Learn more about each of our interns, and what they thought of our program!
From our Interns
Caitlyn Hanson
Hello! My name is Caitlyn!!
I have an Associate’s degree in Human Services from Metropolitan Community College. I am currently at UNO double-majoring in Social Work and Religious Studies. One day I saw a flier on campus advertising the New Roots Internship, and I knew it was right up my alley!
Picking just one experience from this internship to call my favorite seems impossible. Having such a great cohort of peers, every moment I’ve spent with them this summer has been full of fun and so life-giving. I loved learning from them in the lightning lectures, getting to teach kids in fun and engaging ways, working together in the garden, and helping out at the farm stands.
Not to mention our field trips- we got the opportunity to learn about our community from the Mueso Latino and on the North Omaha Legacy Tour, as well as volunteering together at various local urban farms.
If I had to pick just one day to call my absolute favorite, it would have to be the day we rescued a stray cat at a garden site and I got to take him home! His name is Spoon. After a lot of TLC he went from dirty and hungry to living his best life, thriving!
Olivia Arkfeld
Hi everyone! My name is Olivia Arkfeld.
I am attending the University of Iowa for a degree in environmental science and political science. This fall will start my sophomore year.
I love anything outdoorsy/nature, reading, working out, playing tennis, and time with friends/family.
What I have loved most about this internship is seeing first hand the impact hard work, dedication, and kindness can have in our community.
It has been so eye opening, and I highly recommend applying for next summers internship or an available position!
Tessa Nuismer
My name is Tessa Nuismer & I am from Omaha, NE.
I graduated from UNL last year with a Bachelors of Science & am attending Bastet University this fall for a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine.
My favorite part of the New Roots internship and The Big Garden has been interacting with the community & advocating for food sovereignty as it is a basic human right.
I have been so grateful for this opportunity!
Adilene Molina
About me: I’m a single mom to a beautiful 4 year old boy named Finn.
I’m a long time gardener and nature lover. My hobbies include crochet, vlogging, and cooking. I find joy in helping those in need, and growing food aids in fulfilling that. Gardening is a big part of my sobriety journey and keeps me going strong.
My favorite part of the internship was seeing all the different gardens at the schools. Working with the kids was so much fun. Working at The Big Garden made a huge impact on my gardening knowledge! I've learned so much and I look forward to applying it to my home garden.
Gavin Fair
My name is Gavin Fair and I am from Omaha Nebraska.
I currently am going to school at UNO where I am majoring in Business Administration, with a concentration in Legal Studies, and minoring in Criminal Justice.
My favorite part of the New Roots internship was getting to see the whole process of our urban ag journey come full circle. At the beginning of the internship we planted a whole bunch of seedlings, and now towards the end, we have been able to harvest from almost everything we planted.
Getting to watch this process has been very rewarding!