Overview

Recently I [Matt] had a chance to interview 4-H youth member Bella who is also this year's 4-H club president for Hallwood in Yuba County. The following are Bella's responses to my questions.

About Bella

[Matt] What is your current role in the 4-H program? Describe your involvement and any leadership responsibilities you have.

[Bella] As the President of Hallwood 4-H, I create agendas, run the meetings, lead younger members by teaching them Parliamentary Procedure, and guide club planning. Additionally, I am a part of the horse project, the woodworking project, and the hiking project.

About Bella's Spark

[Matt] What is your “spark”?

[Bella] Although I have many sparks, nothing makes me happier than working with other youth in 4-H. For instance, one of my favorite parts of 4-H is when my club enters an exhibit into the Commodities Booth competition at the Yuba-Sutter Fair. Between working with other club members to create the display and watching the other 4-H youth show their project animals, experiencing the fair makes me feel more connected to the Hallwood 4-H community.

Bella's 4-H Accomplishments

[Matt] As a 4-H'er, what are some of your proudest accomplishments?

[Bella] As a 4-H'er, one of my proudest accomplishments is winning a Best of Division and a Best of Show at the Yuba-Sutter Fair for my bench I made in woodworking my freshman year. Additionally, I am proud to have won highpoint in the Ranch Horse Senior classes at the Butte County 4-H Show and reserve highpoint in the non-ranch horse western classes. Even so, I am most proud of how much I have grown as a rider by going to 4-H shows; now, I am better at maintaining a calm composure, and I have learned to work hard and feel accomplished regardless of whether or not I win.

Looking to the Future

[Matt] Where do you see yourself in the next three years?

[Bella] After graduating high school next June, I hope to attend a 4-year university in California to study Global Studies and Environmental Science. Although this is my last year in 4-H, I will always apply and carry with me a deep appreciation for agriculture and the impact that it has on people's lives.

Advice for 4-H Members

[Matt] What advice would you give other 4-H youth members?

[Bella] I would tell other 4-H youth members to explore their passions fiercely. 4-H has so many amazing opportunities, including fun projects, interesting categories for fair entry, chances to volunteer locally, and platforms to develop lifelong skills. Not only can participating in different parts of 4-H give youth members the ability to better understand themselves and their interests, but it can help create a stronger and more engaging community that will inspire others.

Impact of 4-H Volunteers on Bella's Life

[Matt] What impact have 4-H volunteers made in your life?

[Bella] Overall, 4-H volunteers have been immensely impactful in my life. By acting as role models of how to be an inclusive and kind adult, they inspire me to become a better person and work to achieve my dreams. Furthermore, I feel supported by their dedication to youth development. By putting forth effort for the club, 4-H volunteers lead by example and inspire me to be the best that I can be.

About the 4-H Program

To learn more about the 4-H program in Sutter-Yuba, please check out our website.