Because of 4-H: Sydney’s Story

Being a member for over nine years, I’ve grown up with 4-H and it has made me who I am today. I have worked with a variety of animals and tried my hand at lifeskill projects. 4-H has given me so many tremendous opportunities(especially the national conference I was selected to go to last year) and I will be forever thankful for them.
Because of 4-H, I have discovered so many passions of mine. I would never have discovered my love for showing livestock and public speaking: two aspects of my life I care deeply about.
Because of 4-H, I have made friends all over the country who all share the same goals as me: to help better our world and youth community. Without 4-H, I wouldn’t have even met my best friends and I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to make connections all over the globe.
Because of 4-H, I learned about responsibility at a young age. I had to train my animals on my own and learn how to care for them. I also quickly learned the need of maturity when it comes to these animals, and to understand that they all have a job and I can’t make every single cow my very own pet.
Because of 4-H I was able to win Atlantic Championships at a public speaking competition, something I’d never even dream of winning.
Because of 4-H, I’ve learned how essential leaders are in our community, and I strive to be one for mine.
Because of 4-H, I’ve become more aware of my world. 4-H is not only baking a cake or washing a cow. This program also focuses on the world and how we, as strong youth, are able to have a significant impact on it and how we can empower our peers.
Because of 4-H, A lot of people have seen me cry. Some, out of pain after my calf runs me over, or out of frustration because I’m running on 0 hours of sleep and my horse is NOT cooperating, but mostly because of happiness. It’s hard not to get emotional over the progress made with an animal you put your heart and soul into.
Because of 4-H, I can never get enough of volunteering. 4-H offers so many opportunities to help out in the community and every member is always available to assist.
Because of 4-H, I learned what dedication is. Dedication is waking up at 4am to bath your animal, to only have to spot bath ten minutes before your class because it’s IMPOSSIBLE to keep them clean. Dedication is coming back from working with your animal with tears running down your face because you’re exhausted and frustrated, but you do the same thing over again the next day because you can’t quit when you have a partner depending on you.
I can’t even imagine my life without this amazing organization, but I can imagine that life wouldn’t be as happy as mine is with 4-H.