Staff Spotlight: Mickayla Blender

Mickayla Blender,
Meet Mickayla Blender, a 4-H Youth Development Extension assistant in Blair, Neb.
July 19, 2022

About Mickayla

I currently reside in Blair, but grew up in Eustis, a small town in South Central Nebraska. I grew up on a farm just south of town, which had about every animal you could imagine. Being from a small town, I was heavily involved in a ton of extra-curricular activities, but the most influential being 4-H and FFA. I graduated from Fort Hays State University with a degree in animal science in December of 2020 and started my current position a few days after graduation. I worked remotely for about a month before becoming a resident of Washington County. 

What is your position at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

I am a 4-H Youth Development Extension Assistant. 

What drew you to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

After an internship with my local extension office, I quickly found an interest in teaching youth, especially about Nebraska's agriculture. After that first summer, I continued to work for offices around me to gain experience to land me where I am currently. 

What aspect of working in an education setting do you enjoy the most?

We are able to provide nationally recognizable programs for our youth to meet them where they are and in areas to spark their interest for long term life development. 

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

That's a tough question. I have had lots of great success and achievements throughout my life to bring me where I am today, but I don't think I can narrow down to just one instance. 

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I have never broken a bone. 

What’s life like outside of work?

My life outside of work consists of being outside as much as possible. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, baking, and driving across Nebraska to spend time on the farm. 

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