About Me
My name is Johnathan Hampton, and I am currently a senior pursuing a Horticulture Degree with a focus in Pre-Landscape Architecture at Auburn University. I was born and raised in Madison, Alabama. Ever since I was a child, I have possessed an uncanny fascination for the world around me. I can vividly remember constantly harassing my parents for seeds and gardening supplies. I grew anything I could get my hands on; at my school’s book fair, I would always order the same soybean growing kit and try my hand at (unsuccessfully) cultivating them. Other victims included morning glories, pumpkins, a palm tree, and even a Venus fly-trap. But despite my apparent “brown-thumb,” I would not be discouraged, and after successfully growing an impatiens plant, I felt that I could accomplish anything. In this moment, I learned that the art of cultivating plants is a continual, ever-changing learning process, one that often features failure more than success. However, there is beauty in the fact that in each of my endeavors, whether for better or for worse, I have learned values -- perseverance, creativity, patience, among others -- that have aided in my personal growth. Thus, much like the very plants I strive to cultivate, I myself am partaking in my own journey of self-cultivation and improvement.
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As the years continued on, my love for agriculture and horticulture continued to flourish despite limitations in my community: growing up in a town that focuses heavily on engineering I struggled to find outlets through which to express myself. As a result, I found my own ways to gain experience in the areas that I loved. So, from my sophomore year of high school to until I left for Auburn, I created and operated my own neighborhood landscaping business (click here to visit the website). During this time, I had the opportunity to design and oversee the beautification of my neighborhood's front entrance. I also acquired a job at a retail plant nursery in my junior year and during most of my senior year of high school. Through resourcefulness and a strong sense of purpose, I continued on my journey of self-cultivation.
It was while I operated my landscaping business that I also discovered my love for design. The power that the natural environment has to influence the emotions of those within it inspires me. Thus, the Horticulture Pre-Landscape Architecture track stood out to me as an ideal field of study. During my time at Auburn, I have come to further understand the revitalizing effect that agriculture in general has had on our well-being -- recent events, from the pandemic to global sustainability efforts, have highlighted this in unprecedented ways and have inspired many to reconnect with nature. As a result, agricultural outreach has become one of my passions as well: I currently serve as student ambassador of Auburn’s College of Agriculture and conduct college tours, info sessions, and professional development events. I also serve as the Vice-President of the Auburn Nursery and Landscape Association, which offers enriching career development opportunities through horticultural expositions and national competitions. My journey has become one of not only self-improvement, but also one of inspiring others. Through my story, my designs, and my passion, I hope to encourage others to explore the many opportunities present within the Green Industry.
