Nemas Gardens Summer Intern 2025: Markus Coleman

Markus Coleman

From the Field to the Garden: Markus Coleman’s Playbook for Growth

Markus Coleman, a 17-year-old varsity football player at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, knows what it means to commit, hustle, and show up with purpose. This summer, he brought that same energy off the field and into the soil as part of the Nemas Gardens internship program—a move that surprised some, but inspired many.

A New Kind of Challenge

For Markus, gardening wasn’t just a job—it was a unique opportunity to step outside his comfort zone and explore something unexpected. With goals to earn money, gain real-world experience, and make new friends, he saw Nemas Gardens as more than a summer gig. It was a chance to grow in every sense of the word.

“Gardening as a job was intriguing. I wanted to see what it was all about—and I’m glad I did.”

Lessons That Took Root

Throughout the internship, Markus discovered that growth doesn’t just happen in the gym or on the football field. It happens when you dig in, stay consistent, and learn from the people around you. His key takeaways include:

• Financial knowledge: From budgeting to understanding cash flow, Markus gained practical skills that will serve him well in life and leadership.

• Time management: Balancing shifts, tasks, and team responsibilities taught him how to stay organized and efficient.

• Lasting friendships: Working side-by-side with peers and mentors helped him build strong bonds that extended beyond the garden beds.

Markus’s Advice to Future Interns

His recommendation is simple but powerful:

“Take extra shifts to explore different sites and build strong bonds.”

Markus believes that showing up consistently and embracing every opportunity is the key to making the most of the program. And he doesn’t hesitate to endorse it:

“I highly recommend the Nemas Gardens internship. It’s a great experience.”

Markus’s journey reminds us that leadership isn’t limited to one arena. Whether he’s running drills or planting seeds, he brings focus, heart, and a team-first mindset. At Nemas Gardens, he didn’t just grow plants—he grew perspective, purpose, and connection.