Where are you from?
I’m from Demopolis, Alabama.
What does an average day on the job look like?
In Extension, there really is no average or typical day. Each day is different, and often exciting, because sometimes you never truly know what the day is going to entail.
Generally, I respond to various Agriculture and Natural Resources questions from residents — in-person, by phone, via email — travel to different sites around the county to look at areas of concern, or teach a class or give a talk to local groups. Sometimes I coordinate Master Gardener projects or trainings, meet with stakeholders to discuss local needs, and use any other opportunities to respond to questions or concerns. I am here to provide research-based information to Muscogee County citizens in any way that I can.
Why did you choose to be a part of UGA Extension?
I wanted to work with the best Extension service in the Southeast. UGA is one of the leading Extension services, providing relevant research-based information and resources to its citizens.
What has been the best experience you've had so far as part of Extension?
One of the best experiences I’ve had so far has been helping local teachers obtain the knowledge they need to be successful in their school garden efforts, whether it is with establishment or sustainability. They have an eagerness and appreciation for the information, and in turn feel supported in their various ventures. I also like knowing that, through assisting these teachers, we are educating the next generation of horticulturists.
I have also really enjoyed working with other agents and Extension services on creative and innovative projects such as a webinar series on backyard fruit that was offered during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. This eight-part fruit series covered types of fruit that can be grown by homeowners here in Georgia and across the Southeast. The collaborative effort to supply homeowners with the knowledge needed to successfully grow fruit in a time when we were all homebound was a meaningful experience for me. I also loved the topic!
How has your experience as the organization changed you?
My experience as a part of Extension has changed how I view situations, realizing that not every case will be cut and dried. If the cause of a situation is not apparent, investigative work will be needed to get to the facts of the matter. I am also not always going to know the answer, and that is okay. Extension is a team with the knowledge and resources to always find the answers needed.
What do you like to do outside of work — hobbies, interests, secret talents?
Outside of work, I like to spend time with my family visiting parks and hiking local trails as well as working in our garden. My one vice is watching European period dramas!
Built with Shorthand