- (Focus Area) 4-H
- Author: Matthew Rodriguez
Overview
Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview 4-H youth member Amari who is also this year's 4-H club president for Chicago Park in Nevada County. The following are Amari's responses to my questions.
About Amari
[Matt] What is your current role in the 4-H program? Describe your involvement and any leadership responsibilities you have.
[Amari] I am the Chicago Park Club President and I am a club participant. My Presidential duties are to lead the club meeting through the agenda setting process prior to the actual meeting. I also inspire kids in the club to be attentive. My goal is to re-create the meetings so they follow a more parliamentary pro procedure as it was when I first joined.
About Amari's Spark
[Matt] What is your “spark”?
[Amari] My 4-H spark is (when I was younger) watching the [4-H] meetings. They were very organized and followed a strong structure. In addition, I like working with animals and learning about the personalities of and the care of [animals].
Amari's 4-H Accomplishments
[Matt] As a 4-H'er, what are some of your proudest accomplishments?
[Amari] It was when I received a most improved horsemanship award at achievement night and I did not even own a horse yet. I had no previous horse experience and so this was a proud moment for me. This year I received senior showmanship at Fair with the horse I was using.
Looking to the Future
[Matt] Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
[Amari] I would like to be actively involved in leadership and continue to challenge myself with showing animals.
Advice for 4-H Members
[Matt] What advice would you give other 4-H youth members?
[Amari] I would tell young members that the more you put into the [4-H] program, the more you get out. Do not give up until you reach your goal.
Impact of 4-H Volunteers on Amari's Life
[Matt] What impact have 4-H volunteers made in your life?
[Amari] I would say my biggest change or impact is the ability to speak in front of a group and the confidence I gained throughout the program. They [4-H volunteers] have motivated me to show up and do my best. They encouraged me to be active in 4-H and be excited about the program.
About the 4-H Program
To learn more about the 4-H program in Nevada County, please check out our website.
- Author: Matthew Rodriguez
Overview
Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview 4-H youth member Kamden who is also this year's 4-H club president for Placer Hills in Placer County. The following are Kamden's responses to my questions.
About Kamden
[Matt] What is your current role in the 4-H program? Describe your involvement and any leadership responsibilities you have.
[Kamden] I am currently the President of the Placer Hills 4-H club. My responsibilities include planning and running community meetings, setting and cleaning up before and after meetings, and simply educating younger 4-H'ers.
About Kamden's Spark
[Matt] What is your “spark”?
[Kamden] My spark is probably music and more specifically singing. I have always loved to sing since before I could even speak I would hum. I have been in many different choir programs throughout my life and am currently a part of the National Gold-winning Colfax Chamber Choir. Singing is a form of art and I love being able to share that beauty with the world.
Kamden's 4-H Accomplishments
[Matt] As a 4-H'er, what are some of your proudest accomplishments?
[Kamden] One of my proudest accomplishments is becoming president of my club. I have worked hard in 4-H for seven years and have been in a leadership position since I first joined. I am proud to now be leading the Placer Hills 4-H club.
Looking to the Future
[Matt] Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
[Kamden] In three years, I plan to be attending College at either UC Santa Cruz or San Francisco State, majoring in Library Science and Minoring in Phycology.
Advice for 4-H Members
[Matt] What advice would you give other 4-H youth members?
[Kamden] I think one of the most important things to remember is that you don't have to go all out. You don't have to win every showmanship competition or raise the best animal. Do whatever you feel comfortable with but also strive to leave your comfort zone from time to time. Try new things. 4-H has a ton to offer even if it's not from your 4-H club. Other clubs will have cool projects that you can join. Simply try your best even if it's less than someone else.
Impact of 4-H Volunteers on Kamden's Life
[Matt] What impact have 4-H volunteers made in your life?
[Kamden] In my first couple years of 4-H, I always appreciated the help from older 4-H members. Without them, I would not know all the things I know now and may not even have become president without those people to look up to.
About the 4-H Program
To learn more about the 4-H program in Placer County, please check out our website.
- Author: Matthew Rodriguez
Overview
Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview 4-H alumnus Sandi Fitzpatrick, who is also our University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener President for Placer County. The following are Sandi's responses to my questions.
About Sandi
[Matt] Describe your experience as a 4-H'er in regards to leadership development.
[Sandi] I value my 4-H experience as it provided me with leadership and communication skills that I still use today. Demonstration days provided communication experience in group settings and probably led me to be a member of my university speech team. Serving as 4-H Club President at a young age formed techniques that I use today as the President of the UC Master Gardeners of Placer County.
Impact of 4-H Volunteers on Sandi's Life
[Matt] What impact did the 4-H adult volunteers have on your life?
[Sandi] I credit much of my 4-H success (All Star and National Winner) to an adult volunteer who stepped into help when my mother had to return to night shift nursing following a divorce. Mrs. D. drove me to meetings, supported my project work, reviewed my record book, and enabled me to be involved in activities such as the 4-H Lamb Barbecue. Mrs. D was a guiding influence.
Picture from a newspaper highlighting Sandi as a 4-H youth member.
How 4-H Prepared Sandi for Leadership
[Matt] Describe one major life transition in your life and how the skills you learned in 4-H helped you make this transition.
[Sandi] I was given an opportunity in 2004 to become the Executive Director of the California Commission on Aging. I had to learn the ways of state government and legislature, advocacy, and managing diverse groups of older adults. I could learn these new endeavors because of the foundation my 4-H club work, junior leadership, and event planning provided to me. When I would stand to speak at a conference, I am always reminded that my first speech was at a 4-H Demonstration Day.
Advice for 4-H Members
[Matt] What advice do you have for our current 4-H'ers?
[Sandi] The 4-H program offers a range of education and life skills activities. I would encourage current 4-H'ers to seek out and participate in a variety of projects and events. These may form your secondary education or career choices as well as provide hobby and interest areas for life.
About the 4-H Program
To learn more about the 4-H program in Placer County, please check out our website.
- Author: Matthew Rodriguez
Overview
Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview 4-H youth member Eva who is also this year's 4-H club president for Franklin in Sutter County. The following are Eva's responses to my questions.
About Eva
[Matt] What is your current role in the 4-H program? Describe your involvement and any leadership responsibilities you have.
[Eva] My current role in 4-H is twofold. This is my second year as a Sutter-Yuba 4-H County Ambassador, and I am also president of Franklin 4-H. Over the last several years I have held many leadership roles from teen leader for my sheep group, all the offices at the chapter level, and County 4-H ambassador. I also have participated in many projects: cooking, leadership, sheep, chickens, dogs, arts and crafts and more.
About Eva's Spark
[Matt] What is your “spark”?
[Eva] I would say that my spark is Leadership. Not only do I really enjoy and thrive on my leadership roles within 4-H, I also participate in and am on the leadership team in FFA. I like teaching and helping others through my leadership roles by mentoring younger members and representing 4-H in a positive light for all who are interested in joining 4-H.
Eva's 4-H Accomplishments
[Matt] As a 4-H'er, what are some of your proudest accomplishments?
[Eva] Some of my proudest moments are running well-organized chapter meetings since I am very interested in public policy and look forward to collaboration at our chapter. Through these meetings, I have learned to be a confident public speaker and proper parliamentary procedure. Another proud moment was showing my lamb at fair this last year, since I made it into to final market selection and I won showmanship. The reason this is a proud moment is that I work very hard to care for my animals throughout the year and the hard work pays off with my presentation of the animal and selection of the judge. I am extremely proud of showmanship since this is how I represent myself with my animal.
Looking to the Future
[Matt] Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
[Eva] Since I am currently a Junior in high school, in three years I plan to be in college, but I will stay in 4-H until that time comes. I plan to maintain my leadership activities over the next few years at the chapter level and county level.
This was a picture of Eva and her brother in 2023. It was her brother's last year showing. They started in 4-H and have been showing together for 10 years.
Advice for 4-H Members
[Matt] What advice would you give other 4-H youth members?
[Eva] My advice for younger members would be to try new things and get involved. I have grown so much by taking on leadership roles. I highly recommend all members to become officers at the chapter level and get involved in the community. I have been able to give back to the community through the many projects we have worked on. I really enjoyed educating and asking for support from the community at the Tractor Supply Paper Clover campaign, this event not only helps 4-H locally but also helps the community understand what 4-H does.
Impact of 4-H Volunteers on Eva's Life
[Matt] What impact have 4-H volunteers made in your life?
[Eva] The 4-H volunteers have paved the way for my success. They have shown me what it means to volunteer and give back to the youth in the community. Both my mom and grandma are project leaders for our chapter. In my opinion, 4-H has legacy involvement. The women in my family have been leaders in 4-H for four generations and show the youth how they can have an impact on future generations.
About the 4-H Program
To learn more about the 4-H program in Sutter-Yuba, please check out our website.
- Author: Matthew Rodriguez
Overview
Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview 4-H youth member Kaleia who is also this year's 4-H club president for Barry in Sutter County. The following are Kaleia's responses to my questions.
About Karen
[Matt] What is your current role in the 4-H program? Describe your involvement and any leadership responsibilities you have.
[Kaleia] This is my first year being President of Barry 4-H. My responsibilities this year will be leading the meetings and making sure they run smoothly. It is my job to make sure we cover all items on the agenda and anything else that may need to be brought up during this time. I look forward to working together with my club and having a great year.
About Kaleia's Spark
[Matt] What is your “spark”?
[Kaleia] My SPARK would have to be dance. I love everything about dance. It never feels like work to me and is always fun. It doesn't matter how I'm feeling, happy or sad, dance makes me feel free. I don't have to think about anything else. It also teaches me discipline because I have to practice to get it just right.
Kaleia's 4-H Accomplishments
[Matt] As a 4-H'er, what are some of your proudest accomplishments?
[Kaleia] My proudest accomplishment in 4-H so far was raising my pig for the 2023 Yuba Sutter Fair. It was my first year doing swine and not only did I have a market ready hog but I also received 4th place in Novice Showmanship. I worked really hard and it was fun to see that pay off. I am looking forward to raising a pig again this year.
Looking to the Future
[Matt] Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
[Kaleia] In three years, I will be headed into high school. I want to still be involved in some sort of Ag program and will hopefully still be dancing.
Advice for 4-H Members
[Matt] What advice would you give other 4-H youth members?
[Kaleia] DO IT!!! There are lots of great things to learn in 4-H even if you aren't interested in animals. Crafts has been another thing I have really enjoyed participating in through 4H.
Impact of 4-H Volunteers on Kaleia's Life
[Matt] What impact have 4-H volunteers made in your life?
[Kaleia] They have showed me how to do hard things even when I thought they were impossible. They helped me realize I can do anything I set my mind to.
About the 4-H Program
To learn more about the 4-H program in Sutter-Yuba, please check out our website.
