Nemas Gardens Summer Intern 2025: Zahirah Wright

Zahirah Wright

From Classroom to Garden Bed: A Budding Plant Scientist Finds Her Roots at Nemas Gardens

At the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, one Plant Science major is turning her academic passion into real-world impact—one garden bed at a time. With a love for both gardening and singing, she brings harmony to the soil and soul, cultivating not just crops but community.

Growing Goals, Grounded Vision

Her journey with Nemas Gardens began with a clear intention: to gain hands-on gardening experience while learning the ins and outs of business operations. Drawn to the organization’s flexible schedule and its empowering C.A.R.E. motto—Community, Accountability, Resilience, and Education—she found a space where her curiosity could blossom.

Lessons from the Land

During her time at Nemas Gardens, she harvested more than vegetables. Her key takeaways reflect a holistic growth experience:

• Gardening techniques and teamwork: From composting to companion planting, she learned how collaboration makes the garden—and the gardener—stronger.

• Effective communication: Whether coordinating tasks or sharing ideas, she discovered the power of clear, respectful dialogue.

• Financial literacy and money management: Through budgeting and tracking expenses, she gained practical skills that will serve her far beyond the garden gate.

Wisdom Worth Sharing

Her advice to future interns? Take notes—you're being paid to learn valuable life skills. Every moment in the garden is a lesson in patience, purpose, and progress.

Mentorship That Matters

She credits much of her growth to the guidance of Ms. Kevette and Mr. Kevin, mentors who nurtured her potential with care and consistency. Their encouragement helped her dig deeper—both into the soil and into herself.

This story is a testament to what happens when education meets empowerment. At Nemas Gardens, she didn’t just study plants—she planted the seeds of a lifelong journey in sustainability, leadership, and self-discovery.