"4-H taught me essential skills for my career success including public speaking, responsibility and leadership."
B.S. '78 Ag Communications, University of Illinois; B.S. '78 Home Economics, University of Illinois; M.S. '95 Nutrition, Eastern Illinois University
Culinary Medicine Educator, SIU School of Medicine
Favorite 4-H Projects: Foods, Cattle, Dog Obedience
How did 4-H contribute to your leadership skills today?
I gained skills learning to get up in front of people and how to conduct a meeting according to Robert's Rules of Order.
Did 4-H instill a career path for you?
Definitely! Both in agricultural communication and food. My career path started as the Farm and Food editor at the State Journal-Register for 27 years. I also had the opportunity to serve as an adjunct instructor at Lincoln Land Community College teaching baking, nutrition, foods. I also served as an adjunct instructor at University of Illinois, Springfield teaching nutrition and sports nutrition and weight management.
What advice do you have for someone who is interested in your career path?
4-H is a great beginning for almost every career, but in my case, it helped in journalism by learning how to interview someone and as a dietitian, teaching skills to have a strong foundation in food.
What advice would you give a current 4-H member?
Stick with it and complete as many projects as you can. You learn from every project you take.
Why should young people join 4-H today?
4-H is a wonderful training ground for life.