When I was asked by a friend to judge a 4-H demonstration contest I had no idea how much it would impact my life. I was completely awestruck
We soon moved to Baton Rouge where my husband was to be an LSU department chair. I quickly accepted a temporary position assisting an Extension Specialist with a USDA grant to introduce nutrition into the elementary classroom. Impressed with the new full-color 4-H project book, I suggested doing the stir fry activity. We traveled the state with our electric wok and electric frying pan. The kids loved it! One classroom begged for more and all we had was a bag of onions…which they quickly devoured! Not only had we introduced vegetables in a way they would accept them, we introduced
4-H! When she left to take an administrative position, she recommended they hire me in her place, working primarily with 4-H agents.
I was hired fulltime with the proviso I work toward a doctorate. Perfect! Greater scientific knowledge and exciting educational methodologies. Using this in my 18-year career was extremely gratifying. In fact, I brought two exceptional 4-H agents to the state office to administer new grants and to get their doctorates! Both became Extension Specialists.
Working with a Food & Fitness Board of active teen project members was a special opportunity for me to be directly involved with the young people as they learned and then shared their knowledge with younger 4-H’ers. Taking the Board to Dallas each year to explore careers and hearing some had pursued them was the icing on the cake.
Finally, I assisted a leader with a weight management program to use with teenagers. Her daughter became enamored with 4-H, became an agent and is now a district director. Most importantly, she leads the State F&F Board!
