Faces Of Extension: Sandria Jiang

One of my main projects was developing an evaluation survey for the curriculum. Before my internship, there was no framework in place to document parents' progress or assess how the curriculum was benefiting them. I adapted academic research questions about child development, simplifying them into relatable concepts that parents could easily understand. This survey wasn't just another tool; it became a bridge between research and practical community work.

In addition to the survey, I created parent-child play activities that demonstrated how play can be both simple and educational. By focusing on language use and meaningful interaction, we showed parents how small changes like encouraging conversations during play could make a big difference in their children's development.

For me, this internship was eye-opening. It was the first time I truly saw research come to life in a community setting. I used to see research solely as abstract concepts or theoretical studies. But this summer, I watched parents interact with their kids, applying the tools and techniques we taught them. It was inspiring to see how just a little encouragement or guidance could empower parents to create stronger connections with their children.

What surprised me most was how hands-on and grounded the work was. This wasn't about sitting behind a desk all day; it was about persuading parents to join the program, engaging with them, and showing them how to use the new skills in their daily lives. It taught me that community work isn't just about implementing ideas--it's about building relationships, meeting families where they are, and providing them the confidence to try something new.

To learn more about Sandria's summer project you can read her blog.