Essay & Artifacts
In 4-H, the biggest project to which I dedicated the most of my time was the market lamb program, a journey that spanned eight years and shaped much of who I am today. As the project leader, I encountered challenges that demanded not just hard work, but problem solving and critical thinking at every turn (S1). Raising market lambs isn’t just about showing up and hoping for the best, it’s a show of pure effort and hard work (S2).
To get a lamb show-ready with the correct body fat percentage, I had to meticulously manage their feed, adjusting the amount and type based on each animal’s growth rate. That alone took a
deep understanding of cause and effect, recognizing how even small changes in diet or routine could impact the end result weeks down the line (S3). Exercise played a huge role too. I’d walk them, sprint them, and even place them backwards on a treadmill to build muscle definition and condition them for the show ring. It wasn’t glamorous, but it worked.
There’s also an unpredictable side to raising livestock. Injuries happen, sometimes serious ones. I had to navigate emergency situations where quick decisions and care were required, including surgeries that I had to perform (S1). It was in those moments that I developed not only resilience, but a deep sense of responsibility and empathy– skills that translate far beyond the barn.
Training for the fair was intense, as every day leading up to it involved time, discipline, and immense effort. Showmanship and market classes are highly competitive, and the only way to succeed is by creating a product, an animal, that reflects hundreds of hours of dedicated work (S3). But those hours also built me. They taught me how to persevere when things got tough, adapt when things didn’t go according to plan, and keep learning, no matter how many times I thought I had it all figured out (S2).
This photo captures a win, but more importantly, it captures the result of passion, hard work, and a drive to create something I could be proud of. Through 4-H and my market lamb project, I raised livestock, but I also raised my standards, my skills, and a mindset of being a confident, life-long learner ready to face an ever-changing world (S4).
Through my involvement in 4-H and the County Fair, I came to be involved in the Junior Livestock community– a group built on responsibility, collaboration, and service (V3). As a committee member, our work begins months before the County Fair even starts. We come together to build pens, prepare the livestock area, and ensure everything is ready to provide a safe, well-organized environment for both animals and exhibitors (V3). It takes physical work that also requires active listening, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to our goals.
During the fair itself, we’re responsible for overseeing the livestock sector of the fair and speaking up when something isn’t right (V4). Whether it’s stepping in to help a hurt animal, addressing unsafe behavior, or standing up when someone is being treated unfairly, we’re taught to advocate not just for ourselves, but for others, whether it be human or animal (V4). This experience has shown me the importance of empathy and the power of taking action with kindness and integrity (V2).
Beyond fair week, our work continues with events that give back to our community, such as our annual crab feed. It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year and requires high levels of communication and teamwork. Even when things get hectic, we rely on each other, stay organized, and make it happen through effective communication and collaboration (V1, V3). These moments have helped me grow into someone who values collaboration, knows how to listen, and takes pride in working toward something bigger than myself (V1, V3).
Being part of Junior Livestock has changed how I show up for my team, my animals, and my community.
One of the most meaningful parts of 4-H and certainly the most important part of my life is community service. Giving back has always felt like more than just a responsibility; it’s something that brings me genuine joy (L1). One of the most
enjoyable ways our club engages with the community is through hosting petting zoos, especially at local Easter egg hunts (L1). These events serve as not only fun, but as opportunities to educate, inspire, and connect.
At these petting zoos, we introduce children and families to animals they might never get to see up close (like an Alpaca!). It’s incredible to watch a child light up when petting a lamb for the first time, or to answer curious questions that spark new interests. These moments broaden horizons, promote compassion, and make learning hands-on and memorable,
encouraging the 4-H hands-on motto of Learn By Doing. Through this, I’ve learned the value of being an active participant in my community, and how impactful even small interactions can be.
I also love the opportunity to meet people from all different backgrounds, and each conversation helps me grow in my understanding and respect for different perspectives (L2). Whether it's chatting with a parent or listening to a child’s observation, I’m always reminded of the importance of embracing diversity and being open-minded (L2).
Behind the scenes, I take pride in being a dependable leader, I am always the first and last to leave the scene (L3). Setting up and tearing down these events reflects my commitment to integrity, responsibility, and acting as a caretaker of the environment around me (L3, L4).