Can't Say it Any Better

 

 We do what we do in Extension because we believe in the work and that we can make a difference for he better in our communities.  Taking research from the Universities (NC State and NC A&T) and put it to work right here in Robeson County.  For those of you who don't know there is an Extension office in every county in North Carolina, and on the Eastern Band of Cherokee Reservation.   For some of our agents those impacts are easier to measure than others.  For example our crops agent and measure increased yields and determine and increased profit margin for our farmers.  Our Livestock agent can see where helping with waste management plans not only impacts the environment in a positive way but also increased profit margins for livestock producers.  You get the idea.  In 4-H quantifying what we do into impacts is a little more difficult.  Sure I can measure the impact of camp on a child or increase in knowledge from a program, but what 4-H truly does for a youth doesn't always surface until years later as they grow into adulthood.

  One of our prolific 4-H members, Maggie Underwood, just graduated from High School and is headed off to college.  She is one of those youth who knows what 4-H has done for her now, and how it will help her in the future.  Wanting to give back to the program and thank you took a little brainstorming.  She and her mom got together and contacted Mac Malloy, our County Extension Director, and he turned over our weekly column in the Robesonian to Maggie (and it is on our website at:  https://robeson.ces.ncsu.edu/2023/06/the-impact-of-4-h/).  I don't think anyone could say it any better than this.

Thank you Maggie.

The Impact of 4-H

Written by Mac Malloy and Maggie Underwood

  I recently had the privilege of attending our district 4-H activity day in Kinston where nearly one hundred youth showcased their talents and participated in public speaking competitions. It was heartwarming to see youth from 5-18 years of age conquering their fears as they braved the stage or podium in an attempt to deliver their long-awaited performance. As one of the county commissioners said in their welcoming comments, “What a great investment of their time.”  But don’t take my word for it, read this personal testimony on the impact 4-H has had on their life:

4-H Member Maggie Underwood, wearing her cap
and gown (and 4-H cords among others)in front of
the mural she designed and painted at the Church
and Community Home Goods Store 

“My name is Maggie Underwood and I would not be the person I am today if it was not for Shea Ann DeJarnette and the Robeson County 4-H program. I graduated summa cum laude from Lumberton Senior High School just 2 days ago. I credit 4-H with my success in school and life.         I have been a 4-Her since I was five and scared to attend Cloverbud camp. Since then I have won countless ribbons at different fairs, medals for presentations, and attended many meetings. Above all this, I cherish the opportunities I had to learn and grow. 4-H allows you to explore different topics and lets you choose if you like it or not. I found my passion for gaming during a summer camp when we visited the campus of NC State University. Since then, I have been given the chance to present a variety of gaming topics and make video games. I have also learned and competed on other topics that I enjoyed but do not have a lifelong enthusiasm for such as camping outside and poultry production. I knew I could grow inside my comfort zone; but, 4-H taught me you can indeed grow outside your comfort zone.

Most people think of cows when they think about 4-H and the cooperative extension. And it is true. I did learn about farm animals and agricultural. I gained an understanding for what it takes for food to be made and how it gets to my table. I find that most people my age do not grasp this concept so I am proud that I understand. But, 4-H is way more than cows. I have learned about the importance of etiquette and manners, seen robots at work, made catapults, and been encouraged to follow my own path.

So what happens now that I graduated high school? I am lucky to have a few more months before I age out of 4-H. I plan to attend Congress and Dorm 101 summer camps. In the fall, I plan to compete in Artastic and at the Robeson Regional Agricultural Fair. Educationally, I will attend High Point University and study Game Design. Game Design, where did I learn about that to start with…? Oh yeah, 4-H! I also intend to be a lifelong volunteer and 4-H promoter.

I stole this week’s article to tell Shea Ann DeJarnette that I appreciate all the time and work she invested in me. She has inspired me, ‘voluntold’ me, literally driven me, and taught me infinite lessons. Please keep in mind; she does this for EVERY 4-Her in the county.

I would also like to thank the entire staff of the NC State Cooperative Extension Center Robeson County past and present, NC State University, Robeson County, and the Lumber River United Way for pouring into our community’s youth by supporting Robeson County 4-H.”

For more information contact Mac Malloy, County Extension Director and Field Crop Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, at (910) 671-3276, by E-mail at Mac_Malloy@ncsu.edu, or visit our website.