An Interview with My Mentor: Mr. Torey Earle

A guest blog post by 2019 Emerald Winner Morelia Falcon

My name is Morelia Falcon. I am a 2019 Kentucky 4-H Emerald Award recipient. I have participated in numerous opportunities the Kentucky 4-H Program offered for the past 11 years. Many of my greatest 4-H experiences have been during my term as the Chair of the Kentucky 4-H State Science, Engineering, and Technology Leadership Board, led by Mr. Torey Earle. I recently had the opportunity to interview Mr. Earle about his journey and involvement in the 4-H S.E.T. program.

Morelia: To introduce yourself: What is your Go-To 4-H Elevator Speech?

Torey Earle: In working with the Kentucky 4-H SET program, my responsibility is to help Agents, Volunteers and youth see STEM as a tool for promoting Positive Youth Development.

Morelia: Have you always been interested in Science, Engineering, and Technology?

Torey Earle: I have. For as long as I can remember, I have wondered how things work. I would get a new toy and play with it for an hour or so, then I would start taking it apart to see what was on the inside.

Morelia: When did you realize you wanted to be a 4-H Agent and ultimately a 4-H S.E.T. Specialist?

Torey Earle: Contrary to some in 4-H, I didn’t set out to be a 4-H Agent. My first major in college was Wildlife Biology and my junior year I switched to Agricultural Engineering Technology. I thought I was going to work for one of the major Agricultural equipment companies. As I was preparing to graduate with my master’s degree in Agricultural Science, that industry was not fairing the best. But I did see a job announcement for a 4-H Agricultural position in Tennessee and applied for it. I was hired and soon realized that 4-H was what I was destined to do.

Morelia: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your 4-H career?

Torey Earle: BE FLEXIBLE!!! You can plan for what you think is everything that’s going to happen but when you go to implement that plan, things will change without warning and you have to be able to roll with the situation.

Morelia: For those who don’t know what the Kentucky 4-H State Science, Engineering, and Technology Leadership Board is, can you give a brief introduction about the Board?

Torey Earle: The SET Board is designed to provide youth opportunities to: master technical skills and creative abilities; explore careers in the science, engineering and technology industry; develop leadership abilities and character; build self-confidence; improve public speaking and presentation skills and share knowledge with others. 

Morelia: What were some of your original goals for the Kentucky 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Leadership Board? 

Torey Earle: The majority of youth who apply for the board come into it with an interest in STEM and that kind of skillset. I don’t feel the original goals I had for the board have changed much. I think the purpose of the Board is to help develop the leadership and communication skills of the members.

Morelia: How has the S.E.T. Board exceeded those goals? What are your newest goals for the Board?

Torey Earle: Each year, the Board kind of takes on a new personality and I am always amazed by what each year’s Board can accomplish. By the time we reach the end of a program year, this group can function on its own without my input! That makes me feel we have blown the goals out of the water!

Morelia: Can you tell me one of your favorite memories while with the SET Board?

Torey Earle: There are too many to count! The national trips to the STEM Summit held at the National 4-H Conference Center ALWAYS provide countless memories and things I can think back on and laugh out loud about!

Morelia: What would you tell those who are thinking about implementing S.E.T. based clubs in their county and district 4-H programs?

Torey Earle: Go for it! There is a process for starting a 4-H club you will have to follow… check with your 4-H Agent on how to do that. But think outside the box on what you can do with SET/STEM. There are countless possibilities.

The mentorship I received from Mr. Earle continues to encourage and challenge me tremendously in my leadership endeavors. To-date my 11 years of 4-H has been blessed with many great leaders and teachers. I will forever be grateful for the skills and leadership traits that I have acquired through Kentucky 4-H.