My Internship Experience
So far, I have completed two years of my ISP (Intern Scholarship Program) internship, and it has completely changed my life. In my first year I completed 240 hours at the Glassboro Library, and this year I will complete another 240 hours at Rutgers Cooperative Extension with SNAP-ED for a total of 480 hours completed.
Year 1: Glassboro Library
At the Glassboro Library, the internship was a new experience to me. My focus was various programs for children, with the Young Chefs Program as primary. I prepared healthy and fun snack ideas for children around a holiday occurring that month. Then, in addition to instructing the kids to make their own snacks, I explained to them why it was nutritious. We played a nutrition-oriented game, made a cute water bottle cover, and they got to eat their snack. Kids would always go home happy and trying new, delicious, nutritious foods. The kids and parents loved it!
I was involved with many other programs at the library. I taught the Music and Movement program and the Homeschool Hangout Program. Although I loved doing these, my first year at the library was coming to an end and I wanted to learn more. Before moving to Rutger's Cooperative Extension, I wanted one more chance to offer my Nutrition Program to children. I brought it to Rossi Elementary School in Vineland as community service. It was coordinated around Cinco De Mayo, so I showed two elementary classes how to make guacamole, what it was made out of, why it was healthy, and they got the chance to try it. They also made a water bottle cover as part of the program. Once again, the children loved to try something new.
Year 2: Rutger's Cooperative Extension (SNAP-ED)
This year was so exciting for me. I knew I was going to be learning under Nutrition Educators and was excited to expand my knowledge. SNAP-ED teaches the community how to eat healthier on a budget with many different curriculums focusing on all different age groups. I prep most of the tasting samples like hummus, a three-bean salad, and a blueberry compote for the groups to try. I also shadow the Certified Nutrition Educators in lessons multiple days a week to qualify me to eventually teach a class on my own.
I have learned how to teach seniors how to better incorporate their vegetables, fruit, and daily exercise into their lives with the Eat Smart Live Strong Program. I have earned my Nutrition Educator Certification to enhance my ability to teach these classes and more. My site supervisor, Dan Dychtwald, introduced me to SNAP-ED's newest program called, "Huskey Reads," and "Cooking Matters." These programs will help children of all ages learn about eating healthy at a young age to hopefully show them how important good nutrition is. I am so thankful to have this internship opportunity thanks to Amy Mullholand. I cannot wait to dive deeper into this year and see what the future holds for me.
