Many people believe 4-H is just a youth development program with over 100 clubs that are agriculture, creative arts, equestrian and livestock based. However, to me and many of its thousands of members across the country, it’s much more. 4-H is like one big family. This program means a lot to me and I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without it. So, as I finish my last few weeks as a 4-H-er I want to thank the program and my 4-H family for all they have done over the years.
Thank you for the opportunities.
This program has offered me endless amounts of opportunities and I'm grateful for every one of them. Throughout the years, I have been able to visit other cities such as Philadelphia and Washington D.C. and was given the privilege to represent my state and county at the National 4-H Ag. Science Summit. Through hard work, I had the chance to participate in state competitions. However, I am most grateful for the ones that have forced me to escape my comfort zone, take risks and try new things, such has public speaking contests, Round Robin, running for ambassador and giving introductions. All of these activities have allowed me to express myself and grow as an individual.
Thank you for every memory made.
Wow, where do I start? There are so many! Remember when we would do Boo in the Woods during Halloween as cloverbuds? Chasing goats half way across the fairgrounds? Or even making an assembly line for sub sales? I'll never forget our dance parties in the barns, shaving goats and being covered in fur from head to toe, or being stranded in a knee-high flooded barn. From riding on a picnic table carried by a forklift to late night water balloon fights and football games in the horse arena. Of all those experiences I'll always remember, the ones that allowed me to help others through community service during teen conferences. I will always cherish those moments because I did them with my 4-H friends and they are part of my 4-H experience.
Thank you for being a second home.
This program became like home right away. We would often find ourselves at meetings more than we were at home. You all have seen me grow through all my awkward stages and changes in personality from that six-year-old silly and shy kid to - well, still silly but intelligent, hardworking - young adult. Our 4-H friends became our closest and main circle of friends, and we motivate and inspire each other to keep going and never give up when things get tough. Thank you for providing youth with a place to go that allows us to have fun and prosper while doing so.
Lastly, thank you for accepting me for who I am and continuing to help me grow. Thanks for the endless amounts of opportunities, trophies and awards; especially those for being an inspiration and role model. It wasn’t about winning but about being dedicated to a program that had done so much for me. There is so much more I want to thank you for but I would have to write a book. As I end my final year as a member, like the 4-H pledge states, “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, community, and my world. To Make The Best Better!"
