the turf care industry. Of these, the skill or moment that has stuck out to me the most is the ability of modern technology and free software such as google sheets and forms to increase and improve efficiency. My previous knowledge of google sheets wasn’t that extensive, but my knowledge of formulas within Microsoft Excel was, making the transition to sheets and my time with projects much easier as well. Comparatively, google forms was a new technology to me, however it was easy to grasp. The combined power of the two; with a google sheet being created to store form data, opened up a world of potential to me and my turfgrass career. This is since, with everything I love to do, I always want to be better and be the best I can be. This continues in my career since I want to work to be a recognized superintendent within the industry. Therefore, with google forms giving me the ability to easily create forms to track course efficiency and conditions with the help of my future employees and archived data within a google sheet being used to analyze, sort and filter this will lead to a competitive edge within the industry and can help me advance in the field. The use and building of both forms and sheets makes me more eager and excited for my future and my potential within the amazing world of turf care.  

In terms of situations that have struck me in my last week of TRF 1000, the situation of doing an industry interview with my group 4 colleagues is the one that I think will be most beneficial to review. In terms of the situation, my group decided to interview Sam Anstey’s superintendent Steve Williams. Our chosen topic for the interview was to gain knowledge of the development of workplace culture within turf care at a golf course. Steve’s years of experience and varying course types made him a excellent candidate for our questionnaire. Our interview was conducted with the 6 groups members present and Sam handling the questions. Listening to Steve’s answers, it made me realize even more how important developing a forward and positive workplace culture is to a golf course. Steve was well worded and gave in depth and well guided response to our questions. His answers specifically made me feel a sense of courage and pride for my upcoming season at my local course. This is since in the upcoming season I am pending the promotion to Assistant Superintendent. Therefore, with this new promotion, more than ever I will be tasked with the job and responsibility to create and develop a culture at my course. Steve made my responsibilities clear when he stated: “Your are responsible for everything about employees when they are under your watch, physically and mentally”, which makes my role as a leader clear and definable. I will now need to hold and be confident in my ability to manage and motivate people to buy into the culture at the golf course me and our superintendent will want to generate. It is a responsibility I am ready and willing to commit to, and thanks to our industry interview I feel more prepared and confident to handle.

Within the first week of the Turfgrass Management program at Olds College the most important experience is the ability to network and converse with fellow peers within the industry. The experience and knowledge within the room is incredible and will be invaluable in the future. Not only by meeting my colleagues at my table, but also other class mates and students throughout the 4 year program. This experience is teaching me to leave my comfort zone and meet new people, in addition to also allowing me to develop leadership qualities and people management qualities that are critical for my future in the industry. The biggest thing I have learned however, is that people skills and networking are some of/if not the most important part of the turfgrass industry. Furthermore, developing a strong network makes golf course issues resolution easier later since you have more opinions and experience to draw on. This is most relevant to me since it makes me excited and eager about my future in the industry and further confirms my career change decision was the right thing to do for my future.