My name is Karyna Marquez, and I am excited to be serving as the Hood River County 4-H Intern this summer. I am a Hood River County native and a freshman at Oklahoma State University, where I am majoring in agricultural communications and earning a certificate in meat science. Growing up in Hood River County, 4-H played a major role in my life and helped shape who I am today. 

My journey in 4-H began when I was a Cloverbud and continued throughout my youth as I became involved in livestock projects. Over the years, I showed large livestock competitively throughout the Pacific Northwest and developed a passion for the agriculture industry and youth development. Through my experiences in 4-H, I gained valuable skills in leadership, responsibility, communication and public speaking that continue to benefit me today. 

Because of the positive impact 4-H had on my life, I am excited to return to the program in a new role this summer. As the Hood River County 4-H Intern, I will be assisting with outreach, programming and county fair activities. This internship provides an opportunity to give back to the program that gave me so much while also gaining professional experience in Extension. My career goal is to work in agricultural communications, whether that be for an agriculture communications company or within the communications department of a larger agriculture organization. Through this internship, I hope to strengthen my communication skills, learn more about community outreach and gain a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into Extension programming and events. I am also excited to learn more about event planning, social media outreach and the many ways Extension serves local communities. 

One thing I am especially looking forward to this summer is helping with county fair activities. Fair week was always one of my favorite parts of 4-H and I am excited to experience it from a new perspective. I also hope to work on outreach projects, assist with youth programming and help create resources that support local 4-H members and families. I am grateful for the opportunity to spend the summer with Hood River County Extension and eager to learn, grow and give back to a program that has had such a meaningful impact on my life.