February 18, 2025
Embracing Opportunities
Wow, sometimes you have to practice what you preach. I always tell my kids to step outside their comfort zone and take the opportunity when it arises. A former dean told us never to pass up an open mic.
I have been in extension for 25-plus years, had many mentors and coaches over the years. I am thankful that the late Jimmie Mengarelli and Anna Mae Brown allowed me to do a semester internship at the Crawford County extension office while I was a student at Pittsburg State University.
During my last year at Pitt, I met Stacey Warner. Little did I know that day would be significant in what was the start of my extension career. She asked for a resume, but I didn’t have one, so I met my advisor and created a resume.
Fast forward 25 years, and I am still just as passionate about my extension career as when I began, though like any job, it comes with challenges. What I enjoy: the people I get the privilege to work with, especially my 4-H kids. It is even better when you have the opportunity to work with a few of your ‘kids’ as colleagues.
I have been very blessed with many opportunities over the years, and those mentors and coaches have guided me through them. Serving on the coaching team has taught me that mentorship isn’t just about guiding others; it is about learning from their fresh perspectives and renewing their energy. It’s been an incredible way to give back to K-State Research and Extension. This is a great way to build connections and network with new staff. Success is best when everyone shares it.
As a new agent, I remember talking with my former southeast Kansas 4-H specialist Ann Domsch about joining a professional organization. I had no idea what being an association member was all about. Still, I knew I respected Ann as a professional and knew she would not encourage me to join if it would not positively impact my career.
I was a member of the Kansas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Science and am still a member of the Kansas Association of 4-H Youth Development. I have served in many different officer roles in each association.
My attitude: YOGOWYPI, or You Only Get Out What You Put In. Professional associations offer invaluable benefits: it’s a hub for networking, continued education, collaboration, and connecting with like-minded professionals who share your passions.
I have had the opportunity to attend national meetings, connect with professionals from other states, and bring things back to my local extension district and Kansas. Candis Stiles and I attended the same session at the National Epsilon Sigma Phi meeting where Barbie Little and Lewis Honaker from West Virginia presented a program, and the thing we both walked away with was personal/professional satisfaction instead of work/life balance because do we ever really balance?
This sparked the idea that we will do a program for the Epsilon Sigma Phi association on Burnout to Brilliance. If you are a member or have been in your career for less than three years, sign up and join us.
My career highlight came last year when I was selected as one of the Kansas delegates to participate in the National Extension Leadership Development (NELD) program. It was a true honor to represent K-State Research and Extension. I learned so much about myself, and it has changed me for the better.
I would tell you, when the opportunity presents itself, jump at it. Thank you to the K-State Research and Extension administration and the Phillips-Rooks District Board for allowing me to grow through all these opportunities throughout my career—a big shout out to my area and regional directors, Family and Consumer Science, and 4-H specialists. To everyone who has supported me on this journey, thank you for shaping the extension professional I am today.
Here is to embracing opportunities, growing through challenges, and inspiring the next generation of extension leaders.