Working at Barnard’s Arthur Ross Greenhouse rocks. Or shall I say, plants.

I have the best campus job. Tucked away on the fourth floor of Milbank Hall is Barnard’s Arthur Ross Greenhouse. In 1998, the Arthur Ross Greenhouse replaced Barnard’s old greenhouse, built in 1928. Named after Arthur Ross, who graduated from Columbia in 1932, the greenhouse hosts hundreds of plants from around the world. As a student assistant, I work under the supervision of Greenhouse Coordinator Nick Gershberg to tend to the plants and facility.

On Monday afternoons, you will find me peacefully watering, sweeping leaves in the hallway, or feeding the greenhouse’s very own shrimp. Other days, I am scrubbing the floor beneath the mist bench or repotting overly rooted plants. Sometimes I am in the office gabbing with Nick and the other student workers. 

When life gets scary or stressful, the greenhouse feels like an oasis. Looking up at the glass walls covered in snow as the sun sets. Taking a deep, slow breath for the first time that day. Staring in awe at all of the magnificent things that nature creates. In times like these, it’s important to remember what you are grateful for. I know I am sincerely grateful for having the best campus job.

The Arthur Ross Greenhouse has open hours from 1 to 4 pm every Wednesday and Friday. Come by with a friend or a book, and if I’m working, please don’t hesitate to say hello!

Images via Bwog Staff