"Holding officer positions in my club and county organization helped me learn how to lead with confidence and how to advocate for things that are important to the organization."
University of Northern Iowa, B.M. '23, Music Education
Pekin CSD 7th-12th Grade Band and Choir Director
Favorite 4-H Projects: Passport to the World, Beef, Visual Arts, Public Presentation
Did any of your 4-H project skills, experiences or connections help prepare you for your career path?
Being an officer for the Dover Berlin 4-H club and Bureau County 4-H federation helped me to build leadership skills that have been extremely useful as I have begun my career!
What advice do you have for someone who wants to enter your career path?
Get connected with good mentors in the education world and in your specialty area! Being a teacher can be difficult, but it is so much easier when you have someone with experience to help guide you!
What did you learn through 4-H that benefits you today?
4-H really helped me gain valuable communication skills. These skills were extremely important during my degree program and in my career!
How did 4-H contribute to your leadership skills today?
Holding officer positions in my club and county organization helped me learn how to lead with confidence and how to advocate for things that are important to the organization. These experiences lead me to hold leadership positions in college organizations, and has helped me be a more confident educator.
What advice would you give a current 4-H member?
Don't be afraid try new things! There are so many project areas offered in 4-H that can help you find a new passion! Also, as you become an older 4-H member, take the opportunity to help mentor younger members-- they are the future of the organization!
Do you currently volunteer or have volunteered with the 4-H program? If so, in what capacity.
While I haven't volunteered, I have worked for Bureau County 4-H for tye past four summers. This has been a great opportunity and has allowed me to stay active with 4-H.