In September 2006, my little eight-year-old self attended her first 4-H meeting. I had my mom by my side, as it was a new experience for both of us.

I wasn't a "farm kid". I lived in the suburbs where the most farm-like animal to be seen was the rare rabbit in someone's backyard. However, I knew 4-H was more than just raising animals, so I wanted to join.

From introducing myself at that very first meeting to learning a new pledge, I was a little out of my comfort zone, but it didn't last very long.

By the end of my first year I had attended overnight camp with my friends, completed over 20 projects and done countless hours of community service.

4-H was my element, and I never wanted things to change.

As any 4-Her does, I tried to convince my friends of how awesome things were in 4-H. Amongst my friends in the club, my best friend from school also joined.

Over the years I joined more clubs. I left my first community club to join another. I joined the Teen Council in my county. I participated in my county 4-H's Toastmasters program. I moved from the ranks of camper to counselor in training to full blown overnight camp counselor. I not only completed projects but also became a project leader for the younger 4-Hers.

If there was something to participate in, I was there--100%.

In Spring 2016, the Pennsylvania 4-H program was almost defunded, and I was devastated.

What would I do without 4-H?

What would other kids do without 4-H?

What if my future children couldn't experience 4-H?

The program was thankfully given funding, but at the time all I could think about was all of the what-ifs.

One of the what-ifs was: what would happen when 4-H was over for me, which was going to happen no matter what. Everyone ages out at 18, sometimes it's just you're going to college, or both.

For me, it was college.

This past Friday, I attended what could be my last county achievement night. I was honored with an award, but that really wasn't what was most important.

What was most important?

The fact that it was possible--I was saying the pledge I had memorized over the years for the last time.

"I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world."

I believe with all of my heart that I have done these things and more. 4-H helped me blossom into the person I am today.

There are a lot of things I will take away from my 4-H experience that aren't awards, ribbons or trophies. I'll aways remember my years at camp and the people I met.

I'll never feel too nervous speaking in front of a group. I know what I'm good at, and the things that maybe I'm not as good at too. I explored the unknown in 4-H.

Even though I'm in college and can no longer make my community club's regular meetings, I still haven't shaken the thoughts on the second Monday of the month that I'm forgetting to do something.

My 4-H activities were embedded in my life, and I wish they still were, but sometimes things have to change.

The one thing I will say is, no matter how cliche, 4-H has helped me fulfill their motto, "To make the best better", and I will never forget that.