Real-Life Decision Making -- Solution
You encourage the students to forget the idea and focus on gardening.
"Lots of decision-making skills are used in group settings," says Richard Mattson, a professor of horticultural therapy. "For example, if you're working with a group of youth in the inner city, you have to come up with a project that will interest them and help them."
You need to keep in mind your initial goals. You want to help the students gain self-esteem and learn about nature. However, you shouldn't overlook the fact that these students could also use money earned from a business venture for further education.
"You think about what your school can do to help the minds and bodies of these young people," says Mattson. "But maybe you can also provide some money for scholarships for these students."
Therapists shouldn't be afraid to let their projects expand. At a Los Angeles high school, students grew herbs and marketed their salad dressings with much success.
"They are learning more and learning how to help people at the same time," says Mattson. "It's a success story."