Aiden Lee ‘28
From September to November, Ryan Kim led a semester-long class called “Innovate the Farm” as part of our school’s Saturday experiential learning program. With the help of the environmental science teacher, Dr. Pedulli, Ryan and his team worked to create a vertical garden system and integrate it into the school community. The project aimed to make gardening possible indoors, even in Massachusetts, where the growing season starts late.
Ryan has always been passionate about biology and gardening, so when he saw an opportunity to use the school’s grant program, he jumped on it. His goal was to create an indoor garden that didn’t take up much space but could still give students a hands-on experience. At first, he had big plans—studying plant nutrition, automating the system, and more. But as the project got underway, he quickly realized that turning ideas into reality was harder than expected.
Leading a class was more challenging than Ryan expected. He had to plan out seven 2.5-hour sessions, manage a budget, and ensure that every student played an active role in the project. He soon realized that balancing structure and creativity was essential. At first, he tried to take on everything himself—designing in CAD, selecting materials, and creating a detailed syllabus. However, as the class progressed, he saw that his classmates had valuable skills he could rely on. Some excelled in CAD design, others had engineering experience, and some had prior knowledge about gardening. Rather than trying to do everything on his own, Ryan shifted his focus to bringing out the best in his team. By recognizing and utilizing each student’s strengths, he ensured that their 17.5 hours together were as productive and meaningful as possible.
Ryan’s experience taught him the importance of being flexible. While not everyone in the class was equally invested in the project, their differing interests and perspectives ultimately helped make the garden more creative and well-rounded. What started as a plan to grow only leafy greens soon evolved as new ideas came forward. The garden expanded to include flowers and fruits, making it more diverse, visually appealing, and accessible. Some students even painted a mural on the garden’s mount, adding a personal and artistic touch. Meanwhile, those with strong technical skills helped Ryan refine the design, improve the structure, and solve any problems that arose. What began as a simple concept grew into something much larger, shaped by the unique contributions of everyone involved.
By the end of the project, Ryan learned that leadership is more than just having a great idea. It’s about staying open to change, appreciating different perspectives, and collaborating as a team to bring those ideas to life. In the process, he not only helped create a vertical garden but also gained a deeper understanding of problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability.
Ryan, we are excited to see this project’s potential!