Hey I’m Ty, a senior in the Plant and Landscape Systems major (yes, BYU has a landscaping program). I didn’t graduate high school thinking I’d do this, but here I am and boy am I glad I am. I graduated high school in 2020 during COVID and moved across the US from Tennessee to Utah. Adjusting was tough but it has been the best decision of my life. BYU has given me life long friends, a great education, a boost in spirituality, a wife, and low key caffeine addiction (I’m working on it). I’ve taken classes from American Heritage to Trees, in nearly every building. I’ve worked on the irrigation crew, been a TA, taught kids and families at the Bean Museum, and a few others. If you want to know something about BYU I’m your guy or know another guy!

Hometown

Oak Ridge Tennessee

Major(s)

Plant and Landscape Systems

Minor(s)

Business

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Research assistant my freshman year, Plant and Landscape Systems Club, National Collegiate Landscape Competition

Describe your college experience

I graduated high school in 2020 during COVID in Tennessee and moved to BYU in Provo, Utah planning to study History Education or something in Conservation. The move was pretty daunting as I knew only a handful of people in the entire state and it was during the pandemic. But I am so glad I did. I lived in freshman on campus housing and absolutely loved it. I made life long friends and memories despite the restrictions. I was able to join a mentored research to study dragonflies and was going to go on a study abroad for it, but it was cancelled due to COVID restrictions. I had by then decided on the Biodiversity and Conservation Major and that I would take a 2 year break to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in McAllen, Texas (this is common for students at BYU). By the time I finished my mission, I decided to switch majors to the Plant and Landscape System Major, which has been the best thing ever. I have flourished in classes, clubs, and activities here and really felt I have been able to get all I can from why BYU has to offer.

Tip for future students

Take advantage of all the resources BYU has. There are so many free resources like the creative​/​maker space, international cinema, peer mentors, athletic buildings. Also connect with as many people as you can, especially professors. Go to as many events as you can as well (career fairs, major fairs, service events, sports, etc.)

Favorite class

One of my favorite classes has been Plants in the Environment. The professor taught it in a way that has changed my prospective a life. A big part of the class was looking for patterns in nature and then coming up with theories for why they were like that. Then we would talk about them in class. It was taught me to pay attention to the world around me, to look at little things, to make connections in what I am learning to the everyday world. It’s been such a blessing.

Career goals

I hope to start my own high end residential design​/​build landscaping company.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I love spending time with close friends outdoors. Whether that’s up the canyon at a fire, hiking a summit, or enjoying the sand dunes.

High school or secondary school

Oak Ridge High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite place on campus is the nature trails around campus. They help me take mental breaks, study, and find applications for what I study. It was one of the only places I found that felt as green as in Tennessee where I grew up. Honorable mentions are the Library and Life Sciences Building.