KAthy's interview
What impact has 4-H had on you, your children, the community, and the children you have lead through the program?
"4-H helped me be a stronger and more confident adult. I loved the fact that the clubs encourage kids to help each other. When I worked with kids who knew less than me about horses, it helped me develop my leadership skills. Doing a demo in front of my peers, helped me to develop the confidence to stand in front of a group. So I believe it helped me become an excellent Pampered Chef consultant. Molly has never had a hard time talking with people she didn’t know. I believe 4-H and being an Officer encouraged her comfortable demeanor. She has taken some leaps in her adult life without fear! And I have seen her sail thru some really tough times… being a stronger person on the other end. I honestly believe her responsibilities in 4-H has helped her develop a strong and confident personality.
The Community is always deeply affected by 4-H. How could it not! 4-H encourages, no, REQUIRES Community service projects. It’s an expectation for members! I believe this makes for young adults that have a heart for giving back.
Children I have seen going thru the program grow before your eyes! Give a kid a responsibility as an Officer to bring a safety talk to each meeting, and you can literally watch that kid become more confident, responsible, and have a feeling of purpose in bringing important information to the members!" -Kathy Kerr
What do you think is great about the 4-H program and what would you like to see changed?
"I think the 4-H program is a wonderful way for kids to dive deep into topics of their choosing! It lets them pick a topic, and become an expert on it! I love the way there are SO many different projects available, and if you don’t see something you like, you can create your own! I love the inclusion! All the activities at fair for members of ALL types!! I also love the way that leadership is a natural progression. Kids are leading.. without even knowing it! I love the way that advisers have meetings to make sure that everything is ready for kids at the final project days of fair. All advisers have the kids best interest at heart. It’s wonderful to be a part of that!
Things that could be changed: There is honestly TOO much for a new member to learn! It can be overwhelming! I would like to see more mentor-ship in clubs. Older kids taking new members under their wing, and walking with them all the way thru fair. Same for new Advisers! There should be some sort of mentor adviser. Someone you can call to ask any/all questions until an adviser becomes comfortable running a club." - Kathy Kerr
What are your responsibilities with 4-H?
"My responsibilities as an assistant adviser keep changing. When we have Clover buds, I handle their learning program during the meeting. When we “don’t” have Clover buds, I take over a larger responsibility like the fair booth. Being the assistant means just that… I assist!
I often go to the Horse Advisers meetings once a month. Since we still have a horse or two in our club.. we need to keep sharp on any new or upcoming changes in the program. Plus the Horse Advisory Committee is always looking for help with shows at fair, and clinics." - Kathy Kerr
Why have you stayed with 4-H after your children aged out?
"I LOVED watching Molly grow and learn in 4-H. I appreciated all the help in my “village” of adults that helped me to raise her. Now that I have the ability, I like to take my acquired knowledge, and help be the “village” for other parents. It’s so much fun to see how proud the members are! Whether it be a horse that they taught a new skill, or a Veggie car derby, those kids are not only learning how to win, but how to loose, and how to learn from it! Why wouldn’t anyone want to be involved in all that growth!" - Kathy Kerr
What is some advice that you would give to a 4-Her who might like to be an adviser or stay within the 4-H program as an adult?
"I think a young adult adviser who stays in the program can have so much more impact than a parent. That young adult has all the important nuances of 4-H procedures still fresh in their minds! They remember what it feels like to go thru judging. What it feels like the first time you are President with all that responsibility! They can easier convey the importance of steps taken. And younger members already look up to the older members when they are in the club. As an aged out member in an adviser role, those younger members will gravitate to them, emulating their behavior and maturity. I can’t think of anything I would wish more for a younger member to do! The only advice I would give.. is “remember” who and what you are. Because the kids will follow your lead." - Kathy Kerr
This is a senior capstone project, used as a graduation requirement. Do you feel I have grown/developed throughout the time that I have spent in 4-H and if so how?
"Oh Stephanie! When you started with our club I wasn’t sure you knew how to speak. I saw you socialize with a couple other kids… but never really heard you talk out loud. Then came time for demo’s… YOU COULD speak!! And I realized, you are brilliant!! As President of the club… you blossomed! After the first few meetings you became more and more comfortable about the leadership of the position. It became quite clear that you were improving, and growing in your confidence at each meeting! The projects you have chosen, especially developing your own Self Determined projects has shown that are one very sharp, very determined young lady! Now I see you helping us work toward Honor Club, and am SO pleased with your progress and development in everything you endeavor to do! Yes Stephanie… I can honestly say, someday I will turn to someone and say: “That Successful Young Lady was in my 4-H club!!”" - Kathy Kerr
"4-H helped me be a stronger and more confident adult. I loved the fact that the clubs encourage kids to help each other. When I worked with kids who knew less than me about horses, it helped me develop my leadership skills. Doing a demo in front of my peers, helped me to develop the confidence to stand in front of a group. So I believe it helped me become an excellent Pampered Chef consultant. Molly has never had a hard time talking with people she didn’t know. I believe 4-H and being an Officer encouraged her comfortable demeanor. She has taken some leaps in her adult life without fear! And I have seen her sail thru some really tough times… being a stronger person on the other end. I honestly believe her responsibilities in 4-H has helped her develop a strong and confident personality.
The Community is always deeply affected by 4-H. How could it not! 4-H encourages, no, REQUIRES Community service projects. It’s an expectation for members! I believe this makes for young adults that have a heart for giving back.
Children I have seen going thru the program grow before your eyes! Give a kid a responsibility as an Officer to bring a safety talk to each meeting, and you can literally watch that kid become more confident, responsible, and have a feeling of purpose in bringing important information to the members!" -Kathy Kerr
What do you think is great about the 4-H program and what would you like to see changed?
"I think the 4-H program is a wonderful way for kids to dive deep into topics of their choosing! It lets them pick a topic, and become an expert on it! I love the way there are SO many different projects available, and if you don’t see something you like, you can create your own! I love the inclusion! All the activities at fair for members of ALL types!! I also love the way that leadership is a natural progression. Kids are leading.. without even knowing it! I love the way that advisers have meetings to make sure that everything is ready for kids at the final project days of fair. All advisers have the kids best interest at heart. It’s wonderful to be a part of that!
Things that could be changed: There is honestly TOO much for a new member to learn! It can be overwhelming! I would like to see more mentor-ship in clubs. Older kids taking new members under their wing, and walking with them all the way thru fair. Same for new Advisers! There should be some sort of mentor adviser. Someone you can call to ask any/all questions until an adviser becomes comfortable running a club." - Kathy Kerr
What are your responsibilities with 4-H?
"My responsibilities as an assistant adviser keep changing. When we have Clover buds, I handle their learning program during the meeting. When we “don’t” have Clover buds, I take over a larger responsibility like the fair booth. Being the assistant means just that… I assist!
I often go to the Horse Advisers meetings once a month. Since we still have a horse or two in our club.. we need to keep sharp on any new or upcoming changes in the program. Plus the Horse Advisory Committee is always looking for help with shows at fair, and clinics." - Kathy Kerr
Why have you stayed with 4-H after your children aged out?
"I LOVED watching Molly grow and learn in 4-H. I appreciated all the help in my “village” of adults that helped me to raise her. Now that I have the ability, I like to take my acquired knowledge, and help be the “village” for other parents. It’s so much fun to see how proud the members are! Whether it be a horse that they taught a new skill, or a Veggie car derby, those kids are not only learning how to win, but how to loose, and how to learn from it! Why wouldn’t anyone want to be involved in all that growth!" - Kathy Kerr
What is some advice that you would give to a 4-Her who might like to be an adviser or stay within the 4-H program as an adult?
"I think a young adult adviser who stays in the program can have so much more impact than a parent. That young adult has all the important nuances of 4-H procedures still fresh in their minds! They remember what it feels like to go thru judging. What it feels like the first time you are President with all that responsibility! They can easier convey the importance of steps taken. And younger members already look up to the older members when they are in the club. As an aged out member in an adviser role, those younger members will gravitate to them, emulating their behavior and maturity. I can’t think of anything I would wish more for a younger member to do! The only advice I would give.. is “remember” who and what you are. Because the kids will follow your lead." - Kathy Kerr
This is a senior capstone project, used as a graduation requirement. Do you feel I have grown/developed throughout the time that I have spent in 4-H and if so how?
"Oh Stephanie! When you started with our club I wasn’t sure you knew how to speak. I saw you socialize with a couple other kids… but never really heard you talk out loud. Then came time for demo’s… YOU COULD speak!! And I realized, you are brilliant!! As President of the club… you blossomed! After the first few meetings you became more and more comfortable about the leadership of the position. It became quite clear that you were improving, and growing in your confidence at each meeting! The projects you have chosen, especially developing your own Self Determined projects has shown that are one very sharp, very determined young lady! Now I see you helping us work toward Honor Club, and am SO pleased with your progress and development in everything you endeavor to do! Yes Stephanie… I can honestly say, someday I will turn to someone and say: “That Successful Young Lady was in my 4-H club!!”" - Kathy Kerr