Illinois 4-H

Favorite Projects:  Livestock - Horses and Cattle

Did any of your 4-H project skills, experiences or connections help prepare you for your career path?

My time in 4-H significantly shaped my career path. Through meeting peers my own age and connecting with 4-H mentors, I developed essential interpersonal skills. These experiences helped me gain confidence in approaching and communicating with new people, a skill that has been invaluable in my professional life. The hard work and dedication I learned in 4-H taught me the importance of perseverance and commitment, which have directly contributed to my advancement in my career.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to enter your career path?

Seek out opportunities to connect with professionals in the field, whether through job shadowing or internships. Embrace every chance to gain experience, and approach interactions with more experienced individuals with a mindset of eager learning. Be proactive in asking questions and diligently work to understand the nuances of the field. Hard work and a genuine curiosity will be key to your success. You get the most out of your experiences by learning from doing so get out and do hands on work.

What did you learn through 4-H that benefits you today?

Without a doubt, my participation in cooking projects through 4-H has had a lasting impact on my adult life. The skills and recipes I learned have seamlessly translated into my daily routine, where I now cook for myself and my boyfriend and handle some food preparations for family gatherings. I still rely on many of those cherished 4-H recipes. Additionally, 4-H helped me develop strong public speaking and confidence skills, which are invaluable in my current role. I regularly work with farmers across multiple counties and speak with confidence in various professional settings.

How did 4-H contribute to your leadership skills today?

4-H played a significant role in developing my leadership skills. Through various projects and activities, I had the opportunity to take on leadership roles in college and my career now, such as teaching my intern every summer the ins and outs of agronomy. These experiences helped me build essential skills in organization, communication, and problem-solving. I learned how to motivate and guide others, manage team dynamics, and effectively delegate tasks. The program also encouraged me to set goals and work towards them systematically, which has been invaluable in my personal and professional life. The confidence I gained from presenting projects and speaking in public settings in 4-H has carried over into my current role, where I regularly interact with a diverse range of people. Overall, 4-H provided a solid foundation in leadership that continues to benefit me today.

What advice would you give a current 4-H member?

Dive into as many 4-H activities and projects as you can. The more you participate, the more you'll learn and grow. Engage with different programs and take on various roles to discover your strengths and interests. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone—talk to people, network, and build connections. Whether it's with fellow members, leaders, or community members, every conversation is an opportunity to learn and expand your horizons. Embrace every chance to develop your skills, take on leadership roles, and contribute to your community. The experiences and relationships you build in 4-H will be invaluable throughout your life.