College and Major: Auburn University College of Human Sciences, Nutrition/Dietetics

Hometown: Citronelle, Alabama

Career Goals: After I graduate, I plan to continue my education and become a registered dietitian so that I can enter the clinical nutrition field and research equipped to make a real difference in people’s lives. I am particularly interested in conducting research on the impact of nutrition in women’s health, as I know many women around me who have or are struggling with proper nutrition. Through research, I hope to develop helpful educational information for women to better understand the importance of nutrition, as well as why it is important to find balance. I would also love to go beyond women’s health and research in community nutrition to advocate for better nutrient-dense foods being more accessible to underprivileged communities.

Hobby or Fun Fact: My favorite hobby is just being outside. I love to see God’s beauty in his creation.

Thoughts from Arianna

Preinternship

As a returning Extension intern, I am coming in with some experience in how Extension operates. Last year, I learned so much and obtained so many professional skills and certificates, all while meeting so many wonderful people. This year, I am hoping to learn more from the people around me, seek advice on things and gain more feedback, be open to get out of my comfort zone, and teach people what I have learned so far as a college student. What interests me about working with Alabama Extension is that the agents are so fun, creative, and passionate about what they do, which is teaching people about what they have learned and love. The community at Extension is really what made me love it. My goals that I would love to build upon this summer would probably be my presenting/communication skills and my professional writing skills.

Postinternship

During my internship, I developed my skills by presenting at every workshop I attended, which helped me grow more confident and adaptable with each experience. I improved my professional writing by creating instructional materials for an herb rack, writing an Extension article on lunch box food safety and nutrition, and designing my own flyers and presentations. Preparing for each session and communicating with both my audience and mentors strengthened my public speaking and planning abilities. One of my biggest accomplishments was presenting during a full week of workshops across four counties—what I called our Herbs: Garden to Pantry tour. Another favorite moment was teaching food safety to kids at the 4M Camp, a project led by my fellow intern, Rachel Roberts. These experiences challenged and inspired me in the best ways.

My biggest takeaway is to never stop learning and to embrace constructive feedback with confidence. It’s how growth happens. If I could offer any advice to future interns, it would be this: the experience is what you make it. If you put in a little, you’ll get a little, but if you give your best, you’ll gain so much more. Set your own goals, create your own path, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. This internship offers countless opportunities; you just have to be willing to take them.