OTTAWA, Ill. - 4-H alumni Lilliana Bernabei spent her summer as an intern with Illinois Extension serving Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, and Putnam counties, gaining experience in the same program that helped shape her own youth development journey.
Through her internship, Bernabei had the opportunity to work alongside Extension staff and see firsthand how 4-H helps young people prepare for their futures.
Bernabei shares what drew her to the internship, the projects and events she worked on, what she is most proud of, and the advice she has for others considering an Extension internship.
What interested you in applying for this internship?
I applied for the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Summer Internship because I knew I wanted to return home for the summer while staying actively involved in agriculture and 4-H. Having been involved in 4-H for seven years, I wanted the opportunity to combine my passion for 4-H with everything Extension has to offer. I was excited to learn more about the work that happens behind the scenes while also using my experiences to serve as a resource for youth, families, and community members.
What were your primary responsibilities throughout the summer?
Throughout the summer, I worked across three offices and four counties, which gave me the opportunity to experience many different areas of Extension. I led library programs, instructed a YQCA training, assisted with three different 4-H fairs and shows, helped with the YMCA food science camp, completed media reports for local newspapers, created some social media content for marketing, and supported staff with various office projects. I also spent time talking with community members, learning about their experiences, and helping connect youth and families with 4-H resources and opportunities.
What projects or events did you enjoy working on the most?
One of my favorite experiences was Bureau Valley Summer Camp, where I assisted with lessons in drones, food science, and several other areas. It was rewarding to watch students work together, share their knowledge, develop ideas, and turn those ideas into projects. I also really enjoyed helping at the 4-H fairs and shows. Seeing the hard work and dedication that 4-H members put into their projects made those experiences especially meaningful to me.
Looking back, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of being able to serve as a valuable resource to the offices and the people I worked with. I was able to use my previous 4-H experiences to provide feedback, share ideas for improving programs and resources, and help staff better understand the experiences of youth and community members. Knowing that I was able to contribute to the success of others and spend my summer educating and supporting those around me is something I will continue to be proud of.
What new skills did you develop during your internship?
This internship allowed me to strengthen my teamwork, communication, leadership, time management, and problem-solving skills. Working across three offices and four counties allowed me to really put into practice my ability to adapt to different environments, people, and responsibilities. I also became more comfortable speaking with community members, leading programs, teaching youth, and sharing information with others. Through this experience, I developed new skills in marketing, social media, public outreach, and working with different audiences. I also learned how to take initiative and approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset. From the very beginning of my internship, I gave it my all, and I continued to bring that same effort and dedication to every day and every opportunity throughout the summer.
Was there a staff member or volunteer who made an impact on your experience?
Throughout my internship, I had the opportunity to meet many staff members, volunteers, current 4-H members, and former 4-H members who made an impact on my experience. One volunteer from Bureau County, Francis Morse, was someone I had many conversations with throughout the summer. We often found ourselves talking about the idea of change. Those conversations encouraged me to think about how change affects agriculture, 4-H, and the traditions we have grown up with. Change happens every day, whether it is because something becomes easier or more convenient, and being open to change can allow you to see new opportunities.
What was your favorite memory from the summer?
I don't have one specific favorite memory from this summer because what I enjoyed most was that every day gave me a new opportunity to make a difference. Whether I was teaching a library lesson, promoting 4-H, doing experiments with youth, helping at a fair, or simply sitting in a meeting and listening, I was always able to support someone in some way. I loved being able to show up each day, bring my perspective and ideas, and use the knowledge I have gained through 4-H to help others. Being able to give back to an organization that has given me so much was the most meaningful part of my experience, and it showed me firsthand what Extension is all about, extending knowledge, changing lives.
What advice would you give to someone considering an Extension internship?
Without a doubt, don't be afraid to apply. This internship gave me the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while doing something I genuinely enjoy. There wasn't a day where I wasn't doing something new, and that is what I enjoyed most about the experience every day was different. I was able to combine my love for 4-H and agriculture with my passion for educating others, whether that meant teaching about agriculture, connecting youth with 4-H resources, or sharing knowledge from my own experiences. The skills and knowledge I gained will continue to be valuable as I pursue my education and future career. I am proud of my time with Illinois Extension and will always appreciate the people, experiences, and opportunities that made this summer so meaningful.
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An Extension internship can be a starting point for discovering where your interests and skills can take you. For Lilliana, this summer brought her back to a familiar program while giving her a new perspective on the work behind 4-H.
To learn more about Illinois Extension opportunities, call University of Illinois Extension at
815-875-2878 or email Erin Orwig at eorwig@illinois.edu.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.