OAC Student Feature: How Davina Suh Found Her Passion in Agriculture
Agriculture wasn’t always on Davina Suh’s radar.
Growing up in Richmond Hill, she didn’t come from a farming background and had little connection to agriculture. But spending time helping out in her grandma’s vegetable garden sparked an interest in plants that eventually led her to the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) at the University of Guelph.
Now in OAC's BSc in Agricultural Science program, majoring in Horticulture with a minor in Plant Science, Davina has found a path she’s genuinely excited about.
“I’m even planning to build my own vegetable garden plot at home this year,” she says.
Davina chose U of G because of its strong reputation in agricultural and environmental sciences. She originally planned to study Plant Science, but after joining Horticulture, she discovered how much she loved the hands-on side of agriculture.
For Davina, one of the biggest surprises has been realizing how many different opportunities exist in agriculture.
“A lot of people think agriculture is only about farming, but there’s so much more to it,” she says. “It’s all about science, innovation and solving real-world problems.”
That realization has carried into her summer job with MicroHabitat, a company that creates urban farms on underused spaces such as rooftops and building properties. The organization works to increase awareness of sustainable food production and food security, with much of the produce grown in its urban gardens donated to local food banks.
As a member of the installations team in Toronto, Davina helps prepare growing spaces, plant crops and install irrigation systems.
“The job has given me a lot of practical experience with horticultural techniques,” she says. “I've been able to apply what I've learned in class and even use some of those skills in my own vegetable garden at home.”
Davina says one of the best parts of being in OAC is the community.
“Once you’re in the program, you’re part of a family,” she says. “The program is small, so everyone knows each other and it feels really supportive.”
When she’s not studying, Davina spends her time skateboarding, bouldering, running and playing piano. Whether she's helping build urban farms, growing vegetables at home or exploring new opportunities on campus, her passion for horticulture continues to grow.
Her advice for future students? Don’t be afraid to try something new.
“Get involved and try everything,” she says. “You never know what’s going to help you find what you’re passionate about.”