Aza Davis-Picou

Major: Human Development and Family Studies
Company/Organization: Story County Extension
Company/Organization website: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/story/
Destination: Ames, Iowa
Timeframe: Spring 2023
Advisor/Coordinator Email: jenvan@iastate.edu

Responsibilities

My responsibilities during my internship included co-facilitating youth programming and various administrative tasks. I had the opportunity to co-facilitate different programming, such as various STEM activities and personal skills. Administrative tasks included doing some data entry and organization of programming materials.

Accomplishments

During my internship, I appreciated being able to plan and co-facilitate programs. Going into my internship, I was unsure of my ability to facilitate successfully. I was also hesitant about the planning process but thankfully was able to use a wealth of materials and work with my peers in the process.

Learning experience

In this context, there is a healthy balance between planning, administrative tasks, and implementation. Sometimes, you welcome some time to sit and chill after frequent programming or activities. Additionally, being somewhat comfortable in your work environment is important. Healthy boundaries are necessary, but sometimes not feeling comfortable can affect you personally.

What advice would you give?

If you can, always take the opportunity to observe. I think a meaningful thing to me is getting to see other people present and how they navigate different material. It also serves as a great reminder that we are all human and approach things differently. I would also say to ask LOTS of questions before accepting an internship position. See if a shadowing opportunity or "practice" day is possible.

Career Connections