Years ago, our 4-H club started a tradition of honoring its senior members during 4-H Week with a display sign in their hometown. I knew my daughter Olivia’s sign was coming. But when I saw her picture on the sign last Sunday, I had to choke back a few tears.
It seems like yesterday she wrote in her first 4-H project story, “You don’t have to be an adult to make a difference. All you need is a little courage, an idea, and someone who believes in you.”
I am extremely grateful that 4-H has helped Olivia develop into the young woman she is today. Of all the lessons she’s learned along the way such as how to serve others and how to learn from her mistakes, I think there’s a lot to what she said in her record book years ago.
4-H introduces you to the importance of role models and finding someone who believes in you.
As a parent, as much as you want to be everything to your kids, you realistically can’t. It is good and healthy for them to be mentored and encouraged by others. Being receptive to instruction and coaching from others is a valuable trait in school and the real world.
4-H has provided Olivia with excellent mentors who have helped her learn so many things. Even more importantly than discovering how to make jam or how to speak in front of a group, her 4-H leaders have taught her how to overcome adversity.
Last year, her 4-H leader Shan passed away at a young age from cancer. Olivia watched Shan fight a courageous battle all the while mustering up energy and strength to continue serving as a 4-H leader and give so selflessly of her time. Shan always smiled through her pain and made her 4-H members feel like they were the most important thing on her mind that day.
She loved 4-H and what it could do in the life of a young person. And every kid knew it.
Meanwhile, Olivia watched as her other 4-H leader Lori walked alongside Shan and pulled extra weight to make everything happen. Shan and Lori were best friends and a dynamic and passionate pair of leaders. Olivia watched Lori exhibit great courage through the hardest of days and unyielding devotion to Shan.
Life is hard and our hearts will always grieve the loss of one of the most amazing 4-H role models in Olivia’s life. Admittedly, this may not be the lesson every kid learns in 4-H, but I think that’s what makes 4-H so special.
Your 4-H club often becomes like a family. And who can’t use a little more family and support in life? The lessons learned vary from kid to kid, but no doubt have great impact. Through service projects, monthly meetings, celebrations and fairs, these people that you get to do life with along the way have a profound influence on who you become. (Even 4-H parents have the opportunity to grow and be shaped into more, too.)
Olivia has learned the importance of lessons that can’t be taught from a book through 4-H. She witnessed firsthand the power of friendship, sacrifice, selflessness, endurance and love from her 4-H leaders. As she celebrates 4-H Week in our small community for the final time as a 4-Her, I am deeply grateful for the people who believe in her.
Read More:
5 Things No One Tells You About 4-H
The Importance of Waiting: 4-H Teaches That Some Things Can’t Be Rushed
