By Michelle Matthews
Alex Dunavant, one of our active 4-H members in Coffee County, likes to ask me questions such as “Do you like your job?” and “How did you know you wanted to be a 4-H agent”. I can count on him asking me every time I see him! I appreciate him asking. It helps me to evaluate where I am in life professionally. Yes, I do like my job, and I had no idea I wanted to be a 4-H agent. I just happened to have the right college degree and needed employment twenty-one years ago.
But, this makes me ask myself, why I like my job. I would have to answer that I like my job because it has taught me so much and I continue learning every day!
I have learned to give back to my community. I was never one to participate in service projects as an adolescent. But, in 4-H we are continuously looking for ways to contribute to our club, community, country and world.
I’ve gained public speaking skills. I was a very shy kid. In fact, one of my childhood Sunday school teachers told me after being hired that she was shocked I was taking a position where I would have to speak in front of groups. Now, not only do I speak in front of groups, I prepare youth to give speeches and presentations through the 4-H program.
I’ve learned to be a wise consumer. 4-H offers competitive events such as Consumer Decision Making and LifeSmarts where youth learn to make wise choices in life such as purchases, higher education, and even being safe online. While preparing youth for the events, I learned alongside them. I was not on boarded with all the knowledge needed! We learned together!
These are just a few of the skills I have gained by being a 4-H agent. I didn’t walk in on my job on day one with these skills. I learned them. How? I learned by doing. That’s the 4-H motto! Our goal in 4-H is to teach youth life skills to prepare them for adulthood.
So, by participating in 4-H, youth are far more prepared than I was seeing that I was not an active 4-H member. I wasn’t active because I wasn’t aware I could be. I hear that all the time. Many people don’t know that you can be in 4-H past 6th grade. Man! You’re just getting started when you’re in 6th grade! This is where the fun really begins. So, how can you plug in? You can start by calling 723-5141, which is the phone number to reach your 4-H agents in Coffee County. We’d be more than happy to take your call and tell you how you can get involved! Don’t miss out like I did!