College and Major: Auburn University College of Agriculture, Animal Science Allied Industries
Hometown: Green Pond, Alabama
Career Goals: After graduation, I will transition into my new role as the Alabama Extension animal sciences and forages regional agent for west central Alabama.
Hobby or Fun Fact: I reside in Shelby County and commute four hours daily to Auburn University, while also holding multiple positions and raising two children. However, I love every moment of it and try to never take a moment for granted.
Follow Court’s Internship Journey
June 5-6
On June 5 and 6, I was given the honor and privileged to attend that 2024 Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and Specialists Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference (AACAAS AM/PIC) at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort and Spa at Grand National. From the moment I walked through the door, I felt as though I had walked into a huge family reunion. The amount of support for one another, along with raw passion for our profession, was overwhelmingly felt floating in the air. Even as an undergraduate intern, I felt right at home. Professional development opportunities, a tour of Opelika, and lots of great food were all within the agenda. Yet still, I believe the best part of the AACAAS AM/PIC (and perhaps even the most important part) was the fellowship. I never met a stranger the entire two days I was in the company of some of Alabama’s best humans.
We learned together, grew together, ate together, and prayed together. I honestly was not sure what I was walking into on Wednesday, June 5. However, I can hang my hat on the opinion I took away on my departure Thursday night. Every single individual that I had been in the company of for the last 48 hours was TOP NOTCH. Each having their own area of specialty or expertise, yet all coming together for the same goals and outcomes. We all find joy in helping others, no matter if that be within our organization, our community, our state, or nationwide. The fine members, sponsors, and supporters of the AACAAS was no doubt the highlight of my experience. I have never felt more able and driven to make a change in our world–one handshake and smile at a time.
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College and Major: Auburn University College of Human Sciences, Nutrition/Dietetics
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
Career Goals: I would love to work in chronic disease prevention. My dream is to be a diabetes educator and become a registered dietitian.
Hobby or Fun Fact: My favorite hobbies include singing and playing guitar. Music is such a good stress-reliever, and I absolutely love it. If I was not studying nutrition, I probably would have done something music related.
Follow Janie’s Internship Journey
May 30
So far, one of my favorite parts of my internship has been helping out at the Extension table at the Phenix City Farmers Market. We offered many free resources from cooking books to gardening resources and supplies that individuals could take home. Our table included Extension members across many disciplines, from agriculture to nutrition. My favorite part of the entire experience was having one-on-one discussions with the visitors, who were excited to talk all things gardening, nutrition, and cooking. I offered some of my personal nutrition and gardening knowledge and many people were excited to learn something new!
Engaging in these conversations is honestly my favorite part of Extension work. No matter where we travel, there are always conversations to be had and people who are more than willing to learn something new, as well as teach us! It makes my day to see how excited individuals are to talk about their passions and learn from the resources we provide. What a gift to be part of Extension!
College and Major: Auburn University College of Agriculture, Agricultural Science with a minor in Horticulture
Hometown: Eastaboga, Alabama
Career Goals: I would like to attend Graduate school at Auburn or work with Extension.
Hobby or Fun Fact: During the school year, I am employed at the ACES/College of Ag IT Helpdesk.
College and Major: Auburn University College of Human Sciences, Nutrition and Dietetics
Hometown: Enterprise, Alabama
Career Goals: My goal is to attend graduate school, complete my dietetic internship, and become a registered dietitian with a specialization in pediatrics.
Hobby or Fun Fact: My favorite hobby is crochet. I am fairly new to it, but I love to make small things like flowers, coasters, and decorations.
Follow Sarah’s Internship Journey
June 12
In Alabama, agriculture is everything! From farmer’s markets and grocery stores to neighborhoods and households, agriculture is connected to all. Because ag is so central to the local lifestyle, Extension seeks to educate and encourage the 4-H youth of Alabama to see the value of agriculture in their lives. Thus, the Poultry Project was born!
This 4-H project teaches children about poultry by giving them their very own chicks to raise and even show during the showmanship part of the programming. The families could choose between Rhode Island Reds, Wyandottes, Easter Eggers, or a mix of all three. On June 12, families from across multiple counties lined up at the Pike County Cattleman Park to participate. ACES staff from each of the counties were there and ready to greet them and organize orders.
As an Extension Intern, I helped unload, monitor, and distribute the chicks to their new owners. As cute as those sweet baby chicks were, my favorite part was seeing the children’s faces light up when we handed them their feathery friends. Their smiles and excitement made me realize how Extension positively impacts the community. Assisting this project was a fun, educational, and fulfilling experience. The children were so sweet, and the Extension team was a joy to work with. Meeting other ACES personnel, local families, and chickens was an excellent opportunity!