During the summer of 2023, I served as a 4-H intern for the Antelope County Extension Office. In this role, I was responsible for developing and implementing a county-wide summer reading program in local libraries and for designing and leading an original summer workshop for youth. I also supported a variety of office operations, managed social media platforms, and played a key role in organizing and executing the county fair.
My summer workshop was specifically designed for Clover Kids (ages 5–8) and emphasized creativity through hands-on learning. Participants created unique artwork using bubble and straw painting techniques, which they could later enter in the fair. The workshop also featured an interactive experience where children stepped into a shallow kiddie pool filled with bubble solution and used a hula hoop to create giant bubbles around themselves.
Attached are the flyer I created to advertise the event and the Facebook post I used to promote it to families throughout the county. This internship strengthened my skills in youth engagement, program planning, and community outreach, skills I plan to carry into my future agricultural education classroom.
The attached photo was taken during the summer of 2024, when I coached my hometown’s 12 & Under softball team. This experience was incredibly rewarding and provided me with meaningful growth in leadership, communication, and mentorship.
Throughout the season, I quickly realized the impact I had on these young athletes. They looked to me not only as a coach, but as a role model. They watched how I handled challenges, sought out my guidance, and were motivated by my encouragement—similar to the way FFA chapter officers look to their advisors or how students are inspired by impactful teachers. Although this was my third year coaching, it was the first time I fully recognized the influence I had and how deeply the players wanted to make me proud.
Coaching gave me the opportunity to cultivate teamwork, problem-solving, and clear communication, both among the players and with parents and family members who supported our team. I also gained valuable experience in navigating professional conversations with umpires and addressing concerns respectfully during games.
The leadership, conflict resolution, and communication skills I developed through this coaching experience will serve me well as I work toward building a high-quality, student-centered Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in the future.