How 4-H Has Shaped My Life Ellen Maureen George

When I went to my first 4-H meeting back in 4th grade I was in awe of the incredibly poised officers running the meeting, passing their microphone among themselves as they addressed nearly one hundred members and their parents. Sometime in the middle of it all, I turned to my mom and asked intently, "How do I get to be one of those people up at the front table?" The board member that I admired most was Leslie Godfrey, a college freshman and leader of my Beginning 4-H project. Her hat was so heavy with medals and pins that she needed bobby pins to keep it on her head! I knew that someday I wanted to be a leader just like Leslie.

I have come a long way from that small and intimidated 4th grader at the back of the room. I have participated in multitudes of projects, done hundreds of hours of community service, gone to countless events, and even held many positions -- including club President -- that landed me a seat at the front table. This year I was selected as our county's "All Star", a great honor as well as a job which involves planning and leading many county wide events. Also this year, I finally became the leader of my very own Beginning 4-H project. I hope that the fourth graders I teach look up to...