Family and Community health « OSU Extension Internship Program

Hello again!

My name is Kimberly Alcaraz and I interned for the Oregon State University Extension Service in Lincoln County with SNAP-Ed and Family and Community Health. I will be going into my second year at Oregon State University in the fall, majoring in public health on the pre-med track. I want to become an emergency medicine physician and do my best to help anyone I can with a minor in Spanish. I was born and raised in Lincoln County, so I was very fortunate to be helping the community I grew up in with the many opportunities this program offers.

Kimberly Alcaraz presenting at a booth in Lincoln County. Photo: Felicia Olmeta Schult

My summer with Oregon State University Extension Service was amazing. This internship has been something that I have never done before or even thought I would do. This internship helped me learn about the awareness of social determinants of health, preparing me for the comprehensive perspective, which is key for my future career in the medical field. Being able to interact and listen to other people’s point of views and ideas has reassured my passion of wanting to be a doctor and help people no matter what. It strengthened the idea where understanding and collaborating is key when trying to provide the best care especially when it comes to people’s health. Being able to work in a professional environment during my internship was something I was looking forward to by developing skills like communication, working with others, and problem solving which I hope I continue to use when going through and becoming the doctor I strive to be.

Overall, being a part of food tastings, cooking class demonstrations and our Walk With Ease walking group has shown me how something so little can be so impactful. Food tasting and cooking class demonstrations provide a different point of view on how to approach the food you might have in your pantry and for some people providing the only meal people have a day, which makes me think that there can be change in the world even if it is so little. However, something I will never forget is the walking group I was privileged to be a part of and facilitate. Walk With Ease is a research-based program emphasis for people with arthritis being that it is published by the Arthritis Foundation, but is a program for everybody. Everything about building relationships with participants and them actually coming back for every session because they did feel like walking together was helping them, which made me happy that every day of this program was worth it. I feel that everything I have done in this internship will help me in my future challenges in my career because starting here has helped me shape the person I want to be in my professional career. I will always be grateful for my supervisor, everyone at the office, and OSU Extension for this amazing experience.

¡Hola! My name is Flor Gaspar Marquez. This summer, I had the fantastic opportunity to intern with the Oregon State University Extension Service in Lincoln County, where I focused on SNAP-Ed and Family and Community Health. As I approach the end of my internship, I want to reflect on the experiences, the impact these past three months have had on me and the valuable lessons I have learned.

Flor Gaspar Marquez, OSU Extension intern in Lincoln County

When I started this internship, I outlined specific goals: improve my teaching and public speaking skills, learn more about nutrition and physical activity, and build connections with various communities. I remember my first day well. I felt both excited and nervous about speaking to large groups but ready to take on these new challenges. Looking back, I am proud of how much I have grown from being a shy intern to someone who now feels confident and capable.

During my internship, I participated in many diverse activities that enriched my experience. I was involved in the Farmers’ Market Tours, Food-Tasting events at DHS and WIC offices, and the Lincoln County Fair. I also worked with local kindergartens and camps, where my supervisors, Beatriz Botello and Jennifer Pettit, provided nutrition information while I led the physical activities. My different experiences have been rewarding and helped me develop many skills.

One of the highlights of my internship was working on two impactful programs: Walk with Ease and A Taste of Latin American Heritage. Walk with Ease is a program developed by the Arthritis Foundation that promotes daily walking to enhance joint flexibility, reduce pain, and improve overall health through gentle exercises. My goal for Walk with Ease was to lead the classes independently, and I am pleased to say I successfully achieved that. Leading a few classes on my own was a significant accomplishment and a major confidence booster for me.

The second program, “A Taste of Latin American Heritage,” focuses on teaching families about healthy eating with a focus on Latin American cuisine. This program highlights the rich, plant-based food traditions of Mexico, South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Participants learned about nutrition and discovered simple, healthy cooking methods inspired by Latin American dishes. Presenting this program in Spanish, my native language, allowed me to connect deeply with the participants and share my cultural heritage.

We also started monthly Eating Well classes at the Newport Library. These classes include a cooking demonstration followed by a presentation on nutrition information and tips. Although I was initially nervous about presenting in English, with preparation and determination, I overcame this challenge and delivered the presentation successfully.

This internship has truly been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. It has equipped me with valuable skills and connections that will shape me into the kind of nurse I aspire to become. These opportunities are crucial for my growth and will help me become a skilled, knowledgeable nurse committed to serving and supporting my community. I look forward to carrying the lessons learned with me as I continue my journey.

Hello, my name is Yolanda, and this is my fourth summer interning with Oregon State University Extension Service. This summer I lead a Walk With Ease group in Nyssa. This allowed community members to engage in physical activity at least three times a week and socialize with their neighbors. The goal for starting Walk With Ease in our county was to reduce isolation rates among community members, increase physical activity and increase awareness of healthy habits. Group members also received Food Hero resources each session. Seeing community members across all age groups enjoy each other’s company as we walked each morning was rewarding. I am beyond proud of my group because everyone started by walking 10 minutes the first week and over the course of the summer have now built up to walking 30 minutes three days a week. Walk With Ease was a beneficial and engaging program I highly enjoyed teaching this summer.

Yolanda Diaz showing an individual the Food Hero website at the WIC farmer's market. — Yolanda Diaz showing an individual the Food Hero website at the WIC farmer’s market. Photo: Barbara Brody

While I’ve worked at farmers markets in the past, this year I had the opportunity to work at the WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) farmers market hosted by the Malheur County Health Department. At the WIC farmer’s market, I engaged with over 400 families sharing the Food Hero website and explaining the various features they can utilize. Majority of the families I spoke to were not aware of Food Hero and everyone found it to be a very helpful resource. It’s always a delight to use my bilingual skills to assist community members who often struggle to access resources due to a language barrier. I learned that the WIC farmers market is more than a place to buy produce or share resources. It’s also a place to connect with families and community members who share the same environment, celebrate common successes, and face similar challenges.

Malheur County ranks at a high rate of food insecurity and there is much effort from families who do their best to tackle this challenge. Being at farmers’ markets and teaching about healthy nutrition, easy access and low-cost recipes, is one way I’ve seen Malheur County Extension contribute to the prevention and recovery of food insecurity. Community outreach has been one of my favorite parts of my internship. Being from Malheur County, I deeply value the opportunity to engage with families, students and community members. It feels like a direct impact is being made, leading to positive development. I am most fortunate to have been able to serve Malheur County this summer and look forward to contributing to all the continued work there is to deliver.

Hi again, Sienna Mahaffy from Coos County here! This summer has been pretty incredible. I got to work with the Food Hero program multiple times, educating the public on the resource through farmers markets and cooking classes! I also got to spend a day working in the field with Coos and Curry County’s forestry agent, tracking down and collecting samples of a new disease that is causing defoliation of myrtle trees. The Coos County Fair was crazy busy, but super successful, definitely the highlight of my summer. A year’s worth of preparation by the Oregon State University Extension Service in Coos County, 4-H members, and volunteers culminated into a busy, stressful, and fun week.

Sienna Mahaffy at a Food Hero Booth in Coos County Photo: Nicole Wells

I had a blast with my internship project. I was responsible for restarting the annual Milk Drinking Contest under 4-H at the fair. I enjoyed reaching out to my contacts in the dairy industry to ask for donations of milk and prizes. Working with local dairy farmers at the event and bringing positive attention to the industry with the record number of participants and crowds made the event so much more rewarding. It was remarkable to see the excitement generated by a simple relay race and the effect it had on the 4-H kids, families, and visitors of the fair.

Assisting in the organization and operations of the Livestock Judging and Master Showmanship contests was another highlight of fair. I was responsible for rounding up volunteers and animals for judging, as well as helping the event run smoothly. I also assisted in finding judges for Master Showmanship, asking former winners and professionals in their species to judge. In both events I and a couple volunteers calculated and recorded the scores of the contestants, a long, tedious job that I actually enjoyed.

Through this internship I learned the importance of delegating responsibilities. 4-H is an incredible program run by some incredible people, but it would be impossible to operate without volunteers and the community’s willingness to help. Coos County’s two 4-H agents are great at their jobs, but they can not be everywhere and do everything, so they ask for help and delegate duties that need to be completed to willing and responsible volunteers, or interns in my case!

Hi everyone! My name is Jackie Ruff, and I’m thrilled to share a bit about my journey and the work I’ve been doing. Currently, I’m in my third year of undergrad at Oregon State University, majoring in environmental science with a concentration in chemistry and the environment and minoring in education. It’s been a fantastic ride so far, blending my love for science with a passion for teaching.

Rocks painted by intern Jackie Ruff for the community garden in Marion County. Photo: Jackie Ruff

I’m based out of the Oregon State University Extension Service office in Benton County, but my work takes me across various counties through the Groundwater Quality Education Program. This program is an amazing initiative that aims to protect and improve our groundwater quality. Since starting in October, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to engage with communities and make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

One of the key aspects of my role is organizing outreach events throughout different counties. These events provide free well water screening for nitrate and offer education on wells and septic systems. It’s a rewarding experience to see how these efforts help ensure the safety and health of our communities. Many people rely on well water for their daily needs and educating them about potential contaminants and how to maintain their systems is crucial. It’s not just about testing water; it’s about empowering people with the knowledge they need to protect their families and the environment.

Another project that we have been working on involves painting inspiration rocks. These aren’t just any rocks — they’re little pieces of art and hope. We donate them to the Marion County Juvenile Department to inspire visitors to maintain positive outlooks on life. It might seem like a small gesture, but sometimes a bit of color and a few encouraging words can make a world of difference to someone going through a tough time. The process of painting these rocks is therapeutic and fun, and knowing they bring a smile to someone’s face makes it all the more special.

Balancing my studies and this work can be challenging, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. My education in environmental science, particularly with a focus on chemistry and the environment, gives me a solid foundation to understand the complexities of groundwater issues. Meanwhile, my minor in education helps me effectively communicate and share this knowledge with the community. It’s a perfect blend that prepares me for a future where I can continue making a positive impact.

Hi everyone! My name is Elsa Buchholz, and I am currently going into my fourth year as an undergraduate student at Oregon State University. If everything goes according to plan, I will be graduating this coming fall. I am majoring in Public Health with an option in Health Promotion and Health Behavior, as well as a minor in Environmental and Occupational Health and a certificate in Medical Humanities. I am based in the Corvallis OSU Extension office as an intern for the Groundwater Protection Program. Although I do not have a set career path at the moment, my main passion is in environmental health. I am particularly interested in climate and reproductive health, and I want to research the intersection between the two if possible. I plan to continue my education in graduate school to explore these areas further. This internship over the summer is my first experience working with the OSU Extension Service.

Elsa Buchholz at the Tri-county business expo in Lane County — Elsa Buchholz at the Tri-county business expo with OSU Extension in Lane County. Photo: Kelci Free

This summer I hope to learn more about community outreach and the efforts that are required to make a positive impact on the health of the community and the environment. I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity to schedule, plan, and participate in my own events. While I have had the chance to help create and send out postcards for events, advertise them online, and participate in them during my internship so far, I am excited to take on the responsibility of organizing multiple events from start to finish. I have been brainstorming several project ideas that I believe will both contribute to the goals of the OSU Extension Service, as well as relate to my personal interests in the field of public health. One of these ideas is to design and implement a survey or questionnaire that gathers important information from community members. This survey would aim to better understand how people discovered the Groundwater Protection Program, and the OSU Extension Service in general, how they heard about our events, whether they had their water tested for nitrate at our events, if they received any publications on well water or septic systems, and what changes, if any, they made after attending our events. Collecting and analyzing this data would help us to better understand the impact of our efforts and identify any areas for improvement. This project would help us refine our outreach strategies, as well as ensure that we are effectively addressing the needs of the community.

My name is Madeline Breiling and I’m now in my last week of my OSU Extension summer internship in Umatilla County. This summer has gone by so quickly with so many learning opportunities and fun events. I can’t believe my internship is almost over. Throughout the summer, I have had the opportunity to plan and assist with many projects. I was able to continue many of the projects I started and enjoyed last year, as well as start many new and exciting projects for this summer.

Interns Madeline Breiling (left) and Ashley Treadwell (right) in Umatilla county at the Pendleton farmers market. Photo: Carolina Muniz

At the very beginning of my internship, I got to assist with Extension’s table at the Morrow County Children’s Fair in Boardman. We did a food sampling of two different recipes that are healthier alternatives to common afterschool snacks. We also helped children plant radish seeds to start their very own garden. This was a great opportunity to jump straight into community engagement in the first couple of days of my internship.

Throughout my internship, I have had the wonderful opportunity to assist with many classes being taught all over the county by the Umatilla County SNAP-Ed team. I got to assist with smoothie making and seed planting with the Head Start kids at the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This was a very unique opportunity because this is the only event or class I’ve had the opportunity to do with preschool age children.

I also had the opportunity to assist with the Hydromania camp in Hermiston. Master Gardeners and researchers from the Extension office in Hermiston led an insect class. Then the SNAP-Ed team led a smoothie making class using the blender bike. This got the kids at the Hydromania camp very excited about healthy eating and physical activity.

Last summer, I handed out free food samples and educated the public about Food Hero at the Pendleton Farmers Market and the Milton-Freewater Farmers Market. This summer, I had the opportunity to expand that project by also handing out samples and educating the public about Food Hero at the Athena Farmers Market. I also got to assist with the Hermiston Farmers Market. I’ve always loved attending farmers markets and last summer I really enjoyed having a Food Hero table at the farmers market, so I am very excited I had the opportunity to continue and expand that project.

The project I am the proudest of is my work with St. Mary’s Outreach in Pendleton this summer. I got to hand out free food samples to everyone getting food from the food bank and educate them on Food Hero. I also gave the food bank many Food Hero resources to hand out to the public even when an OSU representative can’t be present. This included Food Hero tortilla recipes to tape to the bags of masa, Food Hero instructions for how to cook dried beans that are now included in every box of food the food bank hands out, and instructions for how to safely cook food in the microwave to give to members of the public who don’t have access to a stove or oven. I felt this project was very fulfilling because I felt that some of these community members would really benefit from having Food Hero resources. I also felt that my work has a more lasting impact because St. Mary’s Outreach continues to hand out the Food Hero resources I left with them to everyone who comes to get food.

Overall, I feel very proud of my work with OSU Extension this summer. I was able to take the lead on a variety of projects as well as assist team members with projects they were working on. I want to thank Shevon Hatcher for being the best person to share an office space with and for knowing the answer to any question you could think to ask, Carolina Muniz for supporting me in my projects and Karen Wagner for introducing new ideas to the Umatilla County SNAP-Ed team.

¡Hola!

My name is Flor Gaspar Marquez, and I am from Puebla, Mexico. In 2012, I embarked on a journey to the USA, speaking zero English. However, with determination, I conquered the language barrier. Currently, I’m an Oregon Coast Community College student majoring in Nursing. My career aspiration is to work initially in the Acute Care Unit, with a future transition into Public Health. I completed my first year of studies this summer and will begin my second year this fall. My strong belief in the transformative power of education fuels my passion to serve others through healthcare. Envisioning my future role as a nurse, I see myself contributing to a local hospital dedicated to assisting Hispanic individuals who encounter language barriers in accessing medical care and understanding community services. My experiences as an immigrant inspire my commitment to supporting fellow immigrants, ensuring they receive essential care and support without language obstacles.

Flor Gaspar Marquez in Lincoln county at the county fair. Photo: Flor Gaspar Marquez

My journey with the OSU Extension in Lincoln County began in 2021 during the pandemic. I collaborated with various organizations and local nurses at COVID-19 vaccination clinics, translating for Spanish-speaking individuals and supporting vaccination efforts. This experience deepened my passion for nursing and my commitment to positively impacting the Latino community. I am deeply committed to serving diverse communities and advocating for equitable access to healthcare for all.

This summer, I’m interning with the Extension for the second time with SNAP-Ed and Family and Community Health. As I wrap up my 10^th week, I have actively participated in diverse events such as the Lincoln County Fair, Cooking Matters sessions, Farmers’ Market Tours, and Food Tasting events at DHS, local stores, and WIC. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in events at local kindergartens and camps, educating children about healthy eating habits and the importance of physical activity. In collaboration with my supervisor, we have initiated two new programs—Walk With Ease (WWE) and A Taste of Latin America Heritage. These experiences have been instrumental in boosting my confidence. Engaging with diverse communities and individuals of all ages has pushed me beyond my comfort zone, fostering significant personal and professional growth.

The WWE is an evidence-based program designed by the Arthritis Foundation that promotes daily walking to enhance joint flexibility, alleviate pain, and improve overall health through gentle exercises for everybody. Collaborating in this program has enabled me to develop essential skills such as event planning, organization, flyer design, marketing, teamwork, problem-solving, and utilizing tools like Qualtrics. These skills lay a solid foundation for my future career in nursing. I am eager to further cultivate my teaching and public speaking skills, expand my nutrition and physical fitness knowledge, and continue engaging with diverse communities. These competencies are vital for my aspirations in nursing and crucial for my growth journey. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful initiatives through this internship. Witnessing the positive impact of our efforts on the community brings me immense joy and reaffirms my commitment to making a difference through healthcare.

Hello everyone!

My name is Kimberly Alcaraz and I am interning with Oregon State University Extension Service in Lincoln County with SNAP-Ed and Family and Community Health. I will be going into my second year at Oregon State University in the fall, majoring in Public Health on the Pre-Med track. I want to become an Emergency Medicine Physician and do my best to help anyone I can. I am very optimistic that this internship will help me open my eyes and see what the community really needs help with concerning health. I was born and raised in Lincoln County, so I am very excited to be helping in the community I grew up in with the many opportunity programs we offer.

Kimberly Alcaraz Walk With Ease — Kimberly Alcaraz with stretching Walk With Ease participants. Photo: Braden Alcaraz

This summer I hope to gain a better understanding and point of view on community based nutritional programs and how they impact public health, physically, emotionally, and even mentally. Nutrition is important because it’s a way to help develop and grow mentally and physically and just feel great about ourselves and help others feel healthy as well. This internship will help me learn about the awareness of social determinants of health, preparing me for the comprehensive perspective, which is key for my future career in the medical field. I am also looking forward to working in a more professional environment during my internship. I will develop skills that I will use in the future like, communication, working with others, and problem solving. I hope to use these skills to build the type of doctor and person I want to be.

That being said, I am now in my fifth week of my internship and I’m thrilled to share some of my achievements so far. Food tasting with Food Hero has been one of the most recurring events that I have been a part of during my internship. For these events we have been looking up healthy and simple recipes on the Food Hero website and then offering them to people from the food pantry, farmers markets, summer programs, and so much more. Doing these food tastings might seem boring but they can actually be fun and most importantly impactful. We provide a different point of view on how to approach the food you might have in your pantry and for some people provide the only meal sometimes people have a day. Overall, it’s something we can do to promote healthy eating for both kids and adults. Another thing I have done during my internship is help my supervisor with cooking classes and demonstrations. We have done this for both kids and adults and I have noticed they love it. People, especially kids love being involved with an activity like these which makes my internship so much more fun.

Lastly, the main thing I will be involved with this summer is a program called Walk With Ease. This program is to help reduce pain and improve overall health. Walk With Ease is a research based program emphasis for people with arthritis being that it is published by the Arthritis Foundation, but is a program for everybody. This program is very important to me and my internship because it’s something I helped plan from the very beginning. I have helped with brainstorming, flyer making, advertising, and help lead sessions to later lead a whole session on my own. However, being that we have only had one session so far, it has been so rewarding seeing how people might actually take something from this program. People from this program will gain confidence to exercise in which they will help with pain management, social interaction, and so much more.

Overall, my internship with the Oregon State University Extension Service in Lincoln County with SNAP-Ed and Family and Community Health has been a fantastic experience so far. I can’t wait to continue this experience to learn more and most importantly help the community that has always been in my life.

Hi everyone! My name is Forrest Pratt, and I am interning with Oregon State University Extension Service in Linn and Benton counties this summer. I am working with SNAP-Ed and supporting the Food Hero program. I am a senior at Oregon State University, where I am pursuing a double bachelor’s degree in zoology and education, and I will be a student teacher in a middle school science classroom during the upcoming school year.

Forrest Pratt serves "Strawberry Swirl" at Food Hero booth at Farmers Market. Photo: Vonda Peters — Forrest Pratt serves “Strawberry Swirl” at Food Hero booth at Farmers Market. Photo: Vonda Peters

So far, I have focused on Food Hero outreach at farmers’ markets with Extension. I have also worked on a few other Food Hero outreach projects in community resource centers. Food Hero promotes accessible healthy eating by sharing recipes that are nutritious, low-cost, and easy to make. The website also has information about food safety and storage, gardening, and physical activity. We bring samples of these recipes that use in-season produce to the markets for people of all ages to try. We encourage people to try making them and to explore what else Food Hero has to offer. I love talking with the people at the markets about the recipe, the market, Food Hero, or anything else they want to talk about. My favorite part is seeing the different reactions kids (and adults!) have to trying something new.

I’ve also met with other people who work for the Extension Service in Linn County, and had chances to learn about what they do and support some of their work. I am exploring careers for myself in formal and informal education, and I am especially interested in community outreach. Interning with the Extension Service is providing me with a new perspective on what this type of work can look like. It is also offering me opportunities to practice event planning and facilitation.

In a few weeks, I will be teaching a local youth club a lesson about energy as it relates to food intake and physical activity. One of the parts of this position that I am enjoying the most is the ability to connect with a variety of people, and to promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle to many different people in my community. As the summer goes on, I am looking forward to taking on more of the planning responsibilities of our outreach initiatives and participating in more farmers’ market events.

OSU Extension Internship Program

Category Archives: Family and Community health

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