Buzzing with Curiosity: Kai Ross's Experience at the Honey Tasting with Dr. Hollee Freeman
February 25, 2025
Kai Ross, a Virginia Union University (VUU) student, recently attended a honey-making and tasting event hosted by Dr. Hollee Freeman. This experience helped her appreciate bees more and brought people together meaningfully.
Kai learned about the honey tasting through a school email from Mrs. Ida Jones.
“I was looking forward to it. I expected it to be interactive and informative,” Kai Ross said. “The event matched my expectations and more.”
Participants learned about bees' vital role in different cultures, and Kai even picked up some books to share with her future students. Dr. Hollee also shared tips on where to buy organic honey from Black-owned beekeepers, which Kai appreciated.
“It was great to connect with local beekeepers and support our community,” Ross said.
One of the best parts for Kai was tasting the different kinds of honey. She particularly liked the orange blossom flavor, describing it as “not too sweet, yet rich in flavor.”
“I never realized how many different flavors there were based on the pollen source.”
After the event, Kai gained new knowledge about honey and beekeeping.
“I learned ancient Egyptians held bees in high regard,” she said. “They played a crucial role in their society.”
She was surprised to discover how much the taste of honey varies based on the flowers the bees visit.
The event also allowed Kai to connect with other attendees. “We had this fun challenge where we had to describe the flavors without using the word ‘sweet,’” she recalled, smiling.
As the only VUU student present, she felt comfortable talking to various people. “I was glad to converse with people from different backgrounds on a topic that interests me,” she shared.
Kai believes these events are essential for The Hollee Freeman Foundation and Black History Month.
“They help spread awareness about bee conservation and support Black beekeepers,” she explained. “It’s important to educate our younger generation about these issues.”
Looking ahead, Kai is excited about participating in future Apiary Adventures hosted by Dr. Hollee. “I learned that she hosts events in natural settings like Maymont Park, which I frequent,” she said.
She hopes to get hands-on experience with bees and learn more about nature. Kai has always loved nature and its creatures. “This was a perfect opportunity to learn more about one of nature’s hardest workers, the bees,” she said.
As an Elementary Education major, Kai dreams of becoming a Kindergarten teacher. “My dream is to be the best teacher a child has ever had,” she said passionately.
She sees events like the honey tasting as a way to teach future generations about caring for the environment and supporting local businesses.
Kai offers some friendly advice for anyone thinking about attending a honey tasting or Apiary Adventure for the first time.
“Don’t feel discouraged going by yourself. It was a connecting experience, and going solo helped me engage more deeply with others.”
Kai Ross’s experience at Dr. Hollee Freeman’s honey-tasting event was not just about tasting honey; it was a journey into the world of bees, community, and cultural appreciation. As she looks forward to future events, Kai embodies the spirit of curiosity and connection vital for personal growth and environmental awareness.