As an Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development, sometimes you do not know the impact you have on a 4-Her until they have graduated.   That was the case in Marshall County when a Class of 2020 graduate was asked a simple question by a local newspaper... “Who is your mentor?”  And the response included her 4-H Agent and GT Teacher noting “They taught me valuable leadership skills needed to succeed in life.”

This same young lady has been involved in Marshall County 4-H since she was 9 years old participating in After School 4-H Clubs on the elementary and middle school level.  She participated for two years in the County 4-H Teen Club before moving to Bowling Green to study at the Gatton Academy for Junior and Senior year.  She joined Marshall County 4-H Sharp Shooters around age 9 as well and was actively involved until her move for school.  

Serving in leadership roles and volunteering were definitely what this 4-Her was known to do.  Her fellow 4-Hers recognized her skills to be fair; run a meeting smoothly; ensure everyone was heard; and never let a “title” cloud her judgement. These same skills were utilized for the last three summers at 4-H Camp working with a cabin of girls ages 9-14 that in itself can have its challenges.  But this 4-Her demonstrated teamwork with her fellow counselors and ensured her campers were always treated with respect and kindness.

These were the observations made over the past few years by the Marshall County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development of this particular 4-Her.  Watching the growth in a young person is something Extension Agents can see.  Knowing they give you some credit for that growth…not always known until that one day they say something to you…or in this case, the newspaper.