I am officially approaching the end of my internship, and as the summer starts to wind down, I would describe the experience as bittersweet. So far, I have worked at 17 events and conducted hundreds of nitrate screenings. My favorite part of these outreach events is getting to greet and interact with community members in each of the towns we visit. Every town and every person has a different relationship with their water, and getting to hear those stories has been one of my favorite parts of this internship.

This internship has also allowed me to go on side quests into other dimensions of Extension, such as health and small farms. One event that really left an impression on me was working at the Sweet Home Free Farm Stand. This event happens once a month, where the City of Sweet Home purchases food from local farmers and distributes fresh produce to residents for free. 

I am passionate about food security, and this event showed me that it really is possible for communities to make a difference and take care of both their people and their local farmers. It made me feel more hopeful for the future, and it never fails to surprise me how there is a nonstop flow of people who show up for free and healthy produce.  

OSU Extension has taught me the importance of looking at the bigger picture and meeting communities where they are. Whether I was testing someone’s well water, helping distribute emergency preparedness supplies, or handing out fresh produce, I was reminded that the work we do is ultimately about connecting people with the knowledge and resources they may need. 

As I look toward the end of my internship, I am excited to take everything I have learned with me into whatever comes next. I am looking forward to continuing to grow as a communicator, working with communities, and finding ways to connect people with the natural resources that support them.