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Healthy choices are always easier to make when you have a strong support system. That’s one of the reasons that I launched the first-ever 4‑H Healthy Living blog: to create a platform for 4‑H’ers to share their stories and create national discussions about health.

A strong support system for health starts at home and YOU can be the change agent!

Try these tips with your family to get healthy together!

  1. Get active together.
    Plan times throughout the week when your family can exercise together. For example, I love going on walks or swimming at the beach with my parents and little brother. Try something new, like training for a half marathon or yoga classes–it’s a great way to bond and work out!
  2. Turn off the TV.
    I’ll admit, binge-watching my favorite shows is a huge temptation. But it’s also an easy way to waste a ton of time being inactive and even mindlessly snacking. Decide as a family how much time to spend per day in front of the tube, gaming or playing on the computer. For my family, two hours is a good limit.
  3. Bake healthier.
    Cookies, cakes–they’re delicious! Try substituting unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas for butter or sugar for a healthier twist.
  4. Enjoy leftovers.
    Instead of throwing out food, transform your leftovers into delectable new dishes! Try adding a lean protein like turkey to soups or salads or use veggies to create omelets, sandwiches or stews.
  5. Get active with chores.
    Chores are a pain, but they’re also a great way to get the whole family to move! Yard work like raking, weeding or planting can be great exercise. Or, if you’re like me, blast some music and work on your killer dance moves while washing dishes, sweeping, or vacuuming!
  6. Make meal-planning a family activity.
    There’s nothing more fun than cooking with the fam! Collaborate in the kitchen to decide on nutritious foods and recipes to make throughout the week. Check the MyPlate guidelines to ensure you’re using ingredients from all the food groups!
  7. Share the love – include other families.
    The more, the merrier! Invite other families to join in some healthy activities like bowling or beach volleyball.
  8. Celebrate successes.
    Change doesn’t come easy, so reward yourselves for making progress! Take a fun hike or enjoy some healthy fro-yo ?

More Healthy Living

Jumpstart Your New Year with These Small Healthy Changes

4‑H Curriculum: Youth Advocates for Health!

David A. Smith, president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City

David A. Smith grew up as a member of Boys & Girls Clubs, so when he dedicated his career to youth leadership, it made sense that he would find his way back to the organization. After serving as the assistant basketball coach at the University of Missouri in Kansas City and working with YMCA, he is now president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. Also, he’s been a mentor to me for many years. I spoke with Dave about the importance of building and maintaining a strong mentorship, and how to apply these insights in career and life.


When you were growing up, who were your mentors?

David Smith (DS): My mother was my biggest mentor. She raised five boys—I was the youngest. I credit her for my work habits and conscientiousness. I would go to her with questions, and she would say, “When you’ve exhausted every other resource you have, I’ll help you.” She was a tough customer! She was certainly my first and biggest influence.

I grew up in BGC where we had role models more than mentors. I think of mentoring as an ongoing situation where you expect regular interaction and discuss specific topics. A role model is someone you see and emulate and aspire to be like. I had several role models in BGC. They were mostly coaches. After college, I was introduced to professional people who mentored me. One was a dean at the University of Missouri here in Kansas City. After I had left the university world, I went to work at the YMCA where I met a guy named Dan Logan who mentored me in resource development and nonprofit management.


Since my time working at Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, you have been an influential mentor to me. What is your approach to mentoring others?

DS: I think my style as a human being is a coaching style. I was the assistant basketball coach at the University of Missouri at Kansas City after I finished my graduate work so that style emerged then. I was responsible for these young student athletes. I did all the recruiting. I was the one who sat at the kitchen table with their mothers, grandmothers, and fathers and committed myself to their well-being. That coaching style continues today in my approach. I just always want to see people reach their potential—whether they see their potential or not.


You have mentored not just me but many others in the youth development sector. How has the experience impacted you professionally?

DS: I think mentoring is a good management tactic, particularly if you’re mentoring people in your organization. The stronger people are around you, the better your product and performance is.  It just makes sense to invest in people around you so that they can be the best they can be.


Do you think having a mentor early in a career plays a part in success and growth later on?

DS: I believe that mentors come in different sizes, shapes, colors and packages. Accordingly, mentors appear in various parts of your life and career. In the early parts of your career mentors can influence your structure, foundation and how you behave professionally. As you progress in your career, you need mentors for different things. I’m 65 years old and have spent four decades in the working world, and I’m still mentored by people today. I am mentored by board members, funders or donors who I have a strong relationship with. Just this morning I thought about a benefactor I want to sit down and talk with about some personal things, and I’m pleased that I have those relationships.


We’ve maintained our mentor-mentee connection for many years. What does it take to maintain those kinds of relationships?

DS: First of all, both people have to feel like it’s a good use of their time. And I think you need to understand or agree on expectations regarding how often you meet or how long. Do you have a set schedule or is it as-needed? I’ve been mentoring one young man for what must be 15 years. He was a young professional when we met, and our mentoring relationship has transitioned from sitting down seriously four times a year to maybe doing that once a year. Because he’s got two little babies, and things have changed! But there’s no question that the relationship is solid, and he knows any time he wants to call me, he can count on me to be there.


What advice would you offer to someone who’s mentoring youth?

DS: The key is rapport, but you can’t force rapport or force a relationship. As an adult mentoring youth, you have to be very comfortable with yourself because these kids aren’t necessarily going to show you they’re interested. You have to trust your ability to connect and understand that the connection will get shaky sometimes. You have to develop trust.


How would you advise someone to look for mentors?

DS: There are effective ways at each stage of your life. As a young person, you can look to school personnel or get involved in organizations like 4‑H or Boys & Girls Clubs.

As an older professional, you’re better at identifying resources. You can take note of people who you think would be good mentors, and you approach them and talk to them about it. Or you ask someone to help you identify a mentor. Someone told me once that you should have some mentors that don’t look like you. It gives you a different perspective or framework from which to work. It challenges you and broadens your learning.


Why do you think having a mentor, at any stage of your career, is beneficial?

DS: It must have been 20 years ago that I stumbled upon the realization that I didn’t have to have all the answers. What a glorious discovery that was! The weight of the world was lifted off my shoulders just realizing you can ask others for guidance instead of struggling on your own. The people around us have abundant resources that they’re often willing to share with you if they see that you will value the time and energy they put into it. It just makes sense to tap into those and learn from it.

If you’re able to share ideas and get feedback from someone you trust, it helps you reflect on your situation and come up with your answers. It’s one of the most valuable resources we have as individuals.

Mentoring is a powerful tool to help guide, empower and encourage others to reach their full potential. It’s a gateway to both learn and share a wealth of knowledge and experiences. Whether through peer mentoring, adult-child mentoring, or reverse mentoring, both mentor and mentee benefit in more ways than one.

Since January is National Mentoring Month, it only makes sense for us to celebrate what has been such an integral part of the 4‑H experience for so many years.

4‑H mentors are more than advisors; they are role models, educators, life coaches, and friends to the 4‑H kids in their communities. The partnership between a 4‑H mentor and young mentee is important because youth are encouraged to explore their interests and receive valuable, active support.

Here are just a few of the many 4‑H Mentoring programs that not only impact, but save young lives.

Missouri 4‑H: A Powerful Message Combatting Bullying

The Marshall Mentor Program helps youth understand the importance of empathy, courage, perseverance, kindness, and forgiveness, and it challenges them to put these traits into action when facing one of the most common social problems: bullying. The program was inspired by the book, “Marshall the Miracle Dog,” which tells the story of a courageous canine who overcame his battle with bullying. Marshall’s survival led to the creation of the Marshall Movement, which focuses on the importance of teaching kids anti-bullying and anti-animal cruelty.

Missouri 4‑H has implemented the Marshall Mentor Program and applied it to local schools and communities across the state. A young participant of the programs says, “The first way to stop bullying is to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Marshall changed lives and so can we.”

Washington 4‑H: Exchanging and Appreciating Culture through a Common Goal

2016 Standing Rock Reservation - YouTube

Youth and mentors of the Washington State 4‑H National Mentoring Program participated in a state-wide summer trip to North Dakota, Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. North Dakota 4‑H and Washington 4‑H are both a part of the 4‑H National Mentoring Program. Funded in partnership with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the 4‑H National Mentoring Program supports various initiatives that assist in the development of mentoring services in high-risk communities and populations. The goal is to reduce juvenile delinquency, drug abuse, truancy, and other problems and high-risk behaviors.

The trip was unique as the visit took place just before the Dakota Access Pipeline protests began. Through the cultural exchange trip, mentees of both programs had the opportunity to learn from and understand one another’s experiences, as well as grow an appreciation for the other’s history and culture. A smaller Washington 4‑H group later returned to the reservation to deliver supplies to protesters.

Louisiana 4‑H: Pledging their Hands to Serve the Community

Louisiana 4‑H - Flood Relief - Kids with Supplies

Louisiana suffered severe flooding during the summer. During this time, youth involved in the 4‑H National Mentoring Program came together to give back to communities in need. Pairs of mentors and youth spent time together collecting clothing, baby items, and school supplies, and delivering up to truckloads of items to affected communities. United Way in Lafayette, Louisiana was the recipient of the thousands of supplies that were collected by the group.

“The reach of the mentoring [program] is widespread and powerful,” says one 4‑H Agent when speaking about the program’s influence. “This kind of impact can’t be captured in an evaluation. The program has shaped teens into people who have responded in a quick and unselfish manner.“

Click here to learn more about 4‑H Mentoring.

Mentoring Curriculum:

2017 is finally here! Many of us rang in the new year with noisemakers, celebrations, and, of course, New Year’s resolutions.

Studies show that over 80% of resolutions focus on health and wellness—but just 8% of resolutions are actually kept.

Don’t lose hope though! The New Year is a perfect time to work on your health. Here are my five favorite tips to have lasting impacts on your wellness in 2017.

  1. Set realistic, specific goals.
    We’ve all done the thing where we promise ourselves: “I’ll go to the gym every day, and never eat junk food again.” Setting the bar too high ensures failure, discouragement, and eventually, giving up. Plus, these goals are way too general. Don’t fall into this trap! Set small, quantifiable goals that you can actually achieve. For example: instead of saying “I’m going to drink more water”, decide “I’m going to drink a glass of water before every meal/snack.” You’ll be surprised at how quickly these small steps will add up!
  2. Breathe.
    Meditation is a great way to sift through your thoughts, relax, and get into a good head space. Set aside just five minutes a day (my favorite time is right when I wake up) to decompress your body and still your mind. An easy technique is to inhale for four counts and exhale for four counts.
  3. Squad up and sweat!
    Exercising is always WAY more fun with your friends. You can motivate each other and spend some quality bonding time! I’ve made some great memories jogging with my girls, struggling up hills and enjoying the view at the top–not to mention the endorphins! If running’s not your thing, sign up for a Zumba class, or grab a ball for some pickup soccer—anything that gets your heart rate up is golden.
  4. Plan ahead.
    We don’t always make the best decisions on an empty stomach—so plan your meals/snacks beforehand! I like to cut up a bunch of veggies and keep them in the fridge in snack-sized portions. That way, when I’m busy, I can just grab a bag and head out the door. Fresh fruit is also a great option—apple slices with peanut butter is a personal fave!
  5. Cut yourself some slack.
    Nobody’s perfect. Never beat yourself up if you miss a workout or eat a little more ice cream than you should. Plus, treats are important! Change isn’t easy, nor is it quick. Know that you’re taking small steps towards a better, healthier you, and as long as you keep working at it, 2017 will be your healthiest year yet!

More Healthy Living

4‑H Curriculum: Choose Health: Food, Fun and Fitness

From a young age, Michelle Munson loved learning. As she was growing up, her parents encouraged her to explore her interests in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) both at school and in 4‑H. Her experiences gave her the desire and confidence to pursue an undergraduate degree and two graduate degrees in STEM subjects and to launch her own software company, Aspera.

I had a chance to speak with Michelle about women in STEM and how early experiences can build the framework for later success.

When did you first know STEM was the path for you? Is there a particular moment or experience that sparked your interest?

Michelle Munson (MM): There wasn’t a single moment. There were many, many moments, both at school and in 4‑H. My parents were focused—not just on learning, but also on the practical applications of learning. When I was as young as seven, my mom helped me make some very advanced clothing designs that I would sew from scratch. We also did computing projects—when I was in fourth grade, my mom and I developed a database to keep track of what I was doing in 4‑H.

I stayed in science and engineering because I loved math and science and saw that they had a major impact on the world. I also wanted to create new things. My dad is a farmer who grows crops and raises animals, and my mom is a professor. They both emphasized the value of applying my knowledge to create things, so I ended up choosing engineering because it’s the application. I started a software company where we make new products from the ground up—that’s what I do for my job.

Tell me about the challenges you face working in STEM.

MM: I think the number-one challenge of STEM is it’s hard. The joy comes from mastering difficult subject matter. The problems that we tackle at Aspera are hard. There are no clear answers. The counterpoint is the joy of succeeding when you’re able to advance your own knowledge and reach solutions to complex problems.

Did you face challenges as a woman in STEM?

MM: I think that any challenges were hugely mitigated for me because of my environment. I started doing STEM-related projects when I was young, and quite honestly there was no discussion of being a girl. It just didn’t enter the conversation. I think one of the great things about 4‑H is that it is very balanced in that way. Girls and boys do the same projects—they do them together—and moms and dads are equally involved.

How did the skills you learned in 4‑H influence your career?

MM: The most important skills I learned were public speaking and leadership. Every moment of every day, everything I do relies on being able to communicate effectively, both in speaking and writing. In 4‑H, we did so much public speaking, as well as a lot of writing, to record our projects. I also had leadership roles the entire time I was in 4‑H.

When did you decide entrepreneurship would be your path?

MM: I didn’t make a decision to start a company until I was about thirty. But I think 4‑H gave me many of the skills I needed, as well as the courage and the comfort level with independent projects. I’d been doing independent projects in 4‑H since I was seven, and building a company is very much like that. You use all of yourself—all skills and all aspects. You form something that no one has ever done before. You have to implement your own plan. It’s typically ridden with lots of challenges you have to overcome. It’s very similar to many 4‑H projects.

That’s the essence of leadership, learning to work with people in your own peer group to get things accomplished. And I believe 4‑H does that better than anything in the world.

How do we get more girls and minorities in STEM? What barriers are there?

MM: We have to get young people involved as early as possible. This is where 4‑H projects are so wonderful. You learn the subject in a practical way from a very young age, and it helps you develop an interest in it. 4‑H has no limits to the types of projects you can do in all aspects of science. They help young women develop a sense of independence and counter all of the tendencies that deter confidence in science and math.

How can we get young women more involved in leadership roles?

MM: The same way—4‑H does something very special: it asks young people to start leading their peers when they’re seven or eight years old. You’re responsible for sending out the e-mail or making the phone call to organize the meeting or project, then standing up at the meeting and presenting some information and playing a role in that meeting. To me, that’s the most formative thing. From an early age, you develop a sense of self and self-confidence, and it can build on itself as you get older into middle school and high school. That’s the essence of leadership, learning to work with people in your own peer group to get things accomplished. And I believe 4‑H does that better than anything in the world.

What advice would you give young girls or women starting in STEM?

MM: Stay in the field. Don’t stop. It’s too fantastic to deviate from. And enjoy it. What’s great about science is there’s no limit to what you can learn and there’s no limit to what you can do with it in your career. It’s the foundation of society now, and its practical impact is unlimited.

“Brand in Action” is a series of interviews with 4-H leaders in states nationwide who are investing in the 4-H Grows Engagement Campaign to elevate the 4-H brand, raise resources to help grow the 4-H program and positively impact more kids in the future. This month, we feature Michael  Martin, Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech.

brandinaction-michaelmartin-blog-summary

Describe your role as Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech? How long have you served in this position?

Michael Martin (MM): I have served as an Extension Specialist in the 4-H Department at Virginia Tech for four years.  Prior to my current role, I served as a District Director for nine years and prior to that, a county 4-H Agent for 10 years.  Currently, I provide leadership for Emergency Response and Preparedness for Virginia Cooperative Extension and also give leadership to the Virginia 4-H Military Partnership and also the National 4-H Mentoring Grant program for Virginia in addition to numerous 4-H support roles. I also co-serve as the 4-H marketing liaison with Lori Greiner, Communications Manager, for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Why is it important to Virginia Tech to grow awareness of Cooperative Extension’s 4-H programs in counties across the state of Virginia?

MM: 4-H Youth Development Programming is a signature program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. There are numerous opportunities for youth to participate in 4-H, and participation levels are good. However, there are places in Virginia where families still indicate that they are either not familiar with 4-H or do not know how their children can participate. It is important that we effectively tell the story of 4-H in every county and city and encourage both youth and adults to get involved.

brandinaction-vtech

Can you describe your recent efforts to align your state’s 4-H marketing efforts with the national 4-H Grows Engagement Campaign?

MM: Our social media efforts have increased substantially in partnership with the 4-H Grows Campaign. In addition, a steering committee has been created that includes 4-H agents, specialists, communication and marketing staff, and foundation staff who partner to help direct the campaign. We also utilized the campaign materials and videos at our State 4-H Congress, State Fair, Virginia Tech Athletic events, and the Virginia 4-H Symposium and 4-H Volunteer Leaders Conference. At this year’s state fair, we asked fairgoers if they had been involved with 4-H and encouraged them to get connected. We gathered more than 170 contacts, including that of 4-H alumnus and the new Secretary of Agriculture for Virginia, Dr. Basil Gooden, who completed the 4-H Alumni form on our iPad.

Virginia Tech is one of 28 universities that is making a long-term investment in the 4-H Grows Engagement Campaign to build the brand and raise resources to help grow the 4-H program and positively impact more kids in the future. Can you tell us more about your marketing and alumni engagement plans in the coming months?

MM: We look forward to partnering with National 4-H Council in the coming weeks to implement the “Give-A-4-H” online fundraising campaign. Funds raised through this campaign will be helpful to the state in providing quality 4-H curriculum and programs to Virginia youth. In addition, we will continue to gather names and contact information of 4-H alumni so that follow-up and engagement efforts can take place.

brandinaction-vtech-alumnisignup

Are you satisfied with the progress of this 4-H partnership and work to date?

MM: The progress has taken some time to get going, but is beginning to take shape. With the assistance of our newly assigned National 4-H Council Field Marketing Director, we can begin to shape how the campaign will proceed in the months to come.

What are you most excited about as it pertains to this new 4-H campaign?

MM: The campaign will bring a consistent brand message to 4-H that will help in recognition and awareness of the program nationally and at the state and local levels. Connecting and re-connecting with 4-H alumni will increase the opportunities for growth through volunteers and also opportunities to increase funding levels available to grow 4-H.

The holiday season is upon us, and do you know what that means? Time to treat the 4-H lover in your life! Here’s the gift guide to help you do just that:

  1. Mix ‘n’ Match Mason Jars
    Mason jars are hot commodities this year, and during the holidays they lend an air of nostalgia to any drink. If you know someone who loves to sip hot cider during the holidays, they need these 4‑H mason jars.
  2. 4-H KAVU Backpacks
    When we first laid our eyes on these backpacks, we knew we needed to have them for the holidays. Whoever receives these will absolutely fall in love, and there are patterns to fit every style and personality. These are limited edition items, so when a pattern sells out, it’s gone for good.
  3. Pandora Charm
    Jewelry always makes a great gift, and folks who love their Pandora charm bracelet REALLY love their charms. This 4-H Pandora charm, available exclusively on the 4-H Mall, is an unforgettable and thoughtful gift your loved one can take with them everywhere they go.
  4. ‘I Love 4-H’ Necklace
    The I Love 4-H Necklace is a wonderful gift for someone who not only loves 4-H, but is proud to show it off. Choose from a total of 18 Stockyard Styles necklaces to find the one best matched to your loved one.
  5. 4-H Carhartt Jacket
    Carhartt is a brand people trust. With 100% cotton duck and blanket lining, this jacket is ideal for those who know the value of hard work – and staying warm.
  6. Drone Discovery Kit
    The wildly popular Drone Discovery Kit is a great gift for the whole family. With activities that can be led by anyone (including non-scientists!), this makes for an excellent and fun gift that can educate and entertain the entire family.
  7. Custom Engraved Livestock Brush
    When some people think of 4-H, they think of animals.  For animal enthusiasts, a set of 5 custom engraved livestock brushes makes for an excellent and useful gift.
  8. Leather Pin Bracelet
    4‑H’ers accomplish so much during their time in 4-H, but where to put all those awesome pins? Well they can now take their favorite pins with them wherever they go with the new leather pin bracelet. Built-in pin-backs ensure wearing your pins is never bulky or inconvenient.
  9. Dog Bowl & Dog Bandana
    We love dogs! They are so wonderful that we can’t help but add these to our gift-giving  list. This cool portable dog bowl and stylin’ dog bandana will perk up Fido’s ears and certainly make some tails wag.
  10. Green Flannel Shirt
    Flannel shirts are timeless and are especially welcomed during cold winter months. This extra cozy flannel shirt features “4-H Grows Here” on the left pocket, a classic display of  love of 4-H.
  11. Member Kit
    It’s your loved one’s first year in 4-H, and so far they love it. What to get them? The Member Kit is the obvious answer. With the 4-H Member Card, Achievement Ribbon (for displaying pins), and Member Pin, this kit celebrates a new 4-H’ers journey toward making the best even better.
  12. VALUE Scrapbooking Kit
    As the year ends, many scrapbook lovers find themselves looking for fun materials to use when compiling their annual scrapbooks. If they’ve got a lot of 4-H memories, then their scrapbook needs 4-H pride in it!
  13. Tervis Tumbler
    Coffee drinkers, rejoice! The 4-H Tervis Tumbler with matching Lid is here, waiting for you. Tervis is another high quality brand we have partnered with to get you the best 4-H products out there – your morning ritual will thank you!
  14. 4-H Onesie / Toddler Dress
    Little ones might not be fully enrolled in 4-H yet, but that doesn’t mean they don’t love 4-H Green! For baby, the 4-H Onesie makes an excellent and comfortable gift, and for toddlers the new 4-H toddler dress just perfect.
  15. Designer Scarf
    Looking for a classy gift for that classy person? This scarf, designed by Marisol de Luna, is silky, classic, and versatile. Keep on the lookout for a blog post showcasing some creative styles for this great scarf!
Small Holiday Gifts

Small tokens of appreciation and friendship are equally as important as the big stuff during the holidays. We’ve got you covered.

PROUDGP
  1. Eat, Sleep,4-H, Repeat Decal
  2. 4-H Charm Bracelet
  3. Proud Mom/Dad/Alum/Grandparent Decal
  4. Belt Buckle Keychain
  5. 4-H Wood Ornament
2016 4-H Holiday Gift Guide

Mason Jars

Clover KAVU Backpacks

Pandora Charm

'I Love 4-H' Necklace

CLOVER Carhartt Jacket

Drone Discovery Kit

Custom Engraved Livestock Brush

Leather Pin Bracelet

Dog Bowl & Bandana

Flannel Shirt

Member Kit

Tervis Tumbler

CLOVER Onesie / Toddler Dress

Designer Scarf

'Eat, Sleep, CLOVER, Repeat' Decal

CLOVER Charm Bracelet

'Proud...' Decal

Belt BuckleKeychain

Clover Wood Ornament

The other day I was teaching a bullying prevention program at a rural South Georgia school. I showed the group a picture of myself as a 4‑H’er at an event. I looked happy, was holding a tomato, in a green 4‑H sports coat, and smiling. I asked the group to tell me something about the person in the picture, or something they had noticed about me since I had started the class. I got things like, “You like tomatoes,” others told me, “You look happy.” Both of these things were correct, at least for that moment. I did look happy, and at that event I was, but what about every other time? I explained to these middle schoolers that just by looking at this picture, and talking to me they could not tell that I had been bullied, that I cried myself to sleep many times, that I planned suicide, that my father left my family when I was young, or that I felt unloved.

Today many of our nation’s youth are experiencing these same adversities. They may not all have a parent who left, they may not all contemplate suicide, but many are experiencing harsh words and actions by their peers in our schools, communities, and gatherings. I was told that I was aggravating, ugly, fat, stupid, different, gay, and many other names. Unfortunately, the more you are told these things the more you believe them.

I would not be here today had it not been for a caring family that recognized something was wrong, and for my involvement in the 4‑H program. At 4‑H I felt loved. I knew that there were 4‑H Agents and friends who liked me, wanted me to succeed, and be the best I could be. 4‑H taught me to be strong, and then to go help others; to help any other person who had experienced what I had. Most importantly, 4‑H taught me that normal does not exist. There is no such thing as a normal family, person, school, community, or anything. We are all different, and we bring different skills to the table – 4‑H taught me how to be me.

I was grateful to have a loving family, and a loving 4‑H family who supported me every step along the way, but so many do not have these support systems. It is our duty as 4‑H members, as 4‑H educators, and as 4‑H alumni to bring to these youth the message of self-worth, to bring a family of support, to bring ourselves to help others in need. This is not a strange concept for 4‑H; this is what it’s been doing for 114 years. Together we can save a child, win a battle, and make a difference.

For two consecutive years, U.S. Cellular has proudly supported National 4‑H Council and 4‑H National Youth Science Day (NYSD). It is a wonderful way to introduce young people to the wide range of ways that Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education is used every day in hundreds of careers. When our associates spend time with 4‑H youth in our local communities, our hope is that the kids see how what they are learning today can lead to fun and interesting careers down the road.

In my engineering role at U.S. Cellular, I get to work on many unique and challenging projects, and it’s the part of my job that I love the most. Wireless technology moves so fast that there is always something new to learn or a problem to solve. And while you may think that we engineers are sitting by ourselves at a computer all day, that couldn’t be further from the truth. I get to work with amazing people every day, and we combine our STEM knowledge together to overcome challenges that we face – all with the goal of ensuring that our customers have access to a fast data network and that their phones work when and where they need it.

USCellular-NYSD-Lori-Dawson-blog

 

This year’s 4‑H NYSD theme of Drone Discovery is especially relevant in the wireless industry. As the industry learns more about the capability of drones in real-world applications, we are watching closely to determine how we can implement this technology into our work. Possibilities include using drones to assess damage to cell sites when roads are closed due to severe weather, testing network signals on high-rise buildings, and routine tower inspections. As someone who owns two drones, I am thrilled that 4‑H youth are learning about them now, and I can’t wait to see all of the new ways they will show us how they can be used in the future.

Over the past month, U.S. Cellular associates have worked with hundreds of 4‑H youth at eight 4‑H NYSD Drone Discovery events, and seeing the creativity and energy that the young people bring has been very inspiring. One of the most fun parts of working with drones is just seeing what you can make them do. Having young people with a strong background in STEM education is critical to the ongoing evolution of how we create and use technology, including drones.

U.S. Cellular at 2016 4‑H National Youth Science Day

Tony Frank is the president of Colorado State University, Chancellor of the Colorado State University System, and a 4‑H alum. He had some of his earliest experiences with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects in his local 4‑H chapter in rural Illinois, before going on to earn a college degree in biology and a doctorate in veterinary medicine. He also had some of his first leadership experiences in 4‑H, and now leads a university with more than 29,000 students.

I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with him about 4‑H when he was growing up, and where it’s going today.

 

You were in 4‑H in the 1960s and 70s. What kinds of things were 4‑H’ers doing then?

Tony Frank (TF): A lot of livestock and farm projects. I did cattle and hogs, some veterinary science projects—which wound up becoming my career when I went on to vet school after college. And as I went through 4‑H, I held a lot of officer positions—secretary treasurer, president, vice president.

Did you learn any skills in those 4‑H leadership roles that you use today as president of Colorado State University?

TF: Virtually everything you need to know as a leader you experience in those 4‑H offices. As secretary, you learn the importance of getting other people involved to get work done, and as treasurer you learn the importance of the trust that comes with dealing with other people’s money and funds. As the vice president, you learn to put other people first, and then as the president you learn what it’s like to represent a group of people.

At the end of the day, it’s those basic things—how do you get people involved, how do you make sure everyone’s voice is heard, how do you represent your constituents faithfully—those are the things good leaders have in every organization.


I’m happy to hear that, because developing leadership skills is still very important in 4‑H. We still have those roles and try to create more leadership positions so that more young people can learn critical life skills.

TF: I don’t think I realized at that time what I was getting out of those 4‑H leadership roles. I think without realizing it, I was part of one of the greatest leadership programs out there, and that’s 4‑H.


Did you learn anything else in 4‑H that is relevant to your life today?

TF: One of the first science-oriented projects I ever did was a 4‑H project. It was keeping track of data in a livestock project. There were many pieces of that which came to replicate my tasks later on as a researcher.


As an educator, do you think 4‑H does a good job of getting kids interested in STEM?

TF:  4‑H finds exciting ways to draw young people into STEM. Those might be animal-related projects, rocketry projects or robotics projects. Those are all great ways to get young people involved, but the important things are the underpinnings. Not only are there a lot of job opportunities in STEM, but it’s also a critical aspect of what we do as a country. It’s critical to our global economic competitiveness.


Were you thinking about any of these things back when you were 18 and in 4‑H? What was important to you then?

TF: The world was a much smaller place in general back in the late 60s and early 70s. I certainly didn’t have much of a worldview. If I were to tell you what my greatest goal was, it was probably to get an 8-track player for my pickup truck.

Today, 18-year-olds are a lot more focused on their future and more connected to a much larger world. I think 4‑H helps open the world up for a lot of kids.


What did you wish you knew when you were 18?

TF: I wish I had known that there were so many opportunities out there. There were so many more things that I could have participated in through 4‑H, like state-level leadership activities, the national organization, and even international opportunities.  Those things add a great deal of value, and I sure wish I knew those opportunities were there.


As the head of a university, you work with plenty of young people. What advice do you give your students who are 18?

TF: First, take advantage of all the opportunities that are out there. There are always more opportunities than you realize at 18.  Just dig in and immerse yourself; get involved in as many things as you can because they’ll all benefit you.

And secondly, know that there’s a lot of time ahead of you. I think that there’s a sense of urgency sometimes. At 18. you don’t realize that you have a very long life ahead of you. So while you should immerse yourself in your opportunities, you should also take risks and try things. Some things won’t work out, but you’ll have a lot of chances to redirect. Over the course of your life you can have so many opportunities to serve in leadership roles in your community. You’ll find the right place to make a difference.


Anything else you want to add about your 4‑H experience?

TF: I want to thank all the volunteer leaders. They made a big difference in my life and I know in the lives of so many other 4‑H’ers.