If my friends ever asked: “Is 4-H the right fit for me?” I could answer – unequivocally – YES! 4-H is the perfect match for anyone who wants to unlock a future full of possibilities.
My own 4-H journey began as a 5-year-old Cloverbud in Hardin County, KY where I attended club meetings with my older sisters. When I turned 9, I joined more 4-H clubs and began taking more classes. Here are the ways that 4-H matched me with the lifelong skills and meaningful experiences that are part of who I am today:
PASSION
Part of discovering your spark – what interests and motivates you – involves trying lots of new things. Through 4-H, I was part of clubs like livestock, photography and sewing. By trying out new programs and projects, you learn quickly what you don’t like, find out what you’re good at, what you enjoy doing, and what you want to get better at.
For me, it was sewing. I was amazed by the endless projects I could make independently. This opened the door to many more opportunities and cemented my passion for sewing, crafting, and design. I quickly became obsessed with creating custom sewing patterns for my own pieces. Years later this would spiral into an endless imagination of textile styling, upcycled projects, and a passion for vintage and sustainable fashion.
The one piece of advice I give to young 4-H’ers: Take advantage of every opportunity 4-H has to offer. Don’t miss out, step outside your comfort zone, and find what you’re passionate about!
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION
As a homeschooler, I had the flexibility to participate in anything my county, state, and National 4-H had to offer. As my involvement in the 4-H program escalated, so did my passion for leadership. I began creating clubs, classes and workshops. I learned to communicate with others, set and accomplish goals, and so much more.
Without the leadership opportunities I took part in as a young 4-H’er, I would never have had the courage to chair the Kentucky State Leadership Board, to serve as the 2020 Kentucky State Treasurer, or to join National 4-H Council’s Young Alumni Advisory Committee (YAAC). Being able to converse with influential state representatives and potential donors about 4-H was a huge advantage in developing my professionalism, confidence, and public speaking abilities.
RESILIENCY AND PROBLEM-SOLVING
My Kentucky 4-H State officer team faced many hardships due to the COVID-19 shutdown. While altering our state programs to reach youth through online experiences, I realized the importance of teamwork and adaptation. While so many opportunities were taken from us during the pandemic, we created new ones online and learned an entirely different skillset as leaders. Through video content, online communication, and social media platforms we connected to our fellow 4-H’ers in a way no other officer teams had before. Looking back, these skills were crucial in becoming a business owner.
CONFIDENCE
Growing up with seven sisters, we thrifted the majority of our clothing. Shopping second-hand was a way to express ourselves aside from hand-me-downs. I quickly realized I loved vintage clothing but didn't have the confidence to wear the eccentric styles I wanted. "Once I became involved in 4-H, I developed the confidence to try new things and step out of the box I kept myself in. Throughout my teenage years, that confidence developed into expressing myself through upcycling and styling vintage clothing.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND CREATIVITY
During the pandemic, I began documenting my thrifting adventures and creating style content on my Instagram business account. I started collecting, styling and selling my vintage clothing items, thereby creating a business for myself. Within a few months, I was able to quit my part-time job at a realtor’s office and sell vintage full-time.
After establishing an online presence, I opened a brick-and-mortar shop at 18 years old. Since the opening of Panoramic Vintage, I have moved into a larger location in downtown Leitchfield, Kentucky.
VOLUNTEERISM
As an entrepreneur, I am able to create my own schedule to include my 4-H involvement, church volunteering, and family-focused lifestyle. Once I aged out of 4-H, I wanted to give back to my county and district programs by creating 4-H clubs, workshops, and by being an active member in my local, regional, and national 4-H offices.
COMMUNITY
Without my past 17 years of 4-H experiences, I wouldn't be a fraction of the leader, business owner, or community volunteer I am today. I hope to continue volunteering within the 4-H program to influence fellow 4-Her’s to achieve their goal and dreams.
Personally and professionally, it’s easy for me to see how 4-H is woven into the fabric of my life. It has given me the skills I need, the community I adore, and the career I dreamt of. I’m still in awe of how surreal it is to help others discover their style through sustainable fashion. I hope to continue growing Panoramic Vintage and investing in others the way 4-H invested in me.
Want to follow along with my business and adventures? Visit panoramicvintage.com, follow me on social @panoramic.vintage, or check out one of my vintage pop-ups throughout the country!
If you’re a teen wondering how you can be matched with experiences like these, join 4-H today. Or if you just care about young people and want them to discover their spark while making memories that last a lifetime, please make a gift. Donate today. Your gift matches kids with the skills and experiences they need to be Beyond Ready – like me – for whatever comes their way.
