Marcia Eames-Sheavly of the Garden-Based Learning Program at Cornell University and presenter for the NSDL Web Seminar:
Flower Bulb Science shares how she was able to combine her interests into a satisfying career:

When I was in high school, I admired my friends who seemed to know exactly what they wanted to do. I recall those that headed off into the world of business, law, or engineering, and they seemed so
– well, focused. At that time, I loved art classes, thought biology was fantastic, and I also entertained thoughts of becoming a social worker or therapist. Growing food was enjoyable too, so what about throwing organic farming into the mix? With all that opportunity, how on earth to choose?

I realized not long ago that all these interests have melded into one, wonderful career that I’m simply crazy about. At Cornell University, I provide statewide leadership and coordination of a multidisciplinary garden-based learning program for children and youth educators. As the youth program leader for the Cornell Garden-Based Learning Program, I develop curriculum and educational resource materials, and collaborate with other garden-based learning educators nation-wide to plan symposia and professional development opportunities for educators and volunteers. I collaborate with human development researchers and program evaluation specialists to examine youth and adult interactions in garden settings, community and youth development skills and assets gained in garden-based learning, as well as to conduct formative and summative evaluations of our programming efforts.

I am also a watercolor artist, and teach Horticulture 201: The Art of Horticulture, a course that explores plants both as a subject of art, and used in or as art, as well as offering special topics classes, web-based instruction in botanical illustration, and opportunities for independent study. Interacting with undergraduate and graduate students at Cornell University is a joy. The students bring creative and innovative perspectives to their work, whether we’re constructing a huge sculpture made of earth and grass; painting; or planning a public art project to be viewed from the air. I seem to learn something from them each day.

Marcia is also on the development team for The Bulb Project, a website full of engaging activities that utilize flower bulbs for cross-curricular teaching at all age levels.