College and Major: Auburn University College of Forestry, Wildlife, and Environment, Wildlife Ecology and Management

Hometown: Huntsville, Alabama

Career Goals: I’d like to work in the field doing research for wildlife conservation.

Hobby or Fun Fact: I enjoy swimming and playing basketball.

Thoughts from Elizabeth

Preinternship

During my internship with Alabama Extension, I hope to learn more about how Extension programs operate and how they contribute to community development. Personally, I want to build strong relationships with mentors and peers within the program. Professionally, I am eager to gain hands-on experience in community outreach and educational activities.

What excites me most about working with Alabama Extension is being able to help the community, particularly through youth education programs. Over the summer, I hope to strengthen my time management and communication skills while also developing more confidence in organizing and presenting educational content to others.

Postinternship

During my internship with Alabama Extension, I was able to gain hands-on experience across various settings related to Extension work. I also had the opportunity to observe and learn from several different Extension employees as they carried out their daily responsibilities. Being able to participate in 4-H and wildlife-related events allowed me to see firsthand the planning and commitment required to make these programs happen.

One of my biggest accomplishments this summer was collaborating on and writing a publication for the Extension website. This experience showed me the level of accuracy and professionalism required in Extension communications, and it helped improve my writing and research skills. My biggest takeaway from the internship was the importance of being adaptable and open to learning in every environment. I would encourage future interns not to hesitate when it comes to asking questions or to get involved in anything that they would enjoy. Alabama Extension offers a diverse range of opportunities, and future interns should take advantage of that and experience as much as possible during their summer with Extension.