This summer, the Caldwell County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension welcomed Tanner Collier as a summer intern. Tanner is a native of Lenoir and is a rising senior at NC State University. As the season came to a close, I sat down with Tanner for his exit interview to discuss his journey, the projects he has been involved in, and how this experience has shaped his future.

Growing Roots in Lenoir

Growing up in Lenoir, Tanner’s introduction to agriculture began at home with family gardening. “My parents and grandparents first introduced me to agriculture through gardening,” Tanner shared. His involvement deepened in high school at West Caldwell, where he took agriculture classes and joined the FFA, competing on Tool ID and Horticulture ID teams. Supported by his family and Ag teacher, Tanner’s passion for agriculture solidified, leading him to pursue a degree in the field.

Discovering NC State Extension

Interestingly, Tanner’s journey with NC State Extension began with curiosity. “When I started at NC State, I didn’t know what Extension was or what it had to offer,” Tanner admitted. His interest grew as he learned more through classes and conversations, eventually leading him to seek out the Extension internship.

A Day in the Life of an Extension Intern

Tanner described his days as an NC State Extension intern in Caldwell County as dynamic and full of learning opportunities. “There is always something going on,” Tanner said. His mornings often started at the community garden, followed by answering questions from the public, conducting house or farm calls, and collaborating with office colleagues. “There are always times where I am learning something either through looking up information or talking with people,” he added.

Building Connections and Overcoming Challenges

The most rewarding part of the internship for Tanner was the connections he made. “Meeting people is a crucial part of growing yourself personally and professionally,” he noted. These interactions, ranging from public inquiries to collaborations with Extension Agents, were invaluable.

However, the internship wasn’t without its challenges. Diagnosing and finding solutions to agricultural issues was a recurring obstacle. Tanner tackled these challenges by conducting research and seeking advice from colleagues, demonstrating the importance of teamwork and persistence.

Key Projects and Community Impact

Tanner was involved in several county projects, including the Cotton Demo Project and the 2024 Corn Variety Trial. In the Unity Park & Community Garden, Tanner planted cotton varieties, providing a real-time educational display of cotton’s growth stages in compact environments. He also contributed to a regional Corn Variety Trial, testing 14 different varieties to determine the best performers in Caldwell County.

Tanner feels his work positively impacted the community by providing research-based information and educating the public through presentations.

Proud Achievements and New Skills

One of Tanner’s proudest achievements was earning the Distinguished Poster Presentation Award at NC State. Competing alongside 30 other Extension interns at the Internship Showcase, Tanner presented a poster detailing his overall experience. Bringing this award home to Caldwell County was a testament to his hard work and dedication throughout the internship.

Through hands-on experiences, Tanner honed skills in plant, weed, pest, and disease identification. He also enhanced his public interaction skills, learning to effectively communicate with a wide range of age groups.

Looking Ahead: Career Aspirations and Advice for Future Interns

Tanner’s internship solidified his desire to pursue a career in Extension. “My experience this summer has assured me that Extension is the career I want to pursue after graduation,” he affirmed, adding that he is now considering pursuing a Master’s degree.

For future interns, Tanner offers valuable advice: “Always search for opportunities, go in with an open mind, and be ready to learn something new every day. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.”

Final Thoughts

As Tanner reflects on his summer internship, he expresses deep gratitude for the experience and the people who supported him along the way. “This summer was amazing, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Caldwell County Extension. I am thrilled that I got to serve and give back to the community I grew up in.”

As his internship drew to a close, Tanner’s journey with N.C. Cooperative Extension was not only an educational experience but also a stepping stone toward a promising career in agriculture.

The future of agriculture is bright with dedicated students like Tanner, who are pursuing their degrees to serve and advocate for the industry!