"4-H taught me to explore different ideas and learn about new things, which contributed to my desire to always be engaged in lifelong learning."
- B.S. '01 Ag Communications, University of Illinois, Environmental Science & Education
- M.A. '07 Eastern Illinois University, History
- M.A. '16 Information Science & Learning Technologies, University of Missouri, Library Science
Associate Science Librarian
California State University Monterey Bay
Favorite 4-H Projects: Visual Arts & Livestock
Did any of your 4-H project skills, experiences or connections help prepare you for your career path?
I help run our library's makerspace, so my experience in visual arts always comes in handy.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to enter your career path?
Learn and read as much as you can about as many things as you can and you will be a great librarian!
What did you learn through 4-H that benefits you today?
4-H taught me to explore different ideas and learn about new things, which contributed to my desire to always be engaged in lifelong learning. Being a science librarian and having a wide variety of knowledge, including in agriculture helps me with my university's agriculture department today that I liaison with.
How did 4-H contribute to your leadership skills today?
I learned to speak in public, which is a lifelong skill that I use teaching college students. We use parliamentary procedures in running academic meetings, which is a skill that I started to learn in 4-H. I was also my club's treasurer for several years and learning budget skills early on is a big asset in life.
What advice would you give a current 4-H member?
Explore different opportunities and project areas and don't be afraid of trying something new.