Making a difference in our people.

People ask me why I want to be a 4-H agent? What makes it the best job in the world? This right here is why! When this child came to 4-H for the very first time outside of school it was for 4-H Camp. She was a shy timid child clinging to her mom’s shirt. She took my hand and walked over to her seat and waited for the other kids to gather in for the adventure to 4-H camp to start. Now she has volunteered as a just graduated senior from high school. She served as a State Teen Council Member for two years. She was the Letcher County President Club Leader. Anything that 4-H had to offer she has been in attendance. It is emotional yes because, we grow to see just how far these young kids, turn to young teens, and then young adults and off into the world of college or work. To think that I was part of that journey in watching this young lady grow to who she is today. I have said many days that I have felt defeated in my job as a 4-H agent. But these are the wins. If I could change one kid, then I would have done what I set out to do. Autumn is a first-generation college student in her family, and I could not be more pleased to say that I had a hand in that. The public speaking skills, civic engagement, leadership, cooking, sewing, art, and natural resources are just a few things on the county level that she has participated in.

PSA EMOTIONAL POST

I look at my Facebook memories every day. Today’s memory was a little bittersweet. Nine years ago, today I got back from my first 4-H camp, in one month and I will be attending my last one. If you know me then you know how 4-H has been my entire life for the past 10 years. You know how I have been impacted and how I impact others through this program as well. Thank you, Letcher County 4-H, for making my life as amazing as you are! Thank you as well to my INCREDIBLE 4-H agent Crystal-Travis Smith! I really don’t know who I would be today if you hadn’t encouraged me to come back to camp! I am so so grateful for you and this organization! PS you’re going to have to force me to leave you guys at the extension office! Also, a HUGE thank you to my mom Patricia Bailey Stallard for allowing me to grow with 4-H. Without you I really would have never dreamed of loving a program as much as I do. So, for now I am finishing off by saying thank you 4-H I truly cannot say how excited I am to finish my journey. ????

P.S to whoever is reading this, a much longer and much more emotional post will be posted August 5, 2023. Stay tuned!