By Kristine Guevara
Debra Coltharp talked to the Louisiana Scholastic Press Association Summer Institute about her job here at LSU. She is a Horticulturist, which is a gardener who cultivates the plants the institution’s 2,000 acres.
Growing up, she lived on a ranch where her grandpa pushed her to work every day after school on the garden. When it was time for college, Coltharp went to LSU and studied horticulture and organic.
A few years later, she got the job. Coltharp and her team worked eight hours a day from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
They sometimes spent the night on campus if there was an emergency and worked in whatever weather that came their way. To protect herself from certain weather, Coltharp wears sunscreen, a hat, and UV long sleeve shirts.
Her work ethic shows that she is very passionate about her job and loves everything that comes with it. Coltharp mentioned that she is always on time for work and would also stay late if needed.
“Whatever you find, make sure you’re passionate about it.” Coltharp said.
She pays attention to the details around herself and consistently learns more which helps her grow as a horticulturist and a person.
Coltharp said that some people think she was not educated just because she works outside. Yet, she learned to not care what others thought about her job because what mattered to her was the dedication she had.
She continues with the same spirit she had since she began the job. She plans to retire soon and is currently teaching the next horticulturist.
Press Conference
Debra Coltharp
Hillar C. Moore III
By Kristine Guevara
Hillar C. Moore III talked to the Louisiana Scholastic Press Association Summer Institute about his life and job in Baton Rouge. He is the East Baton Rouge District Attorney.
He works to reduce the amount of crime in the state’s capitol. Moore said that the district attorney is the second most powerful person in the state.
“My goal is to hold my power as close as I can and use it when it’s necessary,” he said.
Moore and his office uses a strategy called Baton Rouge Area Violence Elimination (BRAVE), started in 2013. The program helps crack down on gang activity in this city. They found about 32 gangs and reached out to them. Brave wants gangs know that they have resources to help. Crime has reduced by 25 percent since the start of BRAVE.
Kenneth Miles
By Kristine Guevara
The Assistant Vice Chancellor/Executive Director for Academic Affairs talked to Louisiana Scholastic Press Association Summer Institute. Kenneth Miles considers himself an educator and to “Be a man for others.”
With this philosophy, Miles and his team have increased the graduation rate throughout all sports teams. The LSU Football graduation success rate went up from 54 to 70 percent. Miles said that uplifting others is important because it can cultivate relationships. This helps you make the best version of yourself.
“The inequalities in our society inspire me to do what I do,” said Miles.
Miles said that he would not be where he is today if his mother did not strongly encourage education. He also said that the key to success is to be authentic, reflective, aware, empathetic, and to continue education.
