'Bedazzled Kittycorn'
Camp Counseling Internship Helps Ohio Wesleyan Student Determine Her Career Path
Name: Sarah Youngquist '27
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina
High School: Athens Drive Magnet High School
Majors: Neuroscience, Biology, and Educational Studies
Minor: Psychology
OWU Connection Experience: Youngquist was a camp counselor at Farm Camp at Stratford Ecological Center, a nonprofit educational organic farm and nature preserve on 236 acres in Delaware County.
"I led a group of eight campers each week from ages 3-12. I helped them understand where their food comes from by showing them around the farm, helping them complete farm chores (gardening, feeding livestock, etc.), and cooking food like zucchini bread.
"I also facilitated group games, creek exploration, and trash audits to help them connect with nature and learn how to be environmental stewards. I served as a mentor to a couple of high school students each week for environmental education. "
Why This Experience?
"I chose to pursue this internship because, at the time, I knew I was interested in science education, but I was unsure if I wanted to make it my career path. I felt it would provide authentic experience to help figure out where my life is going. Also, I knew their mission was important (such as showing kids where their food comes from and helping them connect with nature), and I wanted to be a part of it. So, I figured I'd give it a try – I'm glad I did."
My Favorite Moments
"I enjoyed seeing my campers connect with nature in their own ways. Whether it was feeding some of the goats, watering the cows, baking zucchini bread, collecting sticks (as a stick collector myself, it is nice to know the future of stick collecting is in good hands), etc. The excitement my campers experienced whenever one of them caught a frog or crayfish in the creek was unmatched. It was also cool to see their appreciation for nature grow through the week."
Through experiences like this one, you learn more about yourself, your passions, and your strengths – something you don't get in the classroom.
Lessons Learned
"Not to be dramatic, but this experience impacted me a lot. It formed my passion for science education; it showed me the importance that education and time spent outdoors have on students' attitudes and appreciation toward nature. I am now confident that I want to pursue a career in science education after college.
"Through experiences like this one, you learn more about yourself, your passions, and your strengths – something you don't get in the classroom."
Campus Involvements
On campus, Youngquist is a Bishop Scholars Tutor, a Service Camp Leader, a crossing guard for the Early Childhood Center, and a pole vaulter on the OWU women's track and field team.
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"I felt it was more academically focused than other schools I was looking at, and I thought it was cool that a lot of students here had multiple majors, which was something I wanted to pursue."
My Plans After Graduation
"I plan to apply to North Carolina State's MAT (Master of Arts in Teaching) program for Secondary Science Education to become a high school science (biology) teacher in North Carolina.
"OWU is helping me reach this goal by allowing me to obtain a wide range of experiences and showing me that it's OK to change your path. I always knew I wanted to do something in the education field, but I struggled to make up my mind on exactly what that would be. As a result, I changed my majors around more than an individual probably should, but with help from my advisor, Dr. Michele Nobel; my professors; and other OWU staff, I've been able to participate in a wide range of experiences. Now, I am confident science education is where I am called to be."