As my summer internship with Cornell Cooperative Extension comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on all that I’ve learned and accomplished over the past few months. One of the key components of my internship was conducting interviews with Spanish-speaking community members at farmers’ markets across New York City. In total, I conducted 22 interviews this summer. While this number may seem small, I’m proud of the meaningful conversations that developed from these interactions. Each interview became an opportunity not only to gather information about pest management but also to connect with people on a personal level, hear their stories, and understand their unique needs.
The most common pests people were interested in learning about were mice, cockroaches, and bed bugs—pests that are particularly prevalent in urban environments. I learned that most people rely on Google searches for pest management information, and the majority were comfortable sharing their name and email address to access online presentations. However, I also uncovered something significant: many Hispanic community members were not interested in attending online presentations at all, preferring in-person interactions. This insight opened my eyes to the importance of considering cultural differences when designing outreach programs. I believe this is an area that warrants further study, especially as many older immigrants expressed that they aren’t comfortable with technology, though their children often help them navigate it.
Beyond the data and insights I collected, this internship also pushed me to grow personally. I’ve always been a socially anxious person, so approaching strangers and conducting interviews was initially daunting. But this experience pushed me out of my shell in the best way possible. Over time, I found it easier to engage with people, particularly those I didn’t know. By connecting with my community—my own people—I felt a sense of purpose and belonging that I hadn’t anticipated.
The most rewarding part of this internship was the connections I made with the community members. It wasn’t just about pests and pest management—it was about hearing people’s stories and understanding their challenges. Meeting such a wide variety of people throughout the summer has been exciting and inspiring. Although there was only one of me and I could only do so much, I’m proud of the work I accomplished. This summer has taught me the value of presence, listening, and making meaningful connections.
As I wrap up this chapter, I feel grateful for the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met. This internship has given me skills that I’ll carry forward, and I’m excited to continue learning and growing in the future.
