Ashley Treadwell « OSU Extension Internship Program

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

My name is Ashley Treadwell, and I live in Hermiston, Umatilla County. I just finished my
second year at Eastern Oregon University, and this fall I’ll start the nursing program there in
partnership with Oregon Health & Science University. I’ve loved my time in college and can’t
wait to blend my nursing studies with helping my community.

Last summer, I interned with OSU Extension, and I enjoyed it so much that I came back
this year. Working with Extension has let me mix my interest in health with community outreach.
One of my favorite parts has been bringing Food Hero recipes into cooking classes at the local
high school. Food Hero is a program by Oregon State University Extension that shares easy,
healthy and affordable recipes in both English and Spanish.

In my cooking classes, I assist students in preparing Food Hero recipes. For example, in
our last class, we made whole‑wheat blueberry muffins. Then, I gave each student all the
ingredients to take home so they could make the muffins again with their families. It was great to
see the students excited to cook and confident to try the recipe at home.

I’ve also worked with elementary students, teaching the Growing Healthy Kids
curriculum during summer school at two Hermiston schools each week. My supervisor, a
coworker and I visit to lead hands-on nutrition lessons. We begin with a fun physical activity tied
to the day’s theme, then show a short video and finish with the kids making and tasting a simple
Food Hero recipe. This approach helps students learn through movement, visuals and flavor,
making healthy eating both accessible and fun for young learners.

Looking ahead, I want to bring Food Hero into more classrooms and community
programs. I’m also excited to start my nursing education this fall. My big goal is to combine
nursing with public health outreach, helping families eat healthier, feel better and learn how
cooking can improve their lives. Prevention is key to preventing future health issues and
allowing for an active and engaged life.

My name is Ashley Treadwell, and I am located in Umatilla County, specifically in Hermiston. I just finished my first year of college at Eastern Oregon University, and I am working towards my bachelor of science degree in nursing. There are a multitude of areas that you can enter in the field of nursing. I hope to become a travel nurse in the future because I thoroughly enjoy traveling and experiencing what this world has to offer. I would only pursue this for a few years, however, then eventually work at a hospital. I chose this internship because it will help me to become knowledgeable about the public health aspect of nursing. If I can inform my patients about nutrition, it will help play a large role in prevention. It will also help to further develop my communication skills with people of a variety of ages.

Ashley Treadwell explains nutritional guidelines Photo: Angie Treadwell

I have a lot of experience with Extension. As a kid I had the pleasure in participating in 4-H and was first exposed to the Extension Service from my time there. I always had a positive experience while being in 4-H and I learned many lifelong skills that I continue to carry with me. My mom was previously employed at the Extension and while she was here, I aided her in making videos for the Food Hero website. My main job was filming the videos and editing them. Through this I learned a lot about Food Hero as a whole and what they have to offer children and families. I never realized how affordable and simple each recipe was to make. I also would join my mom at cooking classes here and there and help with childcare. Extension has created a great environment, and I am grateful to have gotten this internship.

This summer I hope to learn more about Food Hero and its impact on the community. I am looking forward to meeting new people and making new connections. Cooking classes are one aspect of this internship I look forward to as well.

One of my project ideas is to teach cooking classes to a summer school class at the high school. As I was browsing the Food Hero website and social medias, I noticed they frequently advertise for young children and their families. However, Food Hero is for every age. I think that high schoolers should be integrated into platforms, so that everyone can see that it is indeed for all ages. I know as a college student I have utilized some of the food hero recipes due to them being cost effective and easy. I plan on doing integrating this idea by creating a couple Instagram Reels at the classes I teach, so that those who follow our social media can be exposed to my idea. Reels are a very popular way to watch videos, so that is why I chose this avenue to gain exposure.

OSU Extension Internship Program

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OSU Extension intern supports communities through resource access

OSU Extension intern combines nursing aspirations with nutrition education

Extension Intern in Umatilla County seeks to expand Food Hero reach

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