What a wonderful first few weeks I’ve had in my internship with Ogallala Commons.
Before I go into detail about the events I’ve experienced thus far, I would like to explain the projects I have been assigned to complete during my internship. With careful discussion about the revival of rural America, it was determined that my main projects would focus on assisting in youth engagement fairs at Lamar Community College, Otero Junior College, and Eastern New Mexico University. I will also be conducting interviews in small towns across Southeast Colorado, aiding in the research and proactivity of pairing high school students with local businesses to both develop work ethic for the students and provide possible returning employees for the businesses. Though these projects carry more weight, I will also be creating a digital presentation that will more clearly illustrate the 12 key assets of commonwealth. Writing articles, posting to social media, and leading recruiting efforts for internships will conclude my duties with Ogallala Commons.
With that, I would like to share my experiences over the past month. On October 4th and 5th, I was privileged to attend and work with students at the youth engagement days. As students were split into small groups, they were led by OC interns in focusing on one key asset of the 12 key assets in commonwealth. My group was assigned the soil and mineral cycle.
I was thoroughly impressed with my groups in Lamar and La Junta, as the students were active in brainstorming their understandings of the soil and mineral cycle, illustrating the cycle on poster board, and explaining the cycle to students as we went around the room. As the engagement days came to a close, it was refreshing to see the actual “engagement” of students in discussing the 12 key assets, and recognizing the existence of these assets in each of our small communities. I look forward to attending the engagement day in Clovis, NM in November.
Another event that I have been able to attend was the Ogallala Commons board meeting and reception hosted in Denver, CO. It was especially rewarding to network and socialize with board members, spouses, OC alumni, and funders of our organization. This is perhaps one of my favorite pictures of the reception, as Bobby and Julie, reviewed the new prospectus book that has recently been created for the program.
As my first month with Ogallala Commons concludes, I am excited about the events upcoming, and look forward to seeing the outcomes of my remaining projects!
