MORRISVILLE—As Kara Budinock was helping her father grow beans, pumpkins and cucumbers in the family garden at age 5, little did she know she was planting the seeds of her career.

The annual custom, along with her creative flair, led to bigger things at Morrisville State College where she pursued an interest in floral design and vegetable production through the college’s horticulture programs. At Morrisville, the 22-year-old from Wolcott, a small town in Wayne County, flourished as a student leading many campus projects.

Budinock is among those who graduated during Morrisville State College’s 106th commencement ceremony today. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in horticulture business management.

Budinock begins a new venture next. She will travel to Tuscany, Italy, to participate in an internship at Spannocchia, an organic farm that grows vegetables, olives, and grapes and raises livestock.