"Tennessee 4-H: Wired for Success"
Georgia Ralston, Bedford County

          Shocking? My life continues to be made shockingly different through 4-H. This organization gives me the resources to be successful in life. Being prepared for life, or in this case wired for success, gives me the confidence to do my best. Now how does 4-H shockingly change my life? Well, let me go through the steps of how to get electrified.

          The breaker box is the site in which the energy from the electric company enters my home. All circuits begin from this point. The local 4-H Extension office is much like our breaker box containing many circuits. The Extension office provides a pathway of information on many topics released from the University of Tennessee. The 4-H leaders offer many opportunities for young people. They spend numerous hours acquiring resources, planning activities and providing experiences. Through their guidance, encouragement and advice, I am directed to the correct pathways I need to take.

          As electricity begins to leave the breaker box, it must have a conductor. I would like to think of myself as the conductor. Like that white wire that takes the flow of electrons into a circuit, I take the knowledge and experiences that 4-H has given me out into the world. I use this information as I work with m horses, goats and cattle. My judging, public speaking and quiz bowl skills also enhance my abilities to make good decisions.

          However, no circuit is complete without encountering resistors. The resistors in life are those obstacles that everyone must face. Some of them are like the light fixtures in your home. In order to create a bright light, the electrons must persevere through it. I must also persevere through the difficult times in order to shine. Other obstacles are like the electrical outlets. Obstacles that plug into our resources drag you down.

          A circuit will not function properly unless it is wired back into the breaker box and thus catching the flow of electrons. Returning to the Extension office, I am held accountable through my portfolio. I must report of the gains and losses I have made. I also share with other younger 4-H’ers information about the great places, people and experiences I have had.

          The last wire in the circuit is commonly known as the ground. Moral character is the ground for 4-H. Our pledge encourages us to use our head, heart, hands and health to their fullest potential for the betterment of our club, community, country and world. Our motto, “To Make the Best Better,” reminds us not to accept things as they are, but to striver to improve them in every way.

          Tennessee 4-H is wired for success. Through the breaker box, conductors, resistors and ground, I am ready for the future.