The Transformational Impact of 4-H
by Hannah P.
Sewing, quilting, and cooking seem like simple, even outdated, hobbies. But for one 4-H member, they became lifelong lessons for perseverance, responsibility, and tenacity. Hannah, from a bustling city, unexpectedly fell in love with 4-H when she first joined a Fruits and Veggies Club at the age of 10.
The first time Hannah stepped foot into a 4-H club meeting, she was a shy and tentative pre-teen. She had never heard of 4-H before and she wasn’t quite sure what she was getting herself into, but to her surprise, she fell in love with it.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Hannah started to see beauty in intentional living. Through sewing stitches and chopping veggies she learned to find comfort in what seemed like boring tasks. Each project taught her to slow down and be present in the moment – a skill that transferred to schoolwork, chores, and everyday life.
4-H’s motto, learn to do by doing, has changed the way that she views learning. She has experienced the value in learning through experience. Hannah learned how to take action to learn skills herself – giving herself a sense of ownership. The 4-H pledge helped to reinforce these lessons. Pledging head, heart, hands, and health has taught Hannah the importance of giving her all to any project. Hannah says, “I’ve learned how to properly devote my thoughts, care, work, and life to anything I’m working on.” She believes this skill has made her the dedicated teenager she is today.
Hannah has also been impacted by the meaningful community she’s found in 4-H. She admires the connections that have formed between Cloverbuds, 4-Hers, leaders, parents and community members. “It’s a special place where all can come together around common interests and values,” she said. She admires the way that her leaders are passionate about sharing their knowledge and investing in the younger generation.
Hannah strongly believes that 4-H is for everyone. “Whether you’ve grown up on a farm or in the city, 4-H has a place for you,” she said. She would encourage anyone to give 4-H a try, even someone who wouldn’t expect to like it. “The diversity in 4-H clubs is incredible, from Financial Fitness to Walk on the Wildside to Ice Cream Club.” The countless opportunities are why Hannah believes that everyone has something to learn from 4-H.
Through learning patience from picking out seams, teamwork from making a meal with others, and work ethic from refining her craft, Hannah believes that she has learned skills that will guide her for the rest of her life. Now, at the age of 17, she is optimistic about her future. “I feel well-equipped for my career because of the values that 4-H has taught me.”
For Hannah, it’s been the journey that matters. “I’ve completely forgotten about many projects I’ve worked on,” she says with a smile. “But the lessons I’ve learned over the journey, ever since my first Fruits and Veggies club, will stay with me forever.”
About the Amber Underwood Memorial News Competition
The Amber Underwood Competition was created to honor the memory of Amber Underwood, who grew up on a farm in Norfolk County and graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Amber’s deep passion for writing and her strong commitment to 4-H inspired the establishment of this competition in 1989, following her passing. This annual event encourages 4-H youth to explore and develop their skills in writing and journalism, fostering a love for storytelling that Amber herself cherished. This competition is supported by the Amber Underwood Memorial 4-H News Competition Award Fund.
Are you passionate about writing or storytelling? We invite all 4-H youth to participate in next year’s Amber Underwood Competition! Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, this is an incredible opportunity to share your voice, hone your skills, and be part of a long-standing 4-H tradition.
Stay tuned for more details on how you can be involved. Let’s celebrate Amber’s love for writing by telling your story.