What Inspired VG Net

Hi, I would like to introduce you to Victory Garden Network (VG Net).

I'll start by telling you about an internship of mine that more or less inspired VG Net. It began last summer and by its end, I had gained invaluable soft skills that complemented my degree in Biological Sciences with a focus in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. Yes, it’s a mouthful. Anyway, this internship pushed me little-by-little to take on more and more - with confidence. I started out working on small hands on projects, then I was encouraged to conduct workshops with small groups, and then I presented to a larger audience. I was given the opportunity to present at small city meetings and then at a city wide event. Can you imagine my nervousness when I was asked what biodiversity is in front a large group up people and WRAL? However I pulled through and I walked away knowing that I could speak in public without letting my nerves get the best of me. I had just done it!

So, VG Net is the result of this real experience. I have graduated now and I am extremely grateful for that internship! The skills and confidence I gained through it are valuable tools for me now as I interview for my first "real" job. I want other students to have an opportunity to develop soft-skills, explore their interests and do it with the help of a mentor.

So enough about my experience; I would like to introduce you to our first mentee and Student Leader, Roshan Patel, 9th grader at Broughton High School. Roshan led a Victory Garden installation at his family's home. He reflected on this experience along the way. You can read his complete project reflection piece here.