Cai Diggs

Learning is a continuous process. And through different experiences, I have learned about different people and concepts as well as myself. I am very thankful for this opportunity with UMD Extension because it has allowed me to reflect upon the type of professional, advocate, and person I want to be. Something I have learned about myself since working for Extension is I enjoy having a flexible schedule, but I also like to have an established routine. I like going into the week with an idea of all the tasks I will complete and experiences I will have. This allows me to have more structure in my life. I understand that, as a professional, my schedule can be spontaneous or prone to change. However, I still want to have more control over my schedule when I can.

I also learned that I enjoy doing a wide range of activities as a worker. I enjoy being in the aquaponics lab and the greenhouse. I enjoy farm visits and working remotely. Variation in my routine keeps me engaged and makes me excited about the days to come.  Overall, this experience has allowed me to really self reflect and learn about my likes and dislikes as a professional.

A closeup of the IBC system Dr. Izursa, Nick, and I installed at the aquaponics demonstration on a farm in Upper Marlboro.

The IBC system Dr. Izursa, Nick, and I installed at the aquaponics demonstration on a farm in Upper Marlboro.

A picture of me researching the nutritional value of different fish food .