It's surprising to many that meet me that I actually grew up on a farm and participated in 4-H for 10+ years. For those that don't know, 4-H is a youth development program in which 4-H members compete in different project areas ranging from photography to livestock and everything in between. While I have changed a lot since my 4-H days, the fundamental lessons I learned through 4-H are still rooted in who I am. So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank 4-H for helping me become the person I am today.

Thank you, 4-H for teaching me responsibility.

When you have to take care of another living thing, you learn really quickly the impact of your actions. If you forget to go out and feed or choose to go out with friends instead of working with your animal, it can greatly affect the life of that animal. All actions have consequences and it's important to take responsibility for your actions and know the impact you can have on another's life.

Thank you 4-H for teaching me the importance of hard work and that you get out what you put in.

When you walk around the county fair, you could always tell who took the extra time to actually work with their animal and who did the absolute bare minimum. And that would translate into either walking into that show ring with confidence and ease or fighting with your animal every step of the way. The same thing translates to life. If you go above and beyond what is required of you, you may be rewarded for it but if you do the bare minimum, you'll only receive the bare minimum in return.

Thank you, 4-H for showing me how to be a positive role model.

As a clover climber, I remember watching the 'big kids' working with their animals and wanting to be just like them. I remember telling my mom that I wanted to be like Aubrey because she beat all the boys and "didn't even have to use a rope to lead her sheep around the ring." Then when I became the 'big kid' I realized that you never know who may be watching and looking up to you so it's important to try and be a positive role model.

Thank you, 4-H for teaching me to be a leader.

I learned to not only be a leader within my club as Secretary, Vice-President and eventually President but in life as well. I learned time management skills, the importance of having goals, how to unite a group under a common vision and to have confidence and pride in my work.

Throughout my time in 4-H, I took on multiple leadership positions within my club, I completed countless projects ranging from writing samples to photography to baking (not my strongest) to livestock, I participated in 4-H Exchange Club and Exploration Days, I made some great friends and have even greater memories. So, thank you 4-H, for everything!