Wrap Up!

My time at the Owsley County Extension office has come to an end. The internship has been such an amazing experience. It definitely wasn't what I expected it to be; it was so much more! I gained knowledge, techniques, and experience that I know I will be able to implement in my future career and life. I loved the variety in what we did each day. If a specific program was not my favorite, I didn't have to worry long, because we would probably be doing something different later that day. There was always variety in the programming and tasks and that made it exciting to see what each new day would bring. 

One of my biggest responsibilities of my time this summer was organizing the "Lightning Bug 5K Run/1 Mile Walk." Although I was familiar with running in races, the task of actually organizing was a bit daunting. The race was held in July, but the planning process began much before that. I began with scheduling, getting sponsors, t-shirt designs, course approvals, and more. We worked tirelessly on the race to make sure everything went off without a hitch and to my elation; it did! We had a wonderful turn out with 71 runners and a large group of volunteers. After the race was over and the trophies had been awarded, there was still much to do! We began the cleanup process the next day and the last task was to send the thank you letters sent to the sponsors. This event taught me a lot about planning and organizational skills that I know I will be able to use for a lifetime. 

Looking back on my time with the Owsley Extension Office, I can say confidently that it has prepared me and molded me for what is to come after graduation at EKU. The relationships I have cultivated are invaluable and I am thankful to have worked with such wonderful people who have taught me so much in such a short time. 

The End of the Road!

It feels as if it was yesterday that I had started this twelve week adventure and now it is coming to the end of the road. Its funny how we get so accustomed to the road we travel that it becomes second nature then we slowly find ourselves embarking on a new a path. The last week here at the Breathitt County Office seems bitter sweet for I have made contacts and friendship that will last a lifetime. I have overcome obstacles that I never knew that I could face. While all along the way building my character and professional strength. Establishing my self as not just a intern but a professional body in our field of work.
To the people that I have worked side by side with I thank you all for such a rewarding summer. I have enjoyed the task of dealing with home sick children at camp. The challenge of properly caring for home gardeners Roses and Green Beans. While discovering how to kill multiflora rose in the pastures of Mr. Deaton cattle farm. The Understanding of the diversity of a Extensions office so called "job" has lead me to gain a passion for all people and their issues. It has lead me to believe that if you are in Extension its not a "job" but its a lifestyle.
In order to sort of sum up my summer and my project it taught me no matter the subject matter or the area of programming that you are in the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is a family. We all have a purpose to educate and demonstrate the proper way to handle everyday task for the public to be better aware of hazards, and be better at their crafts. In my project it taught me how to handle a program that would benefit the community I was serving. It also taught me what I could strengthen for my future career. In all I was a blessed individual to work with the outstanding people that I did and I thank everyone for the opportunity.

I Can't Believe the Summer is Over

As I approach the last week of my internship, I can't help but look back and think of how fast this summer has flown by. I've learned so much more than I thought was possible. Lessons that I'll take with me to use in my future career as well as whatever future endevors I may come across. If you'd asked me at the beginning of the summer, "Do you think Extension is the career path for you?" I would've responded with "I don't know if I'd like to do something like that," but now that the summer is over I've fallen in love with everything that extension stands for. I'm beyond blessed to have had the experience I've had this summer in extension, and even more blessed to have been able to spend it in Spencer County. Even though, Spencer County is my home county I wasn't involved in 4-H when I was younger, and wasn't sure what all extension even had to offer me now as just a community member. It's going to be extremely hard to leave the co-workers that have become more like family. 

When I leave extension I'll so many memories, from going to 4-H camp for the very first time to getting the behind the experience at the county fair to getting to teach different age groups from what I'm used to. I got to teach for my individual project and I helped teach a leadership class as Teen Conference. As an education major, they can teach all the tricks and engaging tips in the world to use on your students, but actually using them in a real life situation is different. Another that can't be taught is classroom management. One of my biggest fears thinking about student teaching in the spring was "How am I going to control 32 kids that have no idea who I am?" Now that I have experienced 4-H camp and teaching kids, I've learned that I do have the ability to control a classroom. I would've never guessed that extension would have taught me how to develop and adapt lessons plans I'm teaching, or teach me that going outside of your comfort zone can open up a variety of opportunities. I don't think I'll be able to thank extension enough or my co-workers for all the memories and experiences I've had the opportunity to be apart of.

I also got teach kids about Animal By Products for my individual project. I taught 6 different groups of children from ages 5-11 about the importance of the products that come from animals. The products that I introduced them to were things other than food. These were things that they use in their every day lives like deodorant, cosmetics, crayons, sports equipment, and so much more. The kids got to see disgrams with products that cam from a cow, pig, and sheep, as well as seeing some of those products up close and personal. The kids were really grossed out at first, but as they learned exactly how those products were made from animals they became amazed at how little they would have without the contribustions that livestock animals make to our every day lives. 

I can't wait to see where my future will take whether it be into a classroom or into extension I know that  I'm more prepared than I thought I would be before taking this internship. I love everything extension is, and am beyond happy that I recieved the opportunity to be an intern. I definitely wish it didn't have to come to an end. Until next time extension!

A Summer To Remember

I’ve been dreading writing this post for the past two weeks. Tomorrow is my last day as Boyle County’s Cooperative Extension intern. I’ve done and learned so much that it’s impossible to describe the incredible experience I’ve had this summer. From day one, there was always something to do, with several different programs, clubs and events. Some of my favorites include Babysitting Academy, community service in school clubs, teaching canning and baking at project week, Cloverbud Camp and of course regular 4-H camp. These experiences tested me and taught me new skills and showed me what I was capable of accomplishing. I learned about more opportunities that Extension has to offer the community and how I could help youth in the community. The people I’ve worked with, both in my office and other agents, have touched my heart with how loving and kind they’ve been all summer long. I cannot thank my mentor and agent, Kim Ragland, enough for all the advice, encouragement and support she has given me. At the beginning of this summer, I loved 4-H and couldn’t wait to be a 4-H agent, and that’s still true today. I still have that love for 4-H and Cooperative Extension and believe in education of our youth and this summer has only increased that. It has definitely been a summer to remember!

County Fair!!

The Meade County Fair has come and gone for 2016. While the actual fair only lasted a week, I feel as if we have been getting prepared for it since the beginning of summer, which is probably because we have been ever since we returned from 4-H Camp.

I have always enjoyed the county fair. When I was younger, my sisters and I would always enter a bunch of projects in the 4-H and Family Living sections of the Breckinridge County Fair. We also showed livestock at the county fair and my sisters still do. However, county fair week this year was a whole new ballgame for many reasons.

One reason is this year I was able to experience a completely different county’s  fair. I grew up in Breckinridge County so we always attended the Breckinridge County Fair almost every night because my mom and dad are on the fair board and we usually have to help do something every night of fair week. Even though I had to help with the Breckinridge County Fair, I did not get to experience all of the behind the scenes work that goes into all of the 4-H and general extension events that take place at the fair like I was able to experience this year.

Another reason this year was completely different for me is because the Meade County Fair is so much bigger than any county fair I have ever been to. There were almost 70 kids participate in the livestock shows alone at the Meade County Fair.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Meade County Fair. I especially liked working all of the livestock shows and working with all of the leaders and kids during the shows and during the Skill-A-Thon, which was my intern project for the summer. I enjoyed learning most of the ins and outs of the livestock programs and their youth livestock auction. It was crazy for me to see how different all of the Meade County 4-H fair events were compared to what I was used to in Breckinridge County. I hope to learn more about what Meade County does to get the word out about 4-H in the last few weeks of my internship and as Meade County gets ready to go back to school. 

Below are some pictures from Fair Week.  

12 Weeks is Already Over... How Did That Happen?

Well, this is it, the last week of my internship with Menifee County. How can 12 weeks have already passed? There is one thing I am sure of and that is this internship has been an educational experience unlike anything else! I have participated in things and met people that I will cherish forever!

My research project was a success! Finding more out about breed resistance to varroa mites will greatly help the community members of this county, as it will help the beekeepers decide which breeds to have or to cross their current hives with. While conducting the project, my knowledge of bees and bee behavior escalated significantly!

I also attended 4H camp for the first time in my life, which was a great experience! Being able to see the kids run free without a care in the world was awesome! I have helped our local farmers market numerous times. I have conducted many farm visits helping the local farmers determine problems that they are having, whether that be soil condition, pests, or diseases. I have helped conduct cloverbud camp as well as taught at a science camp. I have done countless other things, but listing them all would take too many pages. Overall, my knowledge of what extension is has grown drastically and has opened up my eyes that an extension agent needs to be a walking encyclopedia and a jack-of-all-trades!

Wrapping It Up In Harrison County

This week is my final week here at the office. I cannot believe how fast the summer has gone by. There are so many things that I have learned throughout my internship that I can apply to a future career. I have been beyond blessed to have had the opportunity to be an intern this summer. I have had many great memories with extension this summer and I hope to be an agent one day. I have come over a lot of fears and have grown from them.

Some of these fears include talking to kids. They are not as scary as they seem. I got better at talking in front of them. I experienced fair week from a different side and I was absolutely terrified about fair week. However, it went really smooth and I would love to help out again next year! I learned that extension is non stop all the time it seems like and that you are constantly bettering yourself for the community. I love the fact that everyone here at the office has so much passion behind bettering my hometown of Cynthiana.

On to my project:

My project was an over all success. The kids loved learning about terrariums and I absolutely loved teaching them. They did enter them into the county fair for some prizes. They learned about how the ecosystem works within the terrarium, along with what each component gives towards that type of environment. I gave a short PowerPoint Presentation first, followed by me doing a quick demonstration. With that demonstration I allowed the kids to tell me what went first into the jar. I hop to help out with this project in the future.

Wrapping it Up in Fleming County

                I cannot believe that the end of the has come summer and my that my time at the Fleming County Extension Office is coming to a close. I feel like I have accomplished so much this summer and at the same time I feel like there is so much more that I want to do, twelve weeks just is not enough time. Since my last blog I attended 4-H Camp, helped with the Fleming County Farmers’ Market, the Tasty Tuesday Program, The Veggies Make “Cents” Program, and the Community Passport Adventure Camp.

     I had a great time at 4-H camp, like I do every summer. The kids are so excited that it makes me excited for them all week long. This summer I taught a Home Spa class, this class taught campers how to make their very own Spa items. These items included lip balm, scrubs, soaps, and many more. During this week I also learned a lot professionally, there was a lot of behind the scenes work that goes into making camp happen and it was nice to help with and learn about that side of things. 

                The Fleming County Farmers Market is held twice a week at the Fleming County Extension Office. It was amazing getting to talk to local farmers and learn about what they do in preparation for their sell. I was also neat to see what different types of good are produced in Fleming County. The Farmers’ Market also overlaps with the Tasty Tuesday Program and The Veggies Make “Cents” Program. The Tasty Tuesday Program uses vegetables from the Fleming County Farmers’ Market and Plate It Up recipes to create samples for individuals to taste at the Farmers’ Market. The samples are made earlier in the day at the Veggies Make “Cents” Program where youth between the ages of 9 and 12 not only prepare the Plate It Up recipe but have a discussion on how to shop healthy in an affordable way. The kids are also the ones who serve the samples to the community at   

the Farmers’ Market. Additionally, Fleming County community members have sponsored the Veggies Make “Cents” Program which provides the youth with five dollar “veggie bucks” to use at the Farmers’ market. This program not only provided an opportunity for youth and adult communication but also educates the community on easy ways to eat healthy.

          I also helped plan and implement Community Passport Adventure Camp in Fleming County. The camp was a four day event for ages nine through twelve. The camp had a different focus each day within the theme “Explore Fleming County.” The days were Fleming County Government, Fleming County Safety, Fleming County Wellness, and Fleming County History. On government day campers were given a tour of the justice center, court house, and the mayor’s office. They also were able to meet county officials and ask questions. During safety day campers were able to tour the fire department and various police stations, they were also given the chance to ride in a police car and fire engine. Wellness day gave the kids and opportunity to learn games they could play outdoors at the park in Fleming County, how to fish, and how to cook healthy outdoors. The final day was Fleming County history, on this day the campers spent the day exploring the Fleming County Covered Bridge Museum and learned about the history of the county. Throughout the camp the kids carried a Fleming County Passport with them that they had signed and stamped by county officials. 

These are only a few of the activities and events have been given the privilege to help with for the last part of the summer. Other activities and events include Super Star Chef Camp, Senior citizens’ nutrition class, The Fleming County Fair, 4-H Cooking Camp, The Fleming County Food Pantry, Style Engineer Day Camp, and planning for the Back to School Gala. I will also be attending the Paraprofessional Day on my last day at the Fleming County Extension Office.

         I am very grateful that I was given the amazing opportunity to be an intern this summer. It was everything I expected and so much more. I found a passion for working with and for the community this summer and I am sad to say good bye for now to the youth and adults I now consider part of my extension family. You never really know what the day will hold for you when you walk into the Extension Office or who you will meet and I love that! I had a passion for family and consumer sciences at the beginning of the summer and now I am leaving with a passion for extension and the communities we serve.

4-H Camp

            I’ve been to 4-H camp several times and I used to consider myself a veteran. No I haven’t been since I was in diapers like some, but I still thought I knew everything there was to know about camp, and then I got a wake up call. Even though I was going with a different camping group and a totally new camp as well, I still didn’t expect to be surprised like I was. Your feelings about 4-H camp change as your role changes: you adore it as a camper, you still have fun when you’re a teen, as an adult you learn more about the responsibility you have and then somewhere along the line you forget about how exciting it was as a camper. When camp becomes part of your job, you start to get weighed down with technicalities and liability and you lose that joy at camp. But this year mine came back. I got to know the agents and counselors I was working with and they became like family before the week was up. The kids in my cabin and team were great and everyone in my classes had a good time. But what really opened my eyes was seeing what camp meant to these kids. To some kids it’s just a fun weekend, but others look forward to it all year. For some, camp is the only place kids feel at home and like they belong. It gives them a network of people who care about them and want them to succeed. Another important thing I saw was kids growing. 4-H strives to make kids better citizens and that absolutely happens at camp. When you see a kid climb the rock wall, who is terrified of heights, and the joy they have after going down the zip line, that’s growth. Or a kid coming out of their shell and making friends, that’s growth. To be a part of that experience for those kids, makes you feel incredibly blessed and reaffirm your belief in 4-H and Cooperative Extension. SO needless to say, this past week was the best week of 4-H camp I’ve ever experienced, not only because of the friendships I made but also because of the impact I saw it make in those kids’ lives. 

The End of the Road?

Wow! It’s is crazy to think, as I am typing this on July 28, 2016, that tomorrow I will be at the Horse Park for Round up and then Monday is my very last day with Christian County Extension! My supervisor, Kendriana, told me during Intern Orientation that the 12 weeks would fly by. I thought “No way! 12 weeks is an extremely long time”! Well, now that my time is really coming to an end I see what she meant.

This summer is been strange and new. Not strange, in the sense that I have been engaging in weird and unusual activities…strange as in different. This summer has been so different because I cannot remember the last summer that I had so much things going on and could honestly say I wasn’t bored. I have been entertained by Extension all summer long!

I came into this summer with the goal of changing my views on my hometown and county of Hopkinsville, Christian County as a whole. I have grown up here and I lived here until fall of 2013, when I moved to Georgetown. Throughout my whole life, all I have seen and witnessed in this area is the negatives here. I was always given the mindset that if you wanted to be somebody and make something of your life you had to leave Christian County and never look back (unless if you really had some good connections in town). Also, I had seen how hard it could be for individuals to leave this area. It has always seemed if you were given one opportunity to leave you had to take it, because it wasn’t likely to happen again.

This summer I have been introduced to so many individuals that have helped to transform some of that thinking. I have worked along side adults who have made and continue to make their mark on Christian County.  I could see the passion in their eyes and see that these individuals care about our community and the people in it. Not only have I worked with adults making a different, I have had the opportunity to work with kids in the community as well. I have seen kids talk about their future career goals, where they would like to go to college, and work on their leadership skills. I even had the opportunity to do my summer project, my college prep board game “The Game of College Life” with one of the groups at the local Boy’s and Girl’s club! It has been humbling to witnesses these things.

My second goal for the summer was to figure out if Extension could be a career option for me. If you would have asked me earlier in the summer if I wanted to be an agent, my response would have been “Absolutely not”! I came into this summer not knowing much about what Extension is. I knew the idea behind it, but had never seen any of it. Everything about Extension was so new to me at the beginning and it took a while for me to adjust. After doing some reflections, I realized that I actually love what Extension does. I believe where my original thoughts on not wanting to seek a career in Extension came from me not understanding its mission. The more and more I thought about it, I believe that maybe, just maybe 4-H isn’t the department for me.

Upon coming into this internship, I had super high hopes of doing lots of work with our three 4-H agents and our FCS agent here in Christian County. In my head, that would be the perfect summer! I have six years and counting worth of experience working with youth and Family Science is my major. I did not realize that Tiffany, FCS agent here, was going on maternity leave within days of my arrival. With that, I have only participated in 4-H programming and events all summer. Even though my last day is Monday, August 1, 2016, I have been given the opportunity to travel to Caldwell County to see Ashley White’s, FCS agent, Area Homemaker Council book study on August 4, 2016. I am hoping that this event will be the missing piece of the puzzle for my summer. I have always said when I graduate college I want to work in my field. Well, FCS is exactly that. I have high hopes that I will enjoy finally getting to see some FCS programming. I am also hoping after that I will decide that I definitely want to pursue Extension. While I didn’t “catch the bug” as they say with 4-H…I do love what 4-H does. I plan to visit the Scott County Extension office in Georgetown and get some paperwork and sign my little sister up, so she can be involved with Cloverbuds.

This may be the end of my summer internship with Extension, but I don’t think this will be the last Extension will see of me!

As things come to an End

The end of the summer is quickly approaching meaning my time in Jefferson County is coming to an end. It has been a very busy but fun summer and it’s bittersweet that it’s almost over. I have learned so much and experienced new things such has going to Cloverbud and 4-H camp for the first time also attending Project WET training. I have been put out of my comfort zone but for the better. This summer has made me work on my professional skills while learning about cooperative extension. I came into this internship not knowing anything about 4-H and not knowing what to expect this summer. I am so blessed to be given this opportunity. I’ve met a lot of great people who I will have for a while and learned professional behaviors that are very useful.

Last month I had the opportunity to facilitate a workshop for camp orientation which is one of the things that put me out my comfort zone. I had to prepare a lesson on understanding children and had to teach that to four different classes on my own. After the first class I felt comfortable speaking in front of everyone.

The week of July 12^th

I conducted my summer project which was a 3 day camp on physical fitness and health for 9 and 10 years at Cane Run Elementary school. These kids are part of a summer

program partnered with the YMCA. For my camp I taught the kids the importance of being physically fit and eating healthy and how it will be beneficial to your future because it decreases your risks of getting diabetes, cancer, and can help you live a longer life. I incorporated fun games and activities with a healthy snack at the end of each day. The kids seem to have enjoyed it and learned something new.  

Last week I had the opportunity to go to 4-H Camp for the first time. I really enjoyed myself and met some great people. I taught a tye dye class which the kids loved and got a chance to ride in a boat. It was a great experience and I see why the leaders like to come every year.

Closing the doors on this summer internship is going to be hard. I have experienced so much and learned so many life skills. I can really say that I can consider myself being an agent one day in the future once I’m done with school. I love kids and giving back to the community so I believe this was the perfect internship for me. I will take with me what I learned this summer. I’m going to miss the people that I work with. They welcomed me and made me feel like a part of their family.