Donate
Search Avatar
Avatar
CLOVER Logo
Start learning with CLOVER
Professional Resources
Menu
Clear
Search Icon
If you’ve been on social media recently you might have seen friends and family sharing their first jobs with the hashtag #firstsevenjobs. Thousands of people have been using it to share details of their very first jobs, and there are some great ones. For example, actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed he was once an ice cream scooper!

Part of the reason that these tweets are so popular is that they make today’s leaders seem so accessible. They remind us that we all started small and learned as we went. It shows that True Leaders aren’t born: They’re grown.

That’s an idea at the heart of 4‑H’s Grow True Leaders Campaign. No one is born a CEO or a governor—they grow into it. In 4‑H, we give young people the leadership skills they need to grow.

If the #firstsevenjobs hashtag shows us anything, it’s that first jobs often aren’t glamorous. But they’re so important for learning the fundamentals, like being honest in your work and being responsible. Those two qualities will be the basis of every great career, and you can learn them in the simplest of places. Take my first job, as a babysitter. I learned responsibility quickly because I was responsible for kids’ lives. (I also learned that when I earned a credential—my mom made me get a babysitting certification every year—I could charge a little more for my services.)

Then I was a waitress where I learned to report my tips honestly at the end of the day so that I could be taxed on that income. That was the year that my mom made me fill out my first tax form by myself. I was sixteen!

When you’re young you can also learn by watching your leaders. I worked as a wedding decorator—I can still make an arch out of helium-filled balloons— and later as a photo assistant. In both of those jobs, I was working for entrepreneurs and saw how hard they worked and how driven they were. It was a great lesson. In many jobs I worked for dynamic leaders that I was drawn to, and I wanted to be like them. In other jobs I had bad bosses, and I learned what I didn’t want to be, which was equally as valuable.

4‑H offers young people all sorts of ways to learn these skills. We teach leadership in formal ways to the young people we hire as interns, camp counselors and junior leaders, and to the officers at 4‑H clubs who learn to sit at the table and work with adults in a leadership setting. We also help kids learn these skills in informal ways, whether it’s by asking them to mentor someone younger, or asking them to speak publically to share a skill they’ve recently mastered. These things seem simple, but as the hashtag proves, they’re the beginnings of much bigger things.

No matter what activity you’re doing this summer, I hope all young people stop and take a moment to look at your leader and see what you can learn from him or her. You can learn from every leader you have, good or bad. And all of those things you see and hear and do this summer will be a part of the foundation that will launch you to a career one day. And soon enough you’ll be reflecting in your own #firstsevenjobs.

California 4-H

Erika is a California 4-H volunteer and a mother of two children who both participate in 4-H. Here’s her story:

“4-H is very important to me, and gives me the opportunity to help my community. It is also an opportunity to support my two children in educational programs. I volunteer at many events in my community and I try to set a good example to my children. Sharing with others our time and talents is the best way to help! . . . We have two clubs and our vision is to open more! Ours is a small community with a large number of Hispanic and low-income students; 4-H will help many families!

THANKS 4-H!”

"El programa ayudara a muchas familias. ¡GRACIAS 4-H!" - Erika, California 4-H

Kyle is a Delaware 4-H alum who is currently majoring in agribusiness:

4-H has impacted Kyle’s life in many ways. It has given him the direction and guidance to work toward and achieve his goals. Kyle comes from what is considered to be an underserved community. His influence in that community and school has been felt throughout by achieving goals only hard work and determination can achieve. He has a powerful work ethic that has encouraged his fellow club members to reach for higher goals and accomplishments that is felt throughout his community. Kyle is well known in Sussex County for his many accomplishments and is an example to all young people that setting goals and working toward them can be done.

Georgia 4-H
Georgia 4-H’ers participated in great programming like Mentor Up, Citizenship Washington Focus, and Health Rocks!:Ka’Shawn attended Citizenship Washington Focus in 2014, and from that experience felt he would like to pursue a career in politics. Since his trip, he has been growing his leadership through taking on roles in 4-H by getting involved with his STEM Robotics club, becoming a junior Camp counselor at 4-H Healthy Living & STEM summer camps and at his local high school.
Royce, an Idaho 4-H’er, has served the Coeur d’Alene community for two years as a 4-H Food Smart Families teen advocate.
“Kids watch a lot of TV these days, so I like being able to teach them about how nutrition and healthy living can be fun too. I volunteer for Coeur d’Alene for Kids, and because of 4-H I have become a better mentor to them, and they look up to me more. I’ve had a hard time with public speaking—I’ve been shy. Being in this program, I’ve been able to break through that shell and it’s easier for me to talk to new people now.”
"Being in this program, I’ve been able to break through that shell and it’s easier for me to talk to new people now." - Royce, Idaho 4-H
Iowa 4-H and college student, Allison, stays involved in 4-H by serving as a 4-H club leader:
 
“4-H has been and still is so much more than a club or program, it is my true love, and when I was younger it was finally somewhere I could fit in and be myself, which is still true today. The most important thing that 4-H ever gave me was the confidence to believe in myself. This may not seem like much, but to me it was everything as it helped me through many difficult situations that I have struggled with in my life, including my life long fight with obesity. I have also had the great fortune to be one of five individuals from across the U.S. to serve on the National 4-H Healthy Living Team as a youth ambassador, specializing in nutrition, healthy eating, and weight management . . . Being chosen to join this team and represent 4-H, healthy living, the United States, and Iowa is the most humbling opportunity I have ever been given.”

"4-H has been and still is so much more than a club or program, it is my true love." - Allison, Iowa 4-H

Here is the story of Alexis, a Louisiana 4-H'er:
 
“This past year was the first year I became a member of the Louisiana State 4-H Food and Fitness Board. Being on this board has allowed me to further my knowledge and experience of living a healthy lifestyle. Coping with an injury throughout the past year, I could no long be as physically active as I used to, so I had to find ways to stay healthy. The Food and Fitness Board helped me discover new ways to do just that . . . The Food and Fitness Board has used the grant to plan events as well as go to different events to meet new people and go to new places. This helped increase my social skills and made me the well-rounded 4-H leader I am today.”

"This helped increase my social skills and made me the well-rounded 4-H leader I am today." - Alexis, Louisiana 4-H

Baltimore, Maryland 4-H
 
4-H’ers in Baltimore participated in Health Rocks!:
 
Baltimore has been regrouping and recovering from the recent April uprisings. Our youth have been put in some unsettling environments. As a result, the Health Rocks! curriculum has been such a precious gift per several of the parents and grandparents. We had the opportunity and privilege to spend quality time with those youth who normally would just hang out in the community. However, with rec centers closed they were eager to attend 4-H. The structured program provided has ignited youth old and young to come together and work the plan as they plan to work hard to be constructive and not destructive. Healthy lifestyle and healthy life choices has been included in their summer days, afternoons, and after school hours.
 
Michigan 4-H’er and active teen leader Ryan shares his story of 4-H leadership:
 
“4-H is important to me for several reasons. First of all, it is an opportunity for me to build skills in leadership, public speaking, showmanship, and many other categories. From singing my heart out as a camp counselor, to presenting projects and information to large groups, to properly showing a chicken to the head of the American Poultry Association, I’ve gained a lot of experience in real world situations and can now use that experience in the future.”

Encouraging young people nationwide to reach their full potential is the number one priority for 4‑H. It is critical that today’s youth are introduced to, and encouraged to pursue the career paths that they may be unaware of or feel are unattainable.

Sparking interest in agriculture and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is even more important for young women and girls who remain under represented in ag and STEM careers.

I had the pleasure to connect with U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. As a visionary in agriculture, an advocate for women and girls, and proud 4‑H alumna, she shared her thoughts on the importance of 4‑H hands-on learning programs today, and provided insight on her vision for the next generation of our nation’s leaders.

As America’s largest youth development organization, 4‑H is focused on growing young innovators and preparing them for leadership roles in their careers. From someone who grew up in 4‑H, how did your 4‑H experience impact your life and career?

Krysta Harden (KH): 4‑H opened up many doors for me. Through my involvement in various 4‑H competitions and camps, I was exposed to new experiences – and many life lessons that I have carried with me. In my professional career, I have seen the positive impact 4‑H has on our youth and I truly believe that the organization is developing the next generation of young leaders. I make it a point during every trip I take as USDA’s Deputy Secretary to visit with these young leaders and let them know that we need their skills and talent in order to build a better future.

As a leader in agriculture and agribusiness, what is your vision for the next generation of agriculture and agribusiness leaders?

KH: The time is now to be building the bench for tomorrow’s producers, consumers, and agribusiness leaders. It is crucial that our leadership in the field of agriculture truly reflects the diversity of our nation’s farmers and ranchers.

We need everyone at the table. Everyone’s voice is important and having diverse representation will only lead to better discussions and a stronger tomorrow.

As Deputy, I have also focused a lot of my efforts on women in agriculture because it is a topic near and dear to my heart. Our women farmers and ranchers have a wide variety of interests and skills. At USDA, we started the Women in Agriculture Mentoring Network to connect women with shared interests and goals, personally and professionally. We have over 700 members and we are always looking for more 4‑H’ers! You can join by e-mailing agwomenlead@usda.gov.

USDA is currently working to reach new and beginning farmers. How do you think 4‑H and other agriculture-based youth organizations are helping to support this effort?

KH: The average age of a farmer is 58 years old. We have to start making decisions today to make sure young people will get involved in agriculture, and that’s in all aspects. That’s farming, science, marketing, education, and communication. It’s the entire industry.

I think organizations like 4‑H really do help start a career path for a young person who is thinking about an interest, a degree, or a career in agriculture. 4‑H can show them the opportunities. USDA certainly wants to be there and help bring awareness, and to help provide outreach to young people. We do a lot with colleges, 4‑H clubs, and even space programs. We do a lot of joint research with NASA, helping young people understand the importance of growing and providing astronauts with safe, available food. You often hear people refer to STEM in the news but at USDA, we want to make it STEAM to include agriculture.

In partnership with 4‑H, we want to expose young people to all the different options involved in agriculture. For those who want to stay on the farm or ranch, we want to make sure they have the tools to do that as well.

The push for more women in agriculture and agribusiness is a topic being raised on a global level. What are your thoughts on ways we can encourage young women to pursue a career in such a high demand field?

KH: We must first say, “You can do it if you want to do it.” Girls and young women need to know that there are a vast amount of opportunities in the field. From the farm to the boardroom to the classroom, there are so many possibilities and we must continue to open doors for women. We need their ideas and talents, and USDA stands ready to make sure they receive that message through our mentoring efforts, partners, outreach opportunities, and so much more.

It’s a 4-H tradition. 4-H’ers have met with every U.S. President dating back to 1912 when President William Howard Taft was in office. These are life-changing moments for 4-H youth across the country to meet and greet our nation’s leaders. Today, that tradition continued, as 4-H’ers from Alaska, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Maryland and Utah had the extraordinary opportunity to step foot into the Oval Office to meet President Barack Obama. The visit was a particularly exciting one, as the eight phenomenal youth were joined by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to share how they are taking action in their communities to fight rural poverty and childhood hunger.
 
I was able to capture the tremendous excitement of Geneva (AK), Andres (AZ), Kashawn (GA), Kimberly (ID), Lorena (ID), Spencer (IA), Gabrielle (MD), and Jacob (UT), minutes after meeting President Obama. It was a priceless moment, and I was honored to be there with such deserving 4-H youth who are changing lives every day.
May 8, 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act, important legislation signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson that paved the way for our nation’s Cooperative Extension System. Cooperative Extension was designed as a partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture and 110 land-grant universities, including Cornell, Ohio State, the University of Missouri, and Texas A&M. One of the world’s most innovative and educational ideas ever, Cooperative Extension was created to extend the knowledge and research of America’s public universities to all citizens, including young people. It helped farmers learn new agricultural techniques through the introduction of home instruction.

4‑H is the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension System. For more than 100 years, 4‑H has empowered youth to reach their full potential, working and learning in partnership with caring adults, including volunteers and educators. Since its inception, 4‑H has produced millions of young people ready to step up to the challenges of a complex world. In the early 1900’s, 4‑H was a way to give rural youth new skills and introduce new ideas and technology to adults. The impact was significant. By embracing new agro-technology, 4‑H kids were able to grow three times more corn than adult farmers.

That innovation continues today in every county in America – rural, suburban and urban. In New York City, for example, there’s an urban fish farm located in the basement of Food and Finance High School thanks to Cornell University Extension and 4‑H. Students raise tilapia and other fish and vegetables in the 4‑H Hydroponic and Aquaculture Lab for distribution to the school cafeteria, local restaurants, greenmarkets, and hunger relief organizations. Nearly 2,500 miles away at the Tucson Village Farm, Arizona 4‑H’ers built and maintain an urban farm through the University of Arizona and Pima County Cooperative Extension where kids learn how to make healthier decisions by growing and preparing their own foods. In between, in Garden City, Kansas, multi-cultural college students from Kansas State University Extension started several 4‑H clubs to support the children of parents working in dairies, feedlots and meatpacking. These are just three examples of how 4‑H and Cooperative Extension are benefitting and changing the lives of more than 6 million young people in the U.S.

We believe young people are the world’s greatest single resource to create a better world. Our job at 4‑H, working in partnership with USDA, Cooperative Extension and many private companies and organizations including Farm Credit, is to grow young people with confidence and purpose. In our view, we have a responsibility to give millions more young people access to the 4‑H experience – no matter where they live: in an urban food desert, in a tight-knit small town, on a U.S. military base or on a farm.Today’s young people are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Thanks to 4‑H and Cooperative Extension, millions of young people are learning skills that are preparing them to become the technological and agricultural leaders of the future.They are blazing the trail that will lead us into the next century thanks to the Smith-Lever Act of 1914. Here’s to the next 100 years!

Of note: Originally published on the Farm Credit blog, AGgregator, at http://bit.ly/Qi8eCA