By: Marianne Smith-Edge
Growing up on a dairy farm in Northern Kentucky, 4-H was a way of life. Both parents had been members, my mother was very involved in the county volunteer leadership and my older brother was showing dairy cows and driving in state and regional tractor competitions as I approached the age of nine. How could I not be involved? Building on the interest of parents and brother, clothing and dairy were definitely a given….but the world opened up for me when I became engaged in speech competitions, foods projects and demonstrations. Who knew that the skills of public speaking and being able to make a cake in front of an audience would be the basis of my professional career?
My passion for understanding the science of food and nutrition developed over the years of food projects and annual food demonstration competitions. I soon learned that if I was to excel in this area (as well as other numerous projects), I must accept the responsibility to complete the tasks and uphold the 4-H motto- “to make the best better”. Even though my parents were most supportive, the ultimate responsibility to make sure the five dairy calves were ready for show, the dress was made (without any crooked seams), the baked goods perfected and the home furnishing projects completed rested on my shoulders. It was understood in my household once responsibility was accepted- failing to fulfill an obligation was not an option! Looking back on the hours spent brushing calves during the hot summer months, painting furniture or practicing speeches or food demonstrations daily for state competitions, I value the work ethic, leadership skills and practical knowledge gained during my youth.
Even though 4-H has evolved over the years as well as I, the core values remain the same. Staying true to the principal of “making the best better” teaches all of us- regardless of age- the importance of giving our best in whatever we do and not accepting status quo. Perhaps, that is why I often seek to look at how organizations, work processes and personnel development can evolve, change and improve. A few years ago during a conversation with my husband expressing my excitement over a new decision making model for my professional organization, he looked at me and asked, “Why do you get so excited about change?” And as I have stated in front of many audiences, its 4-H… and staying true to its motto “to make the best better”! It is through the 4-H Foundation Board, I can continue to support the volunteer leadership and members along with the vision of the organization to help open doors of life-long learning for future generations. Consider how you can be a role model as my parents and brother were to me.
