Hi again! I’m Olivia, and things have really begun to ramp up here at the OSU Extension office in Klamath County since my last post! I mentioned the “Activity Kit Day” I will be hosting; well, it is only in a few days! Along with this date closing in, I am adding the finishing touches to the activity kits I have been creating throughout my internship. I cannot wait to see my hard work come to fruition! I have had a wonderful time working with OSU Extension this summer and I am honestly sad to have to say goodbye. I have got to learn and do so many amazing things. Just a few examples being: catching and examining bugs, assisting during classes, helping at our local arboretum, working with Master Gardeners at our farmers’ market and tabling at a local farm for our annual small farm tour. My favorite thing to do was examine bugs under the microscope. I even made an awesome discovery! The larvae I examined was that of the European Elm Flea Weevil and as I was observing, I found a parasitic wasp using the weevils as a host. Nicole and I had not seen this before, so it was amazing to see it firsthand!
Although I have been having a great time working for OSU Extension, that doesn’t mean I haven’t struggled during some points. This was the first job I have worked where I am almost completely independent. At times it has been somewhat difficult knowing where my priorities lie, especially with the creation of the new kits. However, Nicole did a great job checking in and creating a welcoming atmosphere for me to ask questions and get help when needed. I have learned that even when working independently, that doesn’t mean you don’t need to ask questions or look for guidance, in fact you should do those things. Independence doesn’t mean you’re alone! I am sure the skills I have learned during this internship will follow me in my future professions and I could not be more grateful for this wonderful opportunity!
– Olivia Wilde, Klamath County Intern
