My career in 4-H began when my mother asked me what I wanted for my 10th birthday. I said, “A 4-H Club.” I got it and the journey began. Mix equal parts of the 4-H pledge and motto with a double dose of trust in God and what some people call a job was a fabulous playground. As a 4-H’er, demonstrations, talent shows and one-act plays paved the path for a 4-H agent career of workshops, leadership and youth development. Along with traditional programs, creative programs, such sign language and junior toastmasters , met the challenges of keeping programming exciting for all (yup – me included).
Little did I know those 4-H member activities and extension agent career skills would be the seeds for an active retirement with youth involvement. Many 4-H activities needed costumes. Today, those seeds have become a Costume Resource Center for the specific purpose of supporting educational, community and church activities, plus the arts for youth and adults. I didn’t know when I learned sign language, right along with the 4-H members, that it would lead to membership in a Christian sign language choir performing locally, and of all places, the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, TN. I didn’t know my roots as a farm girl with 4-H home economics and agriculture-related projects , plus the organization and planning skills gained as an Extension Agent would be used, extensively and successfully, co-managing an Agri-tourism farm, giving youth the opportunity to experience agriculture at a working family farm.
Every step of the way I look back and see my “life-seeds” were planted when I received that birthday present I so wanted – a 4-H club! All I did was hold onto that four-leaf clover. Lucky or destined? Both and blessed!
