In 4-H you learn basic skills needed for success later in life. If you don’t believe me, just ask former President Jimmy Carter, former Vice Presidents Al Gore and Walter Mondale, singers Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood, and actors Eric Stonestreet and Julia Roberts (all of the aforementioned people are 4-H alumni and credit 4-H for much of their success).

4-H teaches you lifelong skills like public speaking, speech writing, cooking, and how to take photos. It also teaches you how to dress for success.

In 4-H you are surrounded by encouraging people who help you learn these skills. You are taught how to speak in front of people by being around kind and understanding people. You learn how to write speeches because you do public speaking multiple times and you have to write speeches. You learn how to cook by doing cooking competitions. You learn how to take good photos because you are taught the principles of a good photo. You are taught how to dress for success while being on a budget because you can participate in the Style Revue.

One of the most important things 4-H can teach you is how to be independent. In 4-H, we pride ourselves in doing our own work. When we get to college and into careers, we know what hard work is.

4-H will never go out of style.

Emerson Nichols is a member of the Russell Lone Star 4-H club, a 4-H Ambassador and a 4-H Jr. Leader.

For more information on 4-H, email Marcia Gier, 4-H Agent in the Midway Extension District at marciagier@ksu.edu or call a Midway Extension District office at (785) 472-4442 or (785) 483-3157.