"4-H aided in keeping me headed toward a life of learning."
B.S. '79 Ag Economics, University of Illinois
Sr. Vice President, Real Estate Services, The Northern Trust Company
Favorite 4-H Projects: Polled Herefords
How did 4-H contribute to your leadership skills today?
4-H forced me to go outside of my comfort zones, to try new things and skills even if they were new and bit frightening.
Did 4-H instill a career path for you?
4-H aided in keeping me headed toward a life of learning. Specifically, it was one of the key layers that eventually sent me to the U of I, which in turn opened opportunities leading to my career.
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in your career path?
Try to get direct exposure to people working in your desired profession. Go visit their place of business...see it, hear it, image that yes you could end up working there someday. Learn the skill of being able to listen and identify who the smart people in the room are. Learn from them. And for those lacking, learn "what NOT to do" from them.
What advice would you give a current 4-H member?
Take every opportunity you have to try new things and learn about yourself. The specifics don't really matter....it's all about the human processes.
Why should young people join 4-H today?
There is NO place else where you can grow like you can in 4-H, with it's freedom to learn to be the best that you can be. Period.