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Two years ago, Abby Ignaszewski walked across the stage to receive her diploma at Jackson County Central High School in Jackson. Now, she’s returned to the county as the Jackson County 4-H program’s summer intern.
A lifelong 4-Her, Ignaszewski started out as a Cloverbud, attending summer camps, showing livestock and building various projects. This summer, she’s helping younger kids do the same.
“I showed swine and I did craft projects, like making tie blankets and pottery,” Ignaszewski said. “I was president and secretary of my club at one point, so that taught me a lot of leadership skills and helped me get out of my bubble.”
A forensic science major, Ignaszewski is currently studying at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Once she learned about the summer position in Jackson County, she decided to apply.
Planning day camps made up a great deal of her internship early on, though work has recently shifted to helping prepare for the upcoming Jackson County Fair.
“I remember attending day camps when I was a kid and I wanted to be on the other side of that,” she said. “I will get things ready for the fair, making sure our 4-Hers have everything they need to take their projects to the state fair.”
As it turns out, the skills Ignaszewski learned as a member of the county’s 4-H program have paid dividends as she learns how to help kids have the same experiences she did growing up
It’s also given her new appreciation for the work 4-H leaders and parents put into helping the kids have a good year.
“You realize how much work goes into making these activities successful,” she said. “I really like learning about how things are done, so getting the chance to be on the other side and plan these activities is really eye-opening and enjoyable.”