This summer with Oregon State University Extension has been so gratifying, growing my skills as a communicator, leader, and organizer. My name is Nyla Bennett and I’m closing out my internship at Wheeler County. I worked with the 4-H program over this summer, spearheading two 4-H county events and getting to be a part of multiple other large scale 4-H endeavors. When looking back on the goals I had set for both my personal development and community impact in this position, I am happy to say I achieved them.
For my first goal, I wanted to bring educational opportunities to the rural youth in our county that they would not otherwise get to experience. Being part of 4-H myself when I was younger, I recognize how important this program is to introduce a wider variety of topics to kids and communities. The events I spearheaded achieved that, the first was our county wide 4-H field day. I chose classes, communicated with workshop teachers, organized class schedules and then led icebreakers, games and taught a class at the event. The field day set 4-H’ers up for success with their current projects, and introduced them to potential project interests. We had classes on photography, archery, rope halter making, ice cream science and so much more.
The other event I arranged was our Wheeler County Cloverbud Day Camps. This two-day event is something I’m incredibly proud of. The pre-K through third grade kids were fascinated with the workshops we offered, and had whole-hearted enthusiasm for every activity. I planned curriculums for interactive classes with topics such as “Wheat Ag”, “Chicken Anatomy” and “Buoyancy” that the younger age group could understand and engage with. I created the schedule, advertised, and worked with my supervisor to create this amazing, free event. Being able to bring youth together so they can learn and grow is so important to me and I’m glad I was able to be a part of these activities.
One aspect of this position I was excited for was getting to work with a variety of people in ever changing situations and settings. In my past jobs I generally stayed within set areas for predictable things. However, working in this position I was often thrown into new situations that tested my skills and pushed me to grow. For example, one day I was asked to teach a class in Mitchell. I had two days to prepare, then I traveled there and taught a pollinator class that introduced the students to bees’ effect on agriculture and robotics. I was given the responsibility of representing Wheeler County Extension on my own and this experience, along with others like it, strengthened my abilities to quickly organize and execute a plan.
Being an Oregon State University Extension intern in Wheeler County has been everything I wanted and more. I want to thank my supervisor, Amy Derby, for guiding and supporting me. Through this position I have grown my skills, tested my abilities, and brought opportunities to the community I cherish.
