When you hear 4-H, you think mostly of livestock showing and auctions, right?
Although, agriculture and animals are a large part of the program, 4-H is so much more than that.
To show you just how much one can learn from this program, I’d like to share my own experiences in 4-H and what these experiences have taught me.
I joined 4-H when I was eight years old.
I presented a speech my first year. I was scared to death, my knees were shaking, and I couldn’t remember a word of my speech.
Regardless of how nervous I was, I did a speech the next year, and every year after that.
Every time I got up and spoke in front of the audience, my hands got a little less shaky and my voice grew a little stronger. I was eventually able to say my speech without any note cards.
I’ve competed at the Provincial 4-H speaking level twice.
I admit my knees still shake when I stand up in front of an audience, but 4-H has given me the confidence to get past the knots in my stomach and the tremble in my voice. 4-H has given me the confidence to overcome my fear, not because I am the best speaker but because I believe in what I am saying.
As a new 4-H season starts, I look forward to every opportunity to overcome my fears and learn new things.
I encourage you all to get involved in the 4-H Program in order to find your voice and live by the 4-H motto, “learn to do by doing.”
Cariboo Wolf Pack 4-H Club is holding its introductory meeting on Jan. 20 at the Community Futures Room at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome to come and learn what 4-H is all about.
If you would like more info on the four 4-H clubs in Quesnel, please contact the district key leader, Erin Kishkan, at 250-991-6654 or kishkan@quesnelbc.com.
Jacinta Meir is the Cariboo Wolf Pack 4-H Club reporter.