Tayleur Baker « OSU Extension Internship Program

Hello! Emily Killebrew, now Emily Riley, here! So many good things happened this summer
during my marketing internship at Oregon State University Extension Service in the Marion
County office, including my marriage last weekend. I attended many events, took many photos
and wrote many posts! The Instagram page has even gotten a good following started. Yay!
Now that I’m in the last month of this internship, I’m looking forward to seeing what the
Marion County office has in store to start up fall, such as the propagation classes the Marion
Master Gardeners Program is running and the Grass Seed Certification Process with Brandi
Freres, the Grass Seed Certification Aide. I’m also looking forward to some time to organize the
photos I have taken before I leave. There are a lot.

Emily Killebrew snaps a photo of the Food Safety and Preservation workshop in Scotts Grange. Photo: Sarita Contreras

A big struggle I overcame this summer was the work-life balance of moving, my wedding, taking
care of myself and participating in this internship. I found it challenging to stay focused in the
right time compartments; however, with the help of my supervisor, we were able to find a
schedule that worked best for me. I also gave myself grace reminders when I did not get things
done as expected. Thank you, Elvira Alvarez, for reminding me to do this!

Speaking of Elvira Alvarez, she and Susan Levy both helped me learn the little nuances of on-
brand social media marketing by using specific words when it comes to names, titles and
descriptions within each social media post. This is important for any future marketing interns:
using correct names and descriptions is more valuable than using a play on words to be creative
and not repetitive, either written or verbal. It’s much better to stay consistent with these rather
than finding other ways to call something or someone and offend others by accident.

As an aspiring writer, I tend to try and find synonyms of a word or other ways to say one thing,
so people aren’t distracted by repetitive word usage within my paragraphs or throughout
multiple posts. Now I know that people could get distracted in these instances if I change up
the words too much. I will remember this advice both when writing and speaking and hopefully
learn the delicate balance between the two while keeping the balance between them for the
rest of my life.

Additionally, Kelly Noack taught me that even clear photos do not necessarily mean they create
a story; what makes the story is other aspects of photos (action, focus, etc.). I hope to take her
advice to heart with any photo I keep and share with others.

Thank you, Oregon State University Extension Service in Marion County, for all that you taught
me and are still teaching me through this summer.

Hello, lovely people! My name is Nyla Bennett, and this is my closing blog for this year’s internship. I
hope that the people around me enjoyed this summer as much as I did.

Nyla Bennett, an intern in Wheeler County, enjoys a delicious crepe at the 4-H State Fair. Photo: Sophie Grow

This was my second time working as a Wheeler County Extension Service Intern, and reflecting on the
work I did last year compared to this year, I am so incredibly proud. I’m proud of the growth of our local
4-H program. I’m proud of the 4-H members with their projects and the effort they devoted to them.
And I’m proud of the skills I have developed over this past year, and how I implemented them in this
internship.

If I could give any piece of advice to future interns coming into this position, I’d have to say: you can’t
expect yourself to be able to do everything, but if you never try, you’ll never know if you could. Very
simple and cliché, but in this internship, you get to experience a wide variety of careers and will be
asked to complete tasks you may not think you can. For instance, over the course of our fair week, I
stood in for a clerk, photographer, herdsmanship judge and handyman, to name a few. I definitely was
not experienced with some of those jobs, but I learned what I needed to do and did the best I could.
The flexibility and variety are two aspects of this internship I adore. However, I also love the expected
parts of this position. In my role, I teach and lead classes and clinics, and guide 4-Hers to give them a
scaffold as future leaders. Working with the 4-H fair Junior Superintendents, I guided them through the
process of emceeing an awards ceremony, instructed them on the importance of delegating amongst a
group of leaders and encouraged them to face the fears of public speaking.

There have been so many opportunities presented to me in this position, but one of my favorites was
getting the chance to travel to the state capital and help with the photography section at the 4-H state
fair. I was a 4-H photographer myself when I was a youth in the program. I had many of my own photos
sent to the state, and being able to facilitate this process and work with the judges was such a treat
(along with the food at Salem, I had some crepes that were to die for).

Soon, I’m going to be heading back to La Grande to continue pursuing my bachelor of science in nursing
through OHSU. Heading into the nursing program and my future career, I’m even more grateful I had the
opportunity to be in this position. I’ve managed youth and adults, adapting programs/resources to fit
their personal needs. I’ve practiced interpersonal communication, explaining foreign concepts to my
students. Lastly, I’ve really learned the importance of empathizing with someone’s situation, so I can
understand exactly what they need and be more effective with both of our time. I’m excited to take
these refined skills into my day-to-day practice.

Hello, my name is Abigail Cape, and I am in towards the end of my internship for this
year with Polk County 4-H. Throughout this summer, I have had so many amazing experiences
and opportunities within Polk County 4-H. Some of my favorites were helping with the Jr. Master
Gardeners Camp, working with the West Salem Dream Center and finally being able to help
with both county and state fair. Fair itself has always been a favorite of mine; as a youth to show
at, and now as an intern being able to help with all of the behind the scenes work before, during,
and after fair is something that I truly enjoy. During our county fair this year, I had the
opportunity to run the small animal judging contest, which typically consists of knowledge, breed
ID and finally a couple of animals for the kids to judge; however, due to number of animals
required for a class, the judging portion of the contest was omitted causing the contest to be
more of a knowledge contest. Youth were able to choose from four different tests, two were
about rabbits and cavies (guinea pigs), with the other two being about various kinds of poultry.
During the state fair, I was able to clerk for the horticulture exhibits for the 4-H for the second
time, as well as work in the 4-H building at the state fair.

OSU Extension intern, Abigail Cape, assists with the small animal projects at the Polk County Fair. Pictured is a 4-Her walking her Cochin Bantam. Photo: Annalee Altavilla

Throughout my time this summer working with Extension, I have been able to learn so
much. With our county growing and more kids being interested in more things, helping the 4-H
program I grew up with grow and adapt to meet the needs of all the new members makes me so
happy. The skills I have learned during this internship will help me in my future years at school,
but also in my future career. As this summer and this internship unfortunately come to a close,
I’m reminded of all that I have learned through this program. I am truly grateful for everything
that I have experienced and everyone I have met in this internship this summer.

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

OSU Extension Internship Program

Author Archives: Tayleur Baker

OSU Extension intern reflects on milestones, marketing and mentorship

OSU Extension intern shares wisdom for future interns

OSU Extension intern helps grow the 4-H program that grew her

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

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