N.C. A&T Cooperative Extension recognized thirteen interns working with its programs this summer at a closing ceremony recently at the University Farm Pavilion.

The annual Student Internship Program gives undergraduates the opportunity to immerse themselves in various professional areas, including agriculture, community and rural development, 4-H youth development, and family and consumer sciences, during an 11-week summer experience with their selected county agency.

“I have received so many emails and so many messages about the positive things these students are doing across North Carolina,” said Shameca Battle, internship supervisor and Eastern regional Extension director. “I want you guys to be proud of the work you’ve done this summer, and that you’ve made a true impact on the lives of individuals across the state.”

In opening remarks, M. Ray McKinnie, Ph.D., associate dean and Extension administrator, said he was “excited” to learn about each intern’s projects.

“This was an opportunity for you to engage with, and see for yourself, the dynamic opportunities and excitement that’s generated around Cooperative Extension,” said McKinnie. “I’ve often told people, ‘If you want something that will challenge you every day or, more importantly, do something that’ll impact the lives of everyday citizens, you couldn’t find a better career than Cooperative Extension.’ ”

Rising N.C. A&T sophomore Rachel Martin, who interned in Scotland County, presented a hand-woven 4-H quilt that she and grade-school students had made during the sewing and crochet classes that were part of her “One Clover a Day” project.

“A few words that would describe my time with Cooperative Extension would be: family, teamwork, responsibility, caring, and passion,” said Martin. “I could see these qualities in the students as we were teaching them, whether at District Day Boot Camp, at the community garden we shared with them, or when we were teaching kids safety habits.”

Appalachian State senior Breanna Cousins, who interned at the Avery County Community Center, taught both cooking and livestock classes.

“The internship program is important because it provides hands-on experiences, all day, and you get to see the different ways that people do things,” said Cousins, a New Jersey native who moved to Boone as a child. “(The experience) really just broadens your horizons.”

Extension agents praised the program, too.

“This is the first time I’ve had an intern for myself,” said Bill Hoffman, ANR Extension Agent in Avery County. “I was impressed with the creativity and the enthusiasm that Breanna brought this year. The program really impacted our children in the area and served as a good, fun learning experience for them.”

Graduate N.C. A&T adult education major Marisha Williams interned alongside the undergraduates and served as a day-to-day advisor.

“One of my biggest missions is to inspire people to be themselves, to be able to recognize their personal freedom and to harness their power for the betterment of the world around them,” said Williams in a keynote speech. “By interning, I want to thank you for helping me make this mission come true.”