Toa Horikoshi 

he/him

• Arboretum Ambassador Co-Coordinator 2024-25, Arboretum Ambassador Apprentice 2023-24
• Major: Plant Sciences, Class of 2025 

I first got involved with the Arboretum and Public Garden through an introductory environmental education class, EDU 142, which included an internship component to gain real-life experience in environmental education. I was fortunate to be placed with the Arboretum internship and have been part of the Ambassador team ever since. As an Ambassador, I have taken on a wide range of roles, including promoting Nature Rx, an initiative that encourages spending time in nature for mental, physical, and social well-being. I have also helped plan and lead outreach events, supported plant sales, and participated in daily sign cleaning. Over the summer, I gained hands-on gardening experience by helping care for the Good Life Garden. 

This year was unique for our team. We were preparing to welcome six new Ambassadors, and I had the opportunity to serve as Co-Coordinator alongside Megha, a fellow team member. Our staff mentor, Melissa, placed a great deal of trust in us and gave our small team the responsibility of leading the hiring process. We reviewed applications, selected candidates, conducted interviews, and made final decisions. It was a fast-paced and challenging experience, and it was also my first time being on the interviewer’s side. That process gave me a deeper appreciation for how difficult it is to evaluate someone based solely on their resume, cover letter, and a brief conversation. 

Through this role, I have also learned a lot about myself as a leader. I have realized that I prefer not to plan every small detail because I know things can change. I trust myself to adapt to new situations and respond with flexibility. Organizing events and supporting plant sales helped me build confidence in making decisions and guiding others in unpredictable situations. One moment that stands out was during a plant sale, when I was helping with hospitality. One of our main responsibilities was making sure coffee was ready for all the staff and volunteers. Suddenly, the coffee machine broke and we had no backup. I quickly decided to drive to the nearest Peet’s Coffee and ordered two large containers to make sure everyone still got their caffeine fix. That moment taught me that I actually enjoy adapting to change and thinking on my feet. I have learned that I lead best when I stay flexible, trust myself, and remain calm under pressure. These are qualities I continue to grow and carry with me. 

Melissa has been an incredible mentor throughout this experience. Her calm, positive, and supportive approach to leadership has shaped how I think about working with others. She often reminds us that we are not working in an emergency room, and that it is okay to take our time and do things with care. That mindset has created a welcoming and low-stress environment where everyone feels comfortable and supported. The only time we all feel the pressure is when making coffee for plant sales, which always feel like taking the final penalty kick in the World Cup. 

One of my favorite experiences with the team was taking part in the Picnic Day parade. The energy and festivity from the Davis community during the event was incredible. At the same time, the parade is also a bittersweet reminder that the academic year is coming to an end. This year, I am one of the graduating members, which makes the moment feel especially meaningful. 

Over the past two years, my experience in outreach has helped me discover the joy and importance of education and supporting others. Combined with my academic studies in agriculture and what I have learned through Nature Rx, I have started to shape a vision for what I hope to do after graduation. I plan to move to Japan and spend a gap year working part-time on a farm to gain more hands-on farming experience. In the future, I hope to promote urban farming not only as a sustainable food source, but also as a space for community building and healing, while supporting Japan’s transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture. My time at the Arboretum has shown me the value of working with a team toward a shared purpose, and I hope to carry that sense of connection and intention into everything I do moving forward.

My favorite picture at the Arboretum: