Nemas Gardens Summer Interns 2025: Oluwamodupe Ayodele

Oluwamodupe Ayodele

From Sketchbook to Soil: Oluwamodupe’s Journey of Growth at Nemas Gardens

At just 18 years old, Oluwamodupe—Modupe for short—is preparing to take her artistic talents to the next level as a freshman at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where she’ll study illustration. But before diving into the world of color theory and composition, Modupe chose to explore a different kind of canvas: the garden beds of Nemas Gardens.

Art Meets Earth

Art has always been Modupe’s passion, and she’s long been surrounded by people who nurtured her creativity. Yet as she stood on the threshold of college life, she felt a deeper calling—to connect with her community, learn new skills, and contribute to something meaningful.

Her decision to join Nemas Gardens wasn’t just about gardening. It was about healing a gap she witnessed in high school, where her principal dismissed the importance of community-building and extracurriculars. That absence left many students without the opportunities they deserved. Modupe wanted to change that narrative for herself and others.

“I believed this experience would not only help me, but also the environment, and bring the community together.”

Lessons in Growth

Modupe entered the internship with a desire to understand how gardening works and to experience a real-world work environment. What she gained was far more than she imagined:

• Hands-on gardening skills: She learned how to properly tend to a garden and grow her own food.

• Teamwork and communication: Collaborating with peers taught her how to express herself clearly and listen with intention.

• Personal development: The experience helped her build confidence, form meaningful connections, and grow as a person.

“The time I have spent with this group of people has been amazing… This has been a wonderful experience that I will hold close to my heart for years to come.”

Words of Wisdom

For future interns, Modupe offers heartfelt advice:

“Do not be afraid to be yourself or speak up. The Nemas Gardens team is a place filled with love, and you will learn a lot working here.”

Her story is a testament to the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing new experiences, and finding beauty in unexpected places—whether it’s a blank page or a patch of soil.

Modupe’s journey reminds us that creativity isn’t confined to studios or sketchbooks. Sometimes, the most profound art is the one we make with our hands in the earth and our hearts in the community.