Kaity Deaner

 As I’m heading into my last week of the internship, I’ve reflected on several communities I interacted with through Extension. Cross-cultural competencies are essential to any career, especially one that works with the local community. In this internship, I found that it’s instrumental when working with populations I might not be familiar with. I’m able to connect with the community regardless of our backgrounds. In terms of growing cross-cultural competencies, I believe education and empathy are some of the most important factors to work effectively across cultures. Being able to learn about different perspectives and cultures can aid in the development of cross-cultural competencies. 

This week, I spent most of my time on the fairgrounds, helping April with all of the parts of the Cecil County Fair. On Monday, we hosted the Children’s Day at the fair. We have tables with different crafts for kids to do. Beverly and I managed the Family and Consumer Sciences table, where we offered prizes to kids who could name a fruit or vegetable of a specific color. On Tuesday, we hosted the bicycle safety contest. Kids in 4-H were given exams and different obstacle courses to show their knowledge and skill with bicycles. 

On Wednesday, I was with Ms. Amelia Gerres again to do our last education session with the local camps. We had brought the supplies for the kids to take their germination in-a-glove experiment home and also brought supplies to make “dirt cup” snacks. 

A photo of former governor Larry Hogan and me, at the Cecil County Fair

On Thursday and Friday, I was back at the fair. I had the opportunity to judge the small and large pet contest with one of the agriculture teachers from the Cecil County School of Technology. In this contest, we had ducks, rabbits, dogs, cats, hermit crabs, and more. I learned a significant amount more about judging these types of contests, primarily with the care of the animals. On Saturday, we had our livestock market. I was helping some of the volunteers with our food station. Interestingly, one of the 4-Hers reached out to former governor Larry Hogan to visit the fair. He came by for a little bit and I was able to chat with him, which was fun! 

A photo of one of the cows from the Cecil County Fair