Encouragement and Inspiration 

When this 4-H Youth Development Agent transferred to Barren County, she inherited an energetic group of 4-H Teens, always willing to take on new challenges.  They all worked very hard on their 4-H projects, especially one teen who loved to cook and serve at 4-H and community functions. She was shy and often afraid to step out of her comfort zone like at 4-H Communications Night. She was great at conversation but did not like public speaking. 

The Barren County 4-H Program had “4-H Radio Day” as the major fundraising project.  A local radio station donated a day of air time for the 4-H’ers to sell, write and read advertisement on the air. Some of the 4-H’ers had writers block or stage fright, but all were involved and encouraged to participate.  The teen that loved to cook was breathless as she took the microphone and almost passed out. Her 4-H Teen Club friends stepped up and encouraged her that she could make it through and she did.  

Fast forward- 42 years!!! The shy teen that loved to cook now has her own catering business, appeared on local ABC TV network  demonstrating a new recipe while advertising her business and has started her own radio show.  She recently expressed her gratitude for her 4-H experiences that has helped enable her to follow her dreams by starting her own her business, communicating, advertising and even speaking on the radio. Yes, this 4-H Youth Development Agent smiled- as she thought of  the wonderful memories and encouragement that she had received as a “new 4-H Agent” from that group of 4-H Teens that have continued to inspire her throughout her career.