It is hard to believe that my summer with OSU Extension is already coming to an end. When I first started this internship, everything was new to me. I was entering a world of food preservation that I knew very little about, and there was so much I had yet to learn. Now that I have reached the end, I can look back and see how much I have grown. My confidence, collaboration skills and understanding of community education have all developed throughout the summer. I can attribute that growth to the new experiences I was able to take part in, the patience everyone I met showed me, and the incredible passion of the MFP volunteers, demonstrating how much can be accomplished when people work together.
Throughout the summer, I have had the opportunity to work in both Benton and Linn counties and take part in a variety of projects and events. From preparing workshop supplies and organizing resources to attending farmers’ markets and creating educational activities, no two weeks looked exactly the same. Seeing the amount of preparation that happens behind the scenes has given me a new appreciation for the work that goes into creating a successful community program.
One of the biggest surprises of my internship was discovering how much I enjoy creating digital displays and hands-on activities. Whether I was creating a display about canning equipment or helping develop an activity for a farmers’ market, I found that I really enjoy taking information and thinking about how it can be presented in a way that catches someone’s attention. There is something rewarding about creating an activity that makes someone stop, interact and learn something new. This experience has also shown me that communication is a major part of public health. Having good information is important, but finding ways to effectively reach people with that information is just as impactful.
I also learned to become more comfortable when I did not know something. There were plenty of times when I had questions or was learning something for the first time, especially in the world of preservation. Instead of feeling like I needed to have every answer, I learned to ask questions, listen and use the people around me as resources. Getting comfortable with feeling uncomfortable was one of the biggest drivers of my personal growth and confidence.
As I finish my internship, I am grateful for everyone who welcomed me, taught me and gave me the opportunity to be involved. If I could give future interns one piece of advice, it would be to say yes to new experiences. You may start an internship thinking you know what you want to get out of it, only to discover something completely different that you enjoy. I am leaving this internship with new skills, new interests and a better understanding of the kind of work I want to be a part of in the future.
– Callie Bradshaw