Sophia Mozgala Interns with NC State Extension’s Burke County Center

NC State Extension programs reach across the state and serve all 100 counties in numerous ways. With so much to offer, students can take advantage of internships to better understand Extension programs and open their eyes to areas and nuances of the county they serve that they might never have seen. 

Department of Horticultural Science undergraduate student Sophia Mozgala participated in the Burke County Center internship program last summer which she learned about through the Rurally Engaged Agricultural Leaders program. This rural engagement program is geared toward College of Agriculture and Life Sciences students from rural areas who are interested in agriculture, rural communities, leadership and Extension.

Mozgala was drawn to Extension after learning about how they help counties across the state. She is even pursuing an Extension education minor along with her horticulture degree. During her internship, she served in different areas of the county Extension office, such as 4-H, Family Consumer Science, horticulture, and forestry.

During her time with 4-H, Mozgala contributed to the summer programs, saying, “It was very active and filled with things to do. These programs require a lot of logistics, including gathering supplies and organizing activities.” She also had the opportunity to collaborate with various agents and assist with home visits. Mozgala appreciated the one-on-one time with the agents and experienced a few minor adventures, such as accompanying an agent who was addressing the issue of bear attacks on beehives.

She collaborated with a horticulture agent in greenhouses and nurseries, where Mozgala gained valuable insights and had the opportunity to provide feedback when faced with challenges. Although some people may not be familiar with Extension, it has a strong presence in the state, attracting students interested in this unique type of service.

“I’m a people person and enjoy educating people,” Mozgala said. “I would love to be a horticulture agent with Extension.”

She hopes to educate people within her areas of expertise and how much support Extension provides that is free! Mozgala wants more people to know the amazing range of services that are provided like soil testing, agent site visits, classes, the NC State Extension Master Gardener℠ program and so many more resources.

The combination of education, outreach, the desire to help people, and providing public services makes Extension an asset to the state, one that has no rival. Despite being unknown to some, students like Sophia Mozgala and her passion for the community, along with the unique world of Extension, signal that its future is in good hands. The counties in our state are well served by agents who find it rewarding to help friends, neighbors, and their state while specializing and working in one of Extension’s many areas.