County Extension Agents for 4-H Youth Development do not always witness or hear about the overall impact they have had on a youth until years later, if even then.  Sometimes you have that 4-Her who was super involved at a young age, then just seem to “disappear” from your program and involvement.  For several 4-HYD Agents, the Covid-19 Pandemic brought challenges for keeping up with past 4-Hers especially if your county programing does not include 4-H School Clubs.  The Marshall County 4-HYD Agent knows just how this has felt.

In February 2025, the Marshall 4-HYD Agent was contacted by a past 4-Her and their grandmother because the young lady wanted to apply to be a 4-H Camp Counselor Teen Leader.  This was one of those days as an Extension Professional you cannot contain your excitement to hear from a young lady who had been active and had all the potential to be a positive leader, but then 2-3 years pass after her last time at 4-H Camp.

Now keep in mind, when she was not involved in 4-Her for those 2-3 years, she admits her life and grades were derailed a bit.   She struggled mentally and did not always make the best choices in life.  She was drawn back to getting involved again in Marshall County 4-HYD programs as part of her need to become a positive leader and contributing citizen again.  And how do we know this, because of what she wrote to her 4-HYD Agent at camp…

“I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me!  I first joined 4-H in 4^th grade, and you made me feel welcome.  You showed me how to mature and things I’ll never use in my careers such as things to do with agriculture, but you also taught me things I’ll use constantly in my lifetime such as leadership and collaboration!   You have played a huge role in who I am today!  Because of my time with you, I learned to come out of my comfort zone and realize my potential!  We are so lucky to have such a caring, thoughtful 4-H Agent, We are all so proud of you!”

This Marshall County 4-Her not only came back in February 2025 but also has gotten very involved again to make a positive impact on younger youth.  She was selected to be a 2025 4-H Camp Teen Leader; participated in training offered by Four Rivers Prevention Center to help reboot the Marshall County 4-H STAR Team (substance use prevention-awareness group); and attended Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference.  As a Black-White female in Marshall County, she did experience some racism and bullying. She served as a wonderful mentor to the Black-White and African American campers in her cabin because she could relate to them better than the other Teen and Adult leaders. 

We know she has more goals and greatness to come!   Marshall County 4-H cannot wait to see her excel!