Tayleur Baker « OSU Extension Internship Program

Hi again! My name is Savannah Barron, and this summer I had the pleasure of working as an
intern at Oregon State University Extension Service in Columbia County. During my last legs of
this internship, I have taken on many different projects. One of the largest—briefly mentioned in
my last blog—is the community garden at Lewis and Clarke Elementary School. It had been left
mostly to itself for about a year, so it was in dire need of a good weeding and watering. The
garden itself consists of four wooden plant beds and four metal ones, with previously planted
garlic and onions, as well as a fairly large native plant bed. Weeding out thistle and older plants
was a fun challenge, but planting some seeds in the hope that they would be ready in the fall for
the kids to help harvest was probably my favorite part. Currently, the radishes I planted have
taken off, while the strawberries, cucumbers and various herbs are a bit slower. I’m so excited
to see what the school ends up doing with the garden, and grateful that I could get it into a more
manageable condition for them.

OSU Extension intern, Savannah Barron, and Master Gardeners at Scappoose Farmers Market. Photo: Cassie Hall

I have continued with the Columbia County needs assessment, through both calling farmers and
tabling at events like the Clatskanie Garlic and Pollinator Festival, as well as farmers’ markets—
no matter how hot it may be. I have to say the people I’ve been talking to just have so much
passion for not only their farms and gardens, but for supporting the entire community of
Columbia County. Everyone’s very much invested in growing and changing as a collective, and
it’s been an honor being able to give them a bit of a voice in how they want to do that. Another
really fun bit of programming I’ve been able to do is going on site visits with Janhvi Pandey, who
takes care of our Master Gardener and Small Farms programs. These visits gave me hands-on
experience in what discussions occur about land use, plant diagnostics and even watershed-
based information in people’s day-to-day lives.

Overall, my time at Columbia County Extension has been very engaging. I feel as though I’ve
learned a lot, not just about the programs and events that Extension helps make happen, but
also about the community I live in. The diversity and dedication of the people I have met are
truly amazing things to witness. I am so very grateful for the opportunities that have been
presented to me and for the wonderful people in the Columbia County Extension office who
have helped guide me in this journey. I cannot wait to see how this experience will shape me as
I go on to newer things.

As we near the end of summer, I find myself reflecting on the many moments, lessons and
opportunities that shaped this season of growth. When I first began this internship with Oregon
State University’s Open Campus and Juntos, I knew it would be an enriching experience, but I
couldn’t have imagined just how many hats I would wear along the way.

On August 20th, Lucia and the summer 2025 Cohort for the Higher Education Family Workshops smile for a group photo. Photo: Yuri Reyes

Some days, I was a chauffeur, driving teens to and from camps. On other days, I was a project
manager, coordinating schedules, deadlines and communication to ensure things ran smoothly. I
stepped into the role of event coordinator more than once, setting up spaces, organizing materials
and preparing for the parents and students who would walk through the door. And in between, I
found myself doing administrative work, data entry and even serving as a panelist for a Q&A
session at Chemeketa’s La Bienvenida event. Every day brought something new and each role
taught me a valuable lesson about adaptability, leadership and the importance of stepping in
wherever needed.

This summer was also defined by the projects I had the privilege to be a part of. I supported three
youth camps that gave students the chance to learn, explore and imagine their futures. I reached
out to recent high school graduates to share resources and opportunities available to them,
helping them take that important next step after graduation. I facilitated a series of four
workshops entirely in Spanish, my favorite role, creating a space where parents felt comfortable,
included and empowered to support their children’s educational journeys. I was also able to
represent Oregon State University in the Fiesta Mexicana Parade, where I was proud to include
my daughter.

Lucia, daughter Elisa (age 4) and Benny the Beaver, among other OSU Alumni, current students, and volunteers, showed OSU pride and passed out swag items during the Fiesta Mexicana Parade. Photo: Yuri Reyes

As my internship comes to an end, I look back with deep gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had,
the people I’ve met and the growth I’ve experienced both personally and professionally. I’m
grateful for the incredible team I worked alongside, especially my supervisor, Yuri Reyes, whose
strong yet compassionate leadership has given me invaluable insight into the kind of professional
I hope to become.

This summer has been a lot of work, but also so much fun! As I take the next steps in my
education and career, I’ll carry with me the lessons I’ve learned and the lasting impact of my
summer with Oregon State University Extension.

– Lucia Rocha

Hello again!
I’m Taiva Steed, and this summer has been busy and exciting. It’s hard to believe it’s already
coming to an end!

Some of my favorite moments this summer came from working at farmers’ markets, where we
offered free nitrate screenings and shared resources about wells, septic systems and
groundwater. Each market was different and came with its own obstacles and highlights.
Tangent was full of energy, with live music, NASCARs and the excitement of a brand-new
market. However, not every day went exactly as planned. In Coburg, we showed up on the
wrong day, and in Cottage Grove, our canopy broke on a hot morning. But facing those
challenges helped show me how important the work we’re doing really is! Not only did I see
community members stepping in to help make these opportunities happen, but I also saw
people go out of their way to learn about their health, even when we did not make it the
easiest. Seeing these efforts from strangers was one of the most rewarding aspects of the
internship!

Another highlight from this summer was going on a septic systems field trip in Lincoln County. It
was interesting to see the more technical, hands-on side of the work I’ve been talking about
with community members all summer. We also had the chance to get some good quality time
with the team and be by the beach!

I also had the chance to explore other parts of Oregon State University Extension. Having
worked on a farm before, visiting the North Willamette Research and Extension Center had me
feeling close to my roots. We went to a Blueberry Field Day and their Open House. These were
other standout moments because I got to meet new people within Oregon State University
Extension and learn how different programs reach out to their community. We even managed
to squeeze in a few nitrate tests there, too.

This internship has been full of learning, problem-solving and connecting with communities;
and I’m grateful for every moment.

Hi, my name is Heidi Moran, and this summer I have been the Union County intern. This summer has
been busy with many incredible experiences. During my internship, I mainly worked with various 4-H
events. Before this internship, I was always extremely involved in 4-H. I have enjoyed working for 4-H
and being able to see all the work that goes into running all of the events I used to participate in. This
summer, I helped with the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show, Union County Interstate Exchange Trip, Tri-
County 4-H Camp and the Union County Fair.

Heidi Moran and Shelby Benson strike a pose at the Tri-County 4-H Camp Celebration. Photo: Heidi Moran

This summer, I was able to help with the Tri-County 4-H camp. This year’s camp theme was board
games. Before camp, I helped prepare all of the necessary supplies that we would need at camp. At
camp, I helped with check-in, board game Pictionary and popping popcorn. I also taught an ice cream
class with our office specialist, Shelby Benson. We also created a playlist for the celebration and MCed
the celebration. 4-H camp was always a highlight of my summer every year, and I enjoyed being able to
help out.

The main event I helped with this summer was the Union County Fair. I helped with preparations for the
fair, such as making exhibitor packets, putting together clerk books and preparing awards. Before the
fair started, I helped with the horse show and pre-fair contests such as the fashion revue. During the fair
week, I was the clerk for all of the livestock shows and handed out ribbons for the steer show. OSU
Extension also had a booth at the fair, so I helped decorate (we won), staff the booth and engage with
the public, informing them of all the opportunities presented by OSU Extension. When I had free time
from helping with 4-H events. It was a great Union County Fair!

An office project I helped with this summer was the renovation of our conference room. We were
getting new flooring put in, so Shelby Benson and I pulled up some of the carpet. We also painted the
bottom of the conference room walls blue. When the flooring was finished, we brought all of the
furniture back in and arranged it. This is a project that will have a lasting impact on space functionality
for community members.

This will be my final summer as an intern. Over the last 3 years, I have learned many things, such as time
management, organization and how to paint (kind of). I also made many relationships and memories
over the past 3 years. I will be able to use what I have learned and the relationships I have built in my
future career as an educator.

Hi again! For those of you I missed last time around, my name is Riley Hampton. This is my
second summer working with the Oregon State University Extension Internship Program. This
summer, I have had the opportunity to work with Umatilla County 4-H!

A Cloverbud rabbit showman proudly shows off their project during the Umatilla County Fair. Photo: Shauna Newman

This summer has been a fun, but busy one. Two weeks ago, Umatilla County 4-H participated in
the Umatilla County Fair, where youth participated in many activities and contests all week long.
From Food Preservation to Dairy Showmanship, 4-H members exhibited their skills, knowledge
and sportsmanship all fair long.

One new contest this year was dedicated to our youngest members of 4-H. Cloverbud Show and
Tell debuted this year, allowing 4-Hers from the ages of 5-8 to bring in their pets (anything from
turkeys to hamsters) and show them off. The goal of Show and Tell was to teach Cloverbuds the
care and attention it takes to bring an animal to the fair, as well as to get them started in the
world of Small Animal Showmanship. Well, I do hope Cloverbud Show and Tell lived up to its
goals, especially considering I was the judge!

In all seriousness, this summer has been an amazing experience. I learned so much, met tons of
new 4-Hers and worked beside some of the best people all summer long. I’d like to thank my
supervisor, Shauna Newman. This is her last year with 4-H, and she has been absolutely
amazing. I am so thankful for this summer with Oregon State University Extension so far, and so
excited for the rest of the summer to come.

My summer with Oregon State University Extension has been very fulfilling, and I have learned
a lot through this experience. My knowledge has deepened, and I have created new connections
with my community. I am grateful for this opportunity and the memories I made.

Ashley Treadwell assists students in preparing snacks after a tour through the garden. Photo: Rachel Sorensen

One of my favorite parts of my internship was visiting elementary schools each week to teach the
Growing Healthy Kids curriculum to 1st graders. During the final week, we took the students to
the community garden so they could see firsthand how food is grown. My supervisor, volunteers
and co-workers each led small groups of students through the garden, pointing out the various
fruits and vegetables being cultivated. The students were ecstatic and eager to learn about
everything the garden had to offer.

After the tour, we provided snacks and refreshments. Using Food Hero recipes, we prepared
ranch, black bean dip and hummus to spread on crackers; then the students decorated their
crackers with an assortment of vegetables. Each group thoroughly enjoyed their time in the
garden and walked away having learned a lot.

One challenge I overcame during my internship this year was becoming more comfortable
speaking in front of large groups. While I know there is still room for growth, I feel my skills
have become more solid and I have gained greater confidence. This is a skill I can directly apply
to many areas of my life, whether in college or in my future career and one that will be valuable
for a lifetime.

A key takeaway that I have from my time at Extension is that a positive change within a
community begins with access to resources. Many people have the motivation to live healthier
lives, but may not know where to begin. Oregon State University Extension offers guidance and
resources to help bridge that gap and empower individuals to make that step.

-Ashley Treadwell

This summer, I had the privilege of working as an intern with the 4-H Extension Service. From
the moment I stepped into the office, I knew this was going to be more than just a seasonal job
— it was going to be an opportunity to connect with my community, strengthen my
professional skills and contribute to a program that has been making a difference in the lives of
young people for generations.

One of my first projects was creating informational bulletin boards. While this might sound
simple, it quickly became a creative challenge. The goal was to design displays that were not
only visually appealing but also informative and engaging for all ages. I researched topics,
gathered images and learned how to present information in a way that was accessible, fun and
aligned with the mission of 4-H. Seeing families stop to read the boards and talk about them
during events was incredibly rewarding — it reminded me that even small touches can leave a
lasting impact.

As the summer went on, preparations for the county fair kicked into high gear. Helping set up
for the fair was no small task. From moving tables and equipment to arranging exhibits, every
step required teamwork and problem-solving. The fairgrounds transformed from an empty
space into a lively hub of activity, showcasing livestock, crafts and the hard work of 4-H
members. I gained a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort that makes these
events possible, and I learned that flexibility and patience are just as important as physical work
when it comes to event preparation.

One of the highlights of my internship was running a fundraiser to support the 4-H
Ambassadors. I coordinated sales, promoted the event and worked closely with both the
ambassadors and community members. This experience taught me valuable lessons about
communication, organization and the importance of building relationships. It was amazing to
see how willing people were to support a good cause when they understood the mission and
saw the passion behind it.

Looking back, this internship gave me far more than I expected. I developed practical skills —
like event planning, public speaking and creative design — that I can carry into any future role. I
also gained a stronger sense of community and learned the importance of teamwork,
adaptability and service.

But beyond the skills, what I’ll remember most are the people — the dedicated staff, the
enthusiastic 4-H members, the supportive parents and the countless volunteers who make
everything possible. Their commitment inspired me and showed me the power of coming
together to achieve something bigger than ourselves.

My summer with the 4-H Extension Service wasn’t just about bulletin boards, fair set-up, or
fundraising — it was about being part of a mission that helps youth grow into capable, caring
and contributing members of society. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have played even a
small role in that mission, and I look forward to carrying these lessons into my next chapter.

-Kyla Baxter

Hi all, Ashton Rask again. For my final blog post, and my final project of my internship,
Savannah and I helped our Education Program Assistant build bags filled with cooking utensils,
cookbooks and other informational materials. These bags will be distributed to our local
community partners for our community members to use and enjoy. This will help equip our
community with the tools they need to create a healthy and balanced meal. Attached is a photo
of Savannah Barron and me in our Columbia County Office, prepping the bags (photo to come). We created an
assembly line to get as many of the bags done as we could so we can distribute them to our
community partners.

Over the course of my internship, I have had the opportunity to help within our community
programming, which is something I have really enjoyed. Specifically, our cooking classes at the
Food Bank that are hosted alongside WIC classes. These classes are made up of youth usually
under the age of 6. We have had some of these kids attend multiple classes this summer, and
it’s been a joy to see them repeatedly. It has given me the opportunity to give back to my
community, help educate my community about the resources we have available, and share
new, healthy recipes featuring foods that are easily accessible.

Working with Kate, our education program assistant, has been a blast. She’s extremely
knowledgeable and creates a wonderful environment for those involved. The kids we had the
opportunity to work with are so much fun and are always excited about the recipes Kate brings
to the table. Our hope is that these prefilled bags help kids and families have the tools they
need to make meals more accessible.

Hello again! My name is Aspen Bowling, and I am currently getting ready to go into my third
year at Oregon State University. As I enter the final few weeks of my internship with the Oregon
State University Extension Service in Clatsop County, I’ve had time to reflect on all that I’ve
learned, the connections I’ve made and the meaningful work I’ve been fortunate to be part of.
From hands-on experience with local programs to helping at one of the county’s biggest annual
events, this internship has given me a deeper appreciation for community-based education,
agriculture and wellness.

OSU Extension intern, Aspen Bowling, snaps a photo of livestock showmen at the Clatsop County Fair. Photo: Aspen Bowling

One of the highlights of this half of my internship was attending the Joy of Gardening
Conference in Corvallis in July. This event brought together Master Gardeners, educators and
plant lovers from across the state to learn, connect and grow. I had the chance to sit in on
fascinating workshops, meet new faces and expand my knowledge of sustainable gardening
practices. Being part of a space where people were so passionate about sharing information
and building stronger garden communities was incredibly inspiring. Back here in Clatsop
County, I’ve continued supporting the OSU Master Gardener Program by helping with
educational events, prepping materials and working alongside volunteers who are committed
to teaching others how to grow food and care for the environment. It’s been a great experience
seeing how this program connects people of all ages and backgrounds. This summer, I also had
the opportunity to get creative with some digital media production. I’ve been involved in
everything from photography and graphic design to helping manage social media posts that
promote events and share the story of Extension’s work. While much of this happens behind
the scenes, it’s a big part of how Extension reaches wider audiences and keeps the community
informed and engaged. I’ve enjoyed learning how to blend creativity with communication to
support outreach and education.

One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was working at the Clatsop County Fair. Not
only was it exciting to be involved in the planning and support side like helping with 4-H events,
capturing moments through photography and being part of the team, but it also brought back
personal memories from when I was in 4-H myself. Walking through the barns and seeing youth
proudly show their animals reminded me of my own experiences growing up. It was truly
inspiring to see today’s 4-H members building confidence, learning responsibility and creating
the same kinds of lasting memories that shaped me. Being there reminded me of how impactful
those moments are and how important it is to keep supporting the next generation. Lastly, I’ve
continued working with the Family and Community Health program, assisting with outreach
and learning more about wellness education and nutrition resources. I have continued
participating in the Mobile Produce pantries, and it is still just as rewarding to see that program
firsthand. This work really showed me how Extension touches every part of community life,
from gardens to kitchens to classrooms.

With just a few weeks left, I’m grateful for everything this internship has taught me. I’ve grown
professionally, gained new skills and met so many inspiring people who are passionate about
helping others. It’s been an incredible season of growth for both the community and for me.

My name is Lucia Rocha, and as a 38-year-old mother of two, I am not what usually comes to
mind when you think of a typical college intern. My road to higher education hasn’t been easy
or linear. It’s been shaped by grief, perseverance and a deep desire to create a life of purpose
for myself and my family.

Lucia Rocha smiling with her two children at her recent graduation from Chemeketa Community College. Photo: Rosy VanHorn

Growing up in a low-income household, college wasn’t something my parents could afford for
me. I entered the workforce right after high school and quickly worked my way up. Then, as I
began to grow in my career, my mother and I were in a car accident that took her life.
Heartbroken, I pushed forward and continued working hard and trying to rebuild my life.

My perseverance and potential were recognized by the company’s owner, who awarded me a
small scholarship. This reignited my dreams of pursuing a higher education. I enrolled in college
and worked full-time while attending school full-time, determined to succeed. But just as I was
nearing the completion of my degree, the company went out of business. I lost my job,
scholarship and once again had to put my education on hold.

I soon started a new job, worked hard and found stability in my career. Shortly after, I became a
mother, and my dreams of a higher education were pushed even further back. Just as I was
preparing for a promotion, my brother and 12-year-old niece passed away unexpectedly. Their
loss reminded me just how fragile life is and forced me to reflect on what truly mattered.
In late 2023, I made the difficult decision to leave behind the career I had worked so hard to
build and return to school full-time. Although not an easy choice, it was the best choice for my
children and me. I wanted them to see that it’s never too late to start over or chase your
dreams.

My hard work and dedication paid off. This June, I received my associate’s degree in business
from Chemeketa Community College. I was also awarded the Ford Family Foundation
Opportunity Scholarship to pursue my bachelor’s degree at Oregon State University. I have the
honor of interning with the Oregon State University Extension Service in Marion County, where
I support the Juntos and Open Campus programs. I’ve spent much of my life in service to
others, through my work at the Oregon Department of Human Services, creating a youth group
at my church, co-founding a nonprofit and volunteering in my children’s schools.

Jerry Phillips presenting Lucia Rocha with an awared with a nlue curtain behind them. — Jerry Phillips presents Lucia Rocha with an award from the Ford Foundation Scholarship Award Ceremony. Photo: Keri Blue Photography

This internship has given me something new: the opportunity to serve my community while
growing in my role as a student and professional. So far, I’ve been helping with outreach to high
school graduates, guiding them through college orientation, registering for classes and
whatever they may need as they step into their future. I’ve reached out to students and
families in both English and Spanish, offering support in a way that feels natural to who I am.
It’s been rewarding to be that helping hand, especially for families who might otherwise feel
unsure about navigating these systems.

What I’ve appreciated most is having a unique opportunity to connect with students, parents
and the passionate professionals I’m learning from. I am currently in all their shoes, which
allows me to connect with them in a way that not all interns can. However, even with my
experience, I’m still growing, I’m still learning and I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.
This internship isn’t just a stepping stone, it’s part of a bigger journey, a reminder that starting
over isn’t failure; it’s a choice. And sometimes, it’s the bravest one we can make. I am excited
for the future, both in and out of this internship.

OSU Extension Internship Program

Author Archives: Tayleur Baker

OSU Extension intern cultivates gardens-and community insight-in Columbia County

OSU Extension intern leads through versatile roles and responsibilities

OSU Extension intern sees the impact in imperfect days

OSU Extension intern closes out three years of service and growth

OSU Extension intern embraces 4-H spirit at the Umatilla County Fair

OSU Extension intern supports communities through resource access

OSU Extension intern learns, serves and grows

OSU Extension intern empowers families with cooking resources

OSU Extension intern redefines the journey

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