By: Taylor Whitney
I joined the Goats R Us 4-H Club (now known as Alva Livestock 4-H Club) as a Cloverbud when I was 5. It was then that I first experienced the magic of 4-H. It was somewhere I always felt I “fit in” and could balance my love for animals, making friends, and learning about leadership and other life skills. When I became a Senior member, I joined a second club, Lee County Teen Leadership 4-H Club, where I continued to grow and learn new life skills.
As I got older, I had the opportunity to hold officer positions in both of my 4-H clubs, learning leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. I was often responsible for making meeting agendas and running club meetings. Sometimes, I needed to make flyers and brochures or write speeches or articles pertaining to my projects. I have also attended club, county, district, state, and regional events, including 4-H University, Southern Region Teen Leadership Conference, and 4-H Day at the Capitol. I have hosted workshops, promoted 4-H to the community, and participated in various 4-H projects, including citrus, leadership, and mindfulness.
My main project area in 4-H was goats. It was my first project, and I stuck with it throughout my 4-H career. I started with two goats showing at the county fair, and now I’ve competed with my goats from the county to the national level. Throughout this project, I learned how to keep breeding and medical records on each of my goats to better care for them. I have even given presentations about my goat project at the club, county, and state levels. I have helped many other youth get started with Pygmy goats and mentored them throughout their project. One of my favorite parts is when one of the younger kids I work with comes out of the show ring. They will always run up to me and give me a hug or a high five because they are so excited and proud of themselves.
The most memorable opportunity I’ve had in 4-H was being on the iLEAD committee this year, interacting with and being a role model to some of the younger members in 4-H. I was able to work with others to lead a group where I practiced my teamwork and public speaking skills. I enjoyed facilitating some of the activities we did, and I know when I was their age, I always looked up to the senior members and would have loved the opportunity to interact with them more.
My advice to other 4-H members is to be involved in any way you can. Try out a new project or take a chance on a new opportunity, even if you aren’t sure you’ll like it. You may be surprised! Don’t be afraid to go to a workshop or state event just because you don’t know anyone else going. You’ll make many new friends before you walk in the door.
My thirteen years in 4-H have shaped me into who I am today and taught me the marketable life skills needed to be workforce-ready and successful in any career I choose. I have learned essential interpersonal skills required in the workforce, including communication, teamwork, and leadership. I have acquired crucial hard skills like graphic design, public speaking, and writing. I have also developed essential values such as motivation, determination, and adaptability. I am grateful that I was able to be a part of this amazing organization as a youth of Lee County. With what I have learned in 4-H, I will be prepared for wherever life takes me.
