I was always that 4-H member that jumped at the chance to interview on the radio about my 4-H experience. Some of our local radio stations set up booths during fair week, interviewing members every hour that have been suggested by staff. Last summer, I probably had the exact same interview broadcasted to the Jefferson County radio listeners about fifteen times since the radio workers never had any new questions to ask. I loved having the opportunity to share information on what I was passionate about, 4-H and agriculture.

Interviewer: Hello, today we have a 4-H member here to talk a little bit about her 4-H career during the fair.

Me: Hi, thank you for having me.

Interviewer: What projects do you take?

Me: I am a 10 year member of swine, rabbit, poultry, and ten different exhibit hall projects. Although, almost every year I try at least one new project.

Interviewer: Wow you must be busy. What's your favorite project?

Me: It's really hard to choose a favorite project when I cherished every moment of working on my projects and with my livestock. My ultimate favorites, though, have to be either swine or rabbits.

Interviewer: Why?

Me: Both swine and rabbits grow very quickly, only being a few months old by the time of the fair. Now, I am a very impatient person so the fact that these animals will show growth nearly every time I walk outside to care for them is perfect for me. Knowing that I am the one who has chosen, fed, walked, and weighed them provides a feeling of pride in myself and in my livestock that can not adequately be put into words.

Interviewer: Is it hard to say goodbye after the auction?

Me: Yes, it is very hard to say goodbye after selling my pigs. I have literally put my blood, sweat, and tears into raising these animals into what they are now. One gave me this bruise on my knee(that consequently stayed with me for the next month and a half). I took senior pictures with them. They don't mind too much when I hang out with them and tell them secrets. I taught one of them how to kiss me. They have names-Tuff and Sweet Stuff. Everyone who knows me, knows that I get attached way too easily, especially to cute animals. But, I know why I'm getting these pigs when I pick them out. I know that I will only have them for a few short months before they get on the semi at midnight on Friday. I have learned that I have to raise my hogs with the mentality that they are just a project and not pets. I have grown up around 4-H, the 4-H auction and the heartbreak of Friday night, it gets so much easier with time and knowledge.

Interviewer: Anything else you would like to add?

Me: 4-H is not just about the fun and competition during fair week. It's the hard work and dedication to your projects and animals before check in at the fairgrounds. It's the pride in your accomplishments, sadness that it's over, and anticipation for next year once the week comes to a close. It's the monthly meetings with your local club and the county junior leaders year round. It's the fun trips to the pool, Holiday World, camp grounds, state fair, and Purdue that create best friends. It's the nursing home visits, canned food drives, color runs, and lake sweeps that make the community better. It's watching younger members grow up from a bratty toddler with no hope to a well behaved teenager taking over your position as Vice President of the county junior leaders. It's meeting your best friend from a rival high school and not caring because you can help each other walking animals. It's going to the county extension office to relax because your favorite people work there.

It's being a part of a well respected organization with over six million members nationwide. It's learning the proper way to shake hands and thank a business man in the 3rd grade. It's helping your extension agent organize county wide events at the age of 15. It's having people know you because they heard your name on the speaker during fair week. It's being thanked by a younger member because you helped them carry their rabbit out of the arena. It's being a role model without knowing it. Please, realize that 4-H lasts longer than one week in the middle of summer.

Interviewer: Thank you so much for talking with us and sharing your experiences.