Getting a well-rounded view of Extension in Wallowa County

Camp counselor training.
Photo credit – Deb Warnock

Hello, my name is Jacob Falk. This summer I will be a summer intern in the OSU Extension office in Wallowa County. I am a student at the University of Idaho pursuing a degree in agricultural education with a minor in veterinary sciences.

I grew up in Wallowa County and was heavily involved with our local 4-H program. I worked closely with Debi Warnock on 4-H projects and building leadership skills. When she suggested this internship to me, I was interested to see how Extension education would differ from traditional classroom instruction. Being able to have a well-rounded concept of everything involving my career path will encourages me to make a sound, well-rounded, long-term career decision that will be productive and enjoyable.

I have been working at the Extension office for a little over a month. So far, I have had the opportunity to interact with almost every Extension program Wallowa County has to offer. I have been able to monitor the population of armyworm in the county with our forestry and natural resources agent, planned youth events and participated in multiple 4-H leadership activities with our 4-H Youth Development agent and began helping with our local SNAP-Ed program with the Family Community Health program. Overall, my experience so far has been greatly diversified and my work has been fulfilling and encouraging!

I am eager to keep working and I’m finding I’m most interested in the 4-H Youth Development Program. I am excited to keep helping to plan 4-H events and interact with a high quality youth who are driven to learn.