Blog / Seth: The Garden, The Greenhouse, and God
"Never give up. Believe in yourself, give your best, and have an ‘I can’ attitude"—this is the advice Seth Hess, Class of 2022, offers to Shepherds College® students. Seth, who majored in Horticulture, is currently employed at RL Landscaping and Design in Macungie, Pennsylvania. As part of a landscaping crew, he travels to commercial and residential sites, contributing to the upkeep of grounds and landscape beds. From weeding and mulching to removing branches and debris, Seth feels a sense of accomplishment that comes with “creating a clean and beautiful look.”
Never give up. Believe in yourself, give your best, and have an 'I can' attitude.
In addition to routine maintenance, Seth also assists with the removal and installation of plants, a skill honed through the Horticulture program at Shepherds College. While he's planted everything from trees to shrubs, his true passion lies in planting perennial and annual flowers. Reflecting on his favorite project, he recalls a commercial site that features three annual flower installations—pansies in the spring, impatiens in the summer, and fall blooms he eagerly anticipates.
After graduating in June 2022, Seth diligently searched for a horticulture-related position near his home in Pennsylvania. With limited opportunities at greenhouses and garden centers in the area, he turned to landscaping and has thrived in his role since March 2024. Despite the challenges—long 10-hour days, sweltering heat, and the occasional encounter with bees or poison ivy—Seth remains committed to his work.
His positive attitude is a defining trait. During his time at Shepherds College, Seth’s optimism was infectious. His smile and encouraging words could diffuse tension among his peers, while his leadership and teamwork skills grew steadily. Seth credits his time at Shepherds College for preparing him to work cohesively with others, a quality that serves him well in his current position. His Christian faith, deeply rooted from his upbringing in the mission field in Bolivia and Papua New Guinea, also guides his interactions. Though some of his coworkers may not share his faith, Seth demonstrates his beliefs through honesty, kindness, and perseverance in the face of difficult tasks.
Seth’s occupational experiences during his third year at Shepherds College hold a special place in his heart. Both Paul’s Petal Pushers and Robran’s Greenhouses valued Seth’s strong work ethic and ability to collaborate effectively. His supervisors recall his initiative and sense of ownership, often suggesting improvements to processes. Paul, one of his mentors, noted, “Seth brings integrity to every task, consistently setting an example for others.” Seth particularly enjoyed transplanting and preparing greenhouses for sales, skills he hopes to further develop in his career.
While Seth is content with his current job in landscaping, his long-term aspirations lie in greenhouse and garden work. His future goal? “Someday I may look into setting up my own greenhouse,” he shares with excitement.
Seth’s story is one of perseverance, faith, and the desire to make the world a little more beautiful.
Seth brings integrity to every task, consistently setting an example for others.
Published in Volume 7, Issue 3 of SOAR Magazine.