Lincoln Neb. —
What is your background before coming to the University of Nebraska Lincoln?
I grew up on my family’s ranch in the sandhills near North Platte, NE. I attended Hershey High School. I was active in Lincoln County 4-H. I received both my bachelor’s and master’s in Child, Youth, & Family Studies from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Through two summer Extension Office internships, I set my mind on landing a job with 4-H. Immediately after graduating with my bachelor’s, I started with Nebraska Extension in Dawes County.
What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
I am a 4-H Youth Development Extension Educator and Lead Educator in Keith and Arthur Counties.
What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
The short answer is the opportunities. I transferred to UNL during my undergraduate career for a variety of majors. During my undergraduate career, I worked as a student worker in the 4-H Youth Development program. At that time, I had the opportunity to gain endless hours of teaching experience in after school, be a principal author of a the WeCook curriculum and participate in two summer internships. I am grateful for the opportunities UNL has offered me and continues to offer me. I decided to apply for Extension, so I could give back and provide educational opportunities for youth.
What aspect of working in an educational setting do you enjoy the most?
It is simple, working with youth is what I enjoy the most. Nothing matches the energy of a child’s enthusiasm for life and eagerness to learn. I find teaching youth enjoyable because I am constantly engaging in different topics and activities. In addition, every youth has different strengths, personalities, and perspectives. While sometimes educating may mean overcoming new challenges, I find educating youth invigorating and rewarding.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
This is a tough question, because I don’t think I’ve reached my greatest achievement yet. However, I could also name several achievements I am proud of. I suppose my greatest achievements are the awards I have received from the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals (NAE4-HYDP). I have received 14 awards from the state section, several regional, and one national. Most notably, I was one of the two Nebraska professionals to receive an Achievement in Service Award (ASA) from NAE4-HYDP in 2024. I could not have accomplished what I have thus far without amazing colleagues and people who believe in me.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
Some may not know that I grew up dancing since I was 2. I participated in both school dance teams and dance studios. Growing up, you could find me doing tap, ballet, point, jazz, lyrical, and being an assistant dance teacher 4 days a week. I was offered a collegiate dance scholarship to Concordia University in Seward where I danced for a year before transferring colleges.
What is your life like outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to spend time with loved ones and do things I enjoy. I like to spend my time helping my dad and brother on the ranch, trying new things with my mom, playing with my corgi Beau, planting flowers, traveling to previous towns I have lived in to visit friends, doing anything outdoors, and doing craft projects. I certainly could improve my work-life balance and find more hobbies to spend my time, go figure.
