Sharla Scantling, a 2022 pathways soil conservationist intern in the Springfield Field Office, speaks with State Conservationist Sheldon Hightower.
Summer Interns ‘Meet and Greet’ with the State Conservationist
By Katherine K. Burse, state public affairs officer
Our student summer interns played a critical role this season in ensuring that we continue to meet the goals and mission of our agency. The Natural Resources Conservation Service hosted five returning pathways interns, five new pathways interns, four 1890 scholars, and three third-party interns. This was one of our largest, most diverse class of interns that we have hosted during a summer.
In June, State Conservationist Sheldon Hightower traveled Tennessee’s highways and byways to network with 11 out of the 17 summer interns, in what was termed a ‘Meet and Greet with the State Conservationist.’
The interns had an opportunity to share their experiences with Hightower, and he was able to answer any questions that they had about him as a leader and the agency. Before leaving each visit, Hightower imparted some words of wisdom to help the interns as they continue to navigate through college life and prepare to transition into a career with Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Although, Hightower was not able to meet in-person with all of the interns before their return to campus life, he plans to get an early start next summer to meet face-to-face with all interns.
If you missed the NRCS' welcome of the 17 student interns in the last Current Developments newsletter, click here to meet the students.
Jaydn Harris, a 2022 pathways soil conservationist intern in Memphis Field Office with Sheldon Hightower, NRCS Tennessee state conservationist.