As most people know, last week was national Anti-Bullying week.  What most people do not know though is that last week was also national 4-H week. As a proud member of this awesome organization I feel that it is my personal responsibility to share how great 4-H really is.

4-H is the nation’s largest youth organization that focuses on developing citizenship, leadership and responsibility through the work that is done in different projects. As a 4-H’er you can get involved in absolutely anything that you want to ranging from showing your dog to table setting. In the projects you learn everything that you are possibly interested in and connect it with an understanding of the world.

4-H is not all about raising animals and living on a farm. It is so much more than that. It is about developing new ideas and skills that can help you throughout life. I know that sounds cheesy but it really is. Without 4-H I would not have grown to be the person I am now because I have learned so much through it.

When I was in elementary school I was super shy. I would not talk to adults and the thought of getting up in front of a group and speaking terrified me. I was just a typical little kid without any experience in life. When I joined 4-H that all changed.

Being in 4-H forced me to do things I was uncomfortable with. I had to get up and give speeches on a regular basis and had to keep careful records of everything that I did. I was forced to become more involved, outgoing and organized.

Now, today as a senior in high school, I have become something that I never thought I would be. I am a leader, a worker, a mentor and someone people rely on. I have been able to experience things such as birthing baby goats, managing my own business, being selected for a national conference in D.C. and giving speeches in front of big groups of people. Although I’d like to think I would have been able to do all of these things without 4-H, the truth is I most likely would not be able to.

Do you really think that I could really raise a steer in my tiny, suburban backyard? Of course not, that is why within 4-H I have gotten involved in so many other things. I have been able to become a photographer, a chef, an artist, a leader and all around a better person. Without 4-H there is no way that I could ever accomplished anything that I have done.