Intern looks forward to summer with 4-Hers
- Laurie Sidle, OSU Extension Wayne Co.
- May 30, 2024
- 578
It’s a matter of giving and receiving for Jadeyn Berry during her time with us this summer.
After just completing her freshman year at Kansas State University as an agricultural education major, Berry has come on board for a three-month internship with the Wayne County office of Ohio State University Extension.
The Wayne County native and Northwestern High School graduate is looking forward to learning about extension’s mission to use research-based educational programs to help people improve their lives. At Kansas State most of her education has centered around teaching agriculture in the high school classroom.
“I’ve seen a small glimpse of what it’s like to work in extension,” she said, “so I’m hoping the internship will help me figure out where my passions lie.”
Berry was drawn to Kansas State for its strong agricultural education program and favorable reviews from relatives who graduated from the university. Her mother also is originally from Kansas.
She took a gap year after high school and explored other colleges, but it was a visit to Kansas State that cemented her decision.
“This is the only place I could see myself going to college,” Berry said. “If it’s not here, it’s nowhere.”
She found it was a mix of home and being out West. “The atmosphere is very welcoming,” she said.
Kansas State also offered her places to invest her interests.
“Interaction with youth is something I enjoy so much,” Berry said.
She got involved with Teach Agriculture Students of Kansas, a group that does outreach in the schools, connecting with and encouraging students who want to pursue careers in agricultural education.
In her extension internship, she will work with our 4-H youth on the junior fair board, Junior Leaders and Cloverbud Camp. A part-time photographer, she is putting her creative design skills to work as she edits our weekly 4-H News and Notes, a digital newsletter for 4-H families and volunteers.
Berry is a 4-H alumnus, having served on the junior fair board and as a camp counselor and club officer. She also was on the Northwestern High School FFA officer team.
“Wayne County Junior Fair did so much for me,” she said. “It helped me grow and blossom and be ready for college. I want to pour what was poured into me into others.”
A goal of hers is to encourage youth to be involved in junior fair programs. “I have so many good memories and grew so much as part of my involvement,” Berry said. “I don’t want younger members to miss the opportunities.”
Recently engaged, Berry has a busy summer ahead, and we are happy her plans include working with our extension staff.
Laurie Sidle is an Ohio State University Extension family and consumer sciences and 4-H program assistant and may be reached at 330-264-8722 or sidle.31@osu.edu.