"4-H livestock projects taught me humility, sacrifice, discipline, decision-making and deep care for another life are all things that make each of us a better citizen and better human."
B.S. '98 Ag Communications, University of Illinois
Executive Editor, Prairie Farmer
Favorite 4-H Projects: Beef
How did 4-H contribute to your leadership skills today?
4-H taught me that in order to work with other people to get something done, I'd need to compromise and help build a consensus. Valuable skills in any job in our world today!
Did 4-H instill a career path for you?
Those (dreaded) talks and demonstrations in the church basement taught me to get in from of people and communicate my ideas, which is something I've done every day at Prairie Farmer for the past 20+ years!
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in your career path?
Take every opportunity to develop your communication skills: speak in front of people, learn good photography, write everything you can. Become a storyteller.
What advice would you give a current 4-H member?
Try new things. Do hard things. You'll surprise yourself.
Why should young people join 4-H today?
I'm not sure there is another organization with as much variety as you can find in 4-H - from robots to rabbits.