I have been able to learn a lot about myself this summer through the Extension Internship Program. While I had a pretty good idea of what I was getting myself into, there were things I was expecting to like that I realized wasn't exactly what I thought they would be and vice versa. Here are 5 things I learned about myself this past summer.
1. Not all 4-Hers are like the livestock judging kids. I have been a volunteer livestock judging coach for around four years now. I have enjoyed it a lot and one of the most rewarding parts of being a coach is the relationships built with the judging kids and watching them improve as a judge. I was used to being around these kids and knew how to work with them, but I soon found out not all kids are like these. The different groups of 4-Hers were all unique in their own way and it was a challenge for me to have to figure the different groups out quickly so I would know how to educate them and keep their attention.
2. It is okay to cut loose and act like a kid every now and then. 4-H camp was what I dreaded the most about this internship. I did not enjoy it all too well when I tried it out as a first year camper. The only person to blame for that is myself, because I was a shy kid that didn't really want to break out my shell at that time. I would be lying if I said that I was miserable at camp the entire time this go around. The mud wars we had at camp were unique to that week because of all the rain we had. During the brawl that it was, I noticed everyone, young and old(er), wasn't worried about keeping up a certain image. Everyone was having a good time literally rolling in mud holes like livestock. It was nice for me to realize that life doesn't have to be taken seriously all the time.
3. It takes an army. There are so many behind the scenes actions that have to take place for an event or program to happen. I think most people see the agents at an event and think that all they do is show up to places, but there is a ton of coordinating and meetings that have to happen for something to be successful. Agents do a lot of work that goes unnoticed and unappreciated in some cases. Even more so, the volunteers are saints for what they do. If it weren't for them, most of the events we had this summer would not have been able to happen.
4. The Harrison County community supports Extension. I grew up in the 4-H program and we sold vegetables in the Farmer's Market when I was young, but it wasn't until being in the office and seeing the people and taking the calls that I realized how many people appreciate the services the extension agents provide. The agents will also drop what they are doing and go out of their way to help a member in the community. They also work together well and aren't too proud to learn something from each other or a member in the community. The staff here is great and I felt like I was at home from the first day I worked here. I have also built some relationships of my own with members of the community that I wouldn't have otherwise without working with extension.
5. I could Extension as a career option for me in the future. I really enjoyed working on the Agriculture and Natural Resources projects and could see that being a good fit for me in the future. I also could see myself applying for a youth livestock coordinator position, or maybe a beef specialist job as well. One thing I am sure of is that I see how much the people in an agricultural community appreciate what extension does, and I would love to be apart of that one day.
I can't say enough good things about the staff here in Harrison County. They seem like family to me as my internship comes to a conclusion. They have all taken an interest in my future and have answered any questions I've had about extension, or life for that matter, and told me like it is rather than saying what they think I want to hear. While I am excited to start my job in South Dakota on Eagle Pass Ranch, I will miss working with the people here in Cynthiana and Harrison County.
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