4 Reasons Why You Should Join 4-H

4-H is America’s largest youth organization that empowers youth to reach their full potential in all aspects of life while improving the world around us. It’s all part of the 4-H motto: “To make the best better” – even yourself.

Looking back when I first joined 4-H at the age of five, I never imagined the impact it would have on my life, nor the countless opportunities it would provide. I truly don’t think any other organization could top 4-H and all it has to offer. I’ve embraced every moment of 4-H, and here is a list of reasons why you should join:

1. Leadership Skills – Whether it be public speaking, holding an office or leading a group activity, members learn leadership skills that will be of benefit in their future.

From giving a demonstration at a club meeting of my photography project, I built up the courage to talk in front of my club-which is nerve-wracking as a cloverbud. Doing it year after year, I became more and more confident in my public speaking. This confidence gave me the confidence to run for officer positions. From serving as Photographer to Club President, I continuously gained and improved my leadership skills.

2. Community Service – Learning the importance of making a difference in local communities.

Community service events were my favorite events to participate in, as it was rewarding to see the smile from someone on the receiving end. It made my time and effort well spent as it is a feel-good service. My 4-H had a community service event each month, and I made it my own goal to participate. It’s the simple things, like making a Valentine’s Day card or singing Christmas songs at a nursing home, that means the world to others. Participating in community service events allows members to become motivated leaders in their communities to give back.

3. Hands-on learning – There are ample opportunities to learn and grow through hands-on experiences.

I can’t even begin to describe the million and one skills I’ve learned during my time in 4-H. I’ve learned to bake bread and cakes and sew dresses and jackets. I have grown a green thumb from gardening and learned to be responsible for taking care of heifers, sheep and pigs. I found what project areas I enjoyed and what I didn’t. I succeed and sometimes failed – either burning a batch of cookies or accidentally seam ripping a hole in my, almost complete, jacket. However, I learned that mistakes happen, and you can only learn from these mistakes.

4. Lifelong friendships – 4-H introduces you to some of your best friends.

4-H camp, club activities or weeks spent at the county fair have introduced me to some of my best friends that have turned into life-long friends. I guarantee 4-H will do the same for you!

These skills have laid the foundation for a successful future in school and other extra-curricular activities, and I have 4-H to thank for that.

What Growing up on a Farm Taught Me

Running around the farm barefoot chasing kittens or riding in my green, battery operated, John Deere gator is how I remember most of my days growing up. Not a care in the world and definitely, not worried about being covered in dirt or dust. But as I grew a little older and took on more responsibility, I started to realize just how important everyday care of the animals really was. I have reflected on the skills and lessons I’ve learned through growing up on a farm that I wouldn’t have learned otherwise. Skills that have benefited me in life such as:

Humility

First and foremost, always be humble. This was especially true in the show ring. Somedays you lose, and some days you succeed, and that’s okay. It’s just how it goes. I learned to appreciate and be proud of what I had because coming out on top of a class when you least expect it is one of the most humbling experiences.

Strong Work Ethic

If anything can teach you a strong work ethic, it’s unloading 300 hundred small bales of hay on a humid, 80-degree day. Ask any farm kid. It takes a lot of grit, hand blisters and sweat to finish unloading that many bales. It was one job I never looked forward to but knew it had to get done. As with any chore on the farm, you don’t quit until the job is done and done right.

Responsibility

It’s not always easy to get up at the crack of dawn to do chores, but I did it anyway. The heifers had to be fed, and usually, they were before I even ate breakfast. It didn’t matter what day it was or what was going on, either way, the chores needed to get done. These responsibilities came alongside schoolwork and all extra-curricular activities, which meant no fun until the chores were finished.

Patience

Ahh, the joys of training show heifers to lead. Somehow, every year out of my three siblings and I, I’d end up with the sassy, crazy one. It never failed. It took a lot of time and effort to get those heifers to walk just right. A lot. Some days I’d get so frustrated I’d want to throw the towel in and give up. However, it just took time and a whole bunch of patience.

Attention to Detail

I’ve always been detail orientated, but I’ve become more attentive since being around cattle. Keeping a close eye on the heifers every day, looking for anything abnormal, was how I ensured each one was healthy. A snotty nose, cold ears or loss of appetite signaled that the heifers might be sick. I also took pride in washing my heifers every day to ensure they were spotless from head to toe, in preparation for various local, county and state shows.

These skills and lessons I’ve learned from a young age have continued to carry me throughout every aspect of my life. I wouldn’t trade growing up on a farm for anything, even though some days weren’t as picturesque as others.

Everything I learned in life, I learned from a cow

This sign, "everything in life I learned, I learned from a cow," has always been hanging in my bedroom with a laundry list of reasons. While it seems funny, it holds true and here’s a list of reasons why:

1. Wake up in a happy mooo-d!

It’s not always easy to wake up on the right side of the bed, especially waking up to do chores in the morning in the dead, cold of winter – let alone a Wisconsin winter. Yet, waking up with a “go-getter” attitude allows you to concur the day like a boss.

2. Don't cry over spilled milk!

We’ve all heard it – it’s not worth crying over spilled milk. And to be blunt, it isn’t. Clean up the mess, brush yourself off and move on. Easier said than done, I know. But, sometimes things happen and it’s easy to get flustered. I’ve learned that the best thing to do is step back, take a deep breath and realize it’s not the end of the world. The sun will come up tomorrow and if anything, you’ll grow from the experience.

3. When chewing your cud, remember: There's no fat, no calories, no cholesterol, and no taste!

This is the best lesson learned. Cows don’t count calories so why waste time counting mine. Life’s too short to not eat that delectable, indulgent chocolate cake or a juicy hamburger. Just eat it, because there are no calories. Oh, and make sure you savor every bite as cows chew their cud, I swear 50 times before swallowing!

4. The grass is green on the other side of the fence!

5. Turn the udder cheek and mooo-ve on!

Don’t dwell on it or add to the drama, just move on. Kind of like the saying, "if you don't have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all." I think we all need to be reminded of this every now and then.

6. Seize every opportunity and milk it for all its worth!

I’ve learned that when an opportunity comes a-knockin' to take it and run with it. To exceed expectations. To learn everything you can from others. To come out ahead with a wealth of knowledge and experience. Because to be the cream that rises to the top (see what I did there?), you have to hold yourself to a higher standard.

7. Don't be one with the herd.

Some cows like to be heard, loud and proud. I'm not saying it's a good thing to be loud all the time, but you can't always follow the herd. You have to create your own path that's unique to you to stand out among a herd.

8. Always let them know who's the boss!

Own it and always be confident. Be every ounce of you – whether that be sassy, loud or stubborn.

9. Black and white is always an appropriate fashion statement!

A true staple in any closet. Whenever I go shopping, I am drawn to all things black and white, and I do not realize it until my mom reminds me! Whether it be a tank top, classic tee or sweater, I own it. You can never go wrong with black and white. Ever.

10. Party til’ the cows come home!