My 4-H Journey by Delia

My 4-H Journey by Delia - February 2024 Scholarship Essay

Answering the question "Why do you want to pursue a career in agriculture leadership and education?" is one of the easiest questions to answer... because I know exactly where my passion comes from. The Tennessee 4-H program has provided me with impactful and invaluable experiences. Through 4-H I have had opportunities to meet wonderful people, do amazing work, and learn skills that will help me throughout every phase of life.

The most impactful part of 4-H has been serving on State 4-H Council. I have met lifelong friends and amazing leaders who serve as mentors and teammates. The people I work with are incredible; they inspire me to be better every single day. Together we have grown, and have learned to take initiative in our leadership and also to support one another in our pursuits. We also have the opportunity to work alongside leaders in agriculture, policy development, and higher education. These leaders serve as role models and mentors and have had a significant impact on my future.

State 4-H Council has given me the platform to share my passions, seeking out opportunities to encourage my fellow 4-Hers and to share the amazing work they do with others. Cheering for 4-Hers as they compete in their project areas…livestock shows, public speaking competitions, or even helping with a service project. When I visit with alumni, potential 4-Hers, volunteers, and stakeholders, I am able to share all of the amazing things my fellow 4-Hers are accomplishing across the state in their project areas and communities.

Through serving I have learned that in every circumstance, through every speaker I listen to, every workshop I attend, every door opened… I can choose to learn something. If I find just one golden nugget to take with me, I can learn new skills. I can learn how to work with others, communicate with different personalities, speak to groups, and how to communicate professionally. I can gain knowledge. I can learn how the government impacts agriculture and about the importance of higher education. Looking back, I can see the one gold nugget that I took from each event, conversation, and lesson. I see how every single nugget has piled up into a mountain of treasures. I use the things I have learned through State 4-H Council every day, and I give thanks for the opportunities I have had.

Tennessee 4-H State Council has taken me on an unbelievable journey from start to finish. The journey has revealed passions and paved the way for a career in agriculture leadership. I have met mentors and supporters, and I have had the opportunity to participate in career exploration, spend time on Capitol Hill, and talk to professionals in agriculture.

I plan to study Agriculture Leadership and Education and to have a career in Extension as a 4-H Agent. I have dreams of being State 4-H Director or working on Capitol Hill. Through My time in 4-H, I have gained so much passion for agriculture. As a state 4-H Council member I have had the opportunity to speak with legislators, the Department of Ag, Farm Credit leaders, Farm Bureau Policy Development workers, and people with no agriculture background, about the importance of agriculture. I love advocating for agriculture and I hope to help ignite a passion within youth to continue to advocate and contribute to the agriculture community through the 4-H Program!