"I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, my health for better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world."
If you are a current or past 4-H member, you understand the meaning behind these words. My 10 years in 4-H were some of the best. I learned countless life principles, I made countless memories, and the friendships I gained are the best of the best. Here are 10 things from my 10 years in 4-H. Things I have loved, words of advice, stories and lessons learned.
1. Your age means nothing.
I remember my 1st year in 4-H. I was a shy 3rd grader who was very intimidated by the older 4-H members. I quickly learned that your age means nothing. When competing in projects or showing in the ring, just because you've been in the project for seven years does not mean that a first year member will NOT beat you. Shoot, maybe a first year member will even beat you in your class of showmanship, even though you've been caring for and learning about pigs your entire life. Your age means nothing. Do not just assume that if you are brand new into 4-H, you will not do well. And do not assume that if you are a 10 year member, an award is guaranteed. Always work hard and never let your age limit your abilities.
2. July is one of my favorite months of the year.
County Fair season is the heartbeat of American agricultural based traditions. I believe the county fair is the heartbeat of a community. Everyone, no matter their ethnic background, culture or religious preference comes to the county fair. It does not matter if you grew up on a farm, if you are from an urban city, or if you thought that chocolate milk comes from a brown cow (surprise — it does not!) everyone comes to the county fair and everyone is welcomed to the county fair. July is the month that my county fair takes place every year and it is the month that I always live to prepare for. All of my hard work came down to one week of one month of the entire year. Talk about no pressure.
3. I learned to win graciously AND lose graciously.
Although winning feels great and the banners and trophies are a fabulous addition to the decor in your room, those triumphant feelings eventually fade and those banners and trophies will probably go into a box in a few years. Titles and bragging rights are awesome, but it is so important to remember about the next person standing in second and even who came in dead last. Those people worked just as hard, if not harder, yet you were the one chosen to win that photography project or that Angus class of heifers. Always win graciously and humbly.
On the other spectrum, losing stinks. It feels terrible. How you handle coming in last place or receiving a white ribbon can tell a lot about your integrity and your character. There were multiple times I walked out of the show ring sitting close to last place with my pigs and sure I was bummed! Heck, I would even say I was upset and maybe even disappointed. No matter what, I was taught that you ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS (no matter the outcome), go up to the judge and shake his/her hand. Even thank them for taking time to judge the show. How you react in the face of disappointment can make you a winner even in a hard situation. Always lose graciously and look for areas of improvement.
4. You become a professional at playing cards at the age of 10.
If you show livestock at the fair, and you are sitting in the tack area of the cattle barn, $20 bucks says that you always have a deck of cards waiting in the show box ready to go. It is the best way to sit back, relax and enjoy the sights, smells, and events happening in the livestock barn. It is also a great way to make new friends with fellow 4-H'ers across the aisle way.
5. 4-H is a family tradition.
My dad and my aunt were both 10 year 4-H members, and my grandpa was a 4-H member. My brother is a 4-H member, my first, second and third cousins are members as well. My point is, 4-H becomes a family tradition. For my family it comes down to living and learning all while doing what you love. My dad always taught me that responsibility is the key to being successful. He never once voluntarily decided to do my chores for me and never once did my mom say, "how about you sit this year out and I'll bake your cookies for your foods project this year!" No way José! My parents have always expected me to do my work and to do it right. Thomas A. Edison once said, "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like hard work."
6. My favorite memories were spent out in the barn with my dad and my brother working with our animals.
When you spend multiple hours a day in the barn, singing to the radio, talking to your cows, and dancing as you walk your pigs — it becomes the norm. Life talks, old stories and karaoke. These are the necessary things in life.
7. Thank the people that help you out along the way.
Parents, 4-H leaders, siblings, cousins, fair board members, sponsors, supporters, etc. THANK THEM. Always and every single time that you see them. These people pour their hearts and souls into the youth of the county and they don't even get paid to do it. These people have crazy hectic lives and are involved in more things than one. Always thank them for their guidance and support and for all of the time that they have poured into your life and your 4-H experience.
8. I had to take a few steps outside of my comfort zone.
I used to be painfully shy. Things have changed quite a bit! I had friends who encouraged me to sign up for events during the fair, like the Watermelon Relay or the Greased Pig Contest. If they never would have encouraged me to sign up, I never would have had so much fun! Running for fair queen was something that I was interested in but I knew my likelihood of making it on court was slim. My 9th year in 4-H I signed up for the county 4-H fair queen pageant with many of my friends. I took a step outside of my comfort zone by doing a pageant and I had a blast! I was crowned as our county fair queen but, most importantly, I made all kinds of friends, I had the opportunity to serve as an ambassador for my county 4-H fair, and I had the experience of a lifetime. It takes one step, and a few friends to get you outside of your comfort zone.
9. Look for ways to give back.
Serving as a camp counselor at 4-H camp, becoming a 4-H leader, serving on your county fair board one day, or even going to the auction to represent the company you work for by bidding on a 4-H member's animal, are all wonderful ways to give back. I had the unique opportunity to work with my county extension office as the summer assistant and as I finished up my last day this week. It was very bittersweet. I had an unforgettable summer that allowed me to work with the outstanding 4-H'ers in my home county, and I learned so much about 4-H as an organization. There were some long days that turned into long nights at the fair, 4-H camp was one for the books and my time in the office with the sweetest ladies ever reminded me why I love the county I was raised in so much.
10. Fair stands for another four letter word, and it's called HOME.
You can always come back home. For me my 10 years in 4-H and my days spent at the county fair made the fair grounds feel like home. I know I am always welcome, I know I have a place to fit in, and I know that my family has continued to expand to my 4-H family and friends.
I'm grateful for 10 years of memories, life lessons, and friendships. I'm thankful for an organization that opened my eyes to bettering the community. I owe ten fantastic years of my life to 4-H.
