Personal Narrative: The West Hawaii 4-H Organization

Though I hate to admit it, used to be more comfortable following directions than giving them myself. I grew up a shy girl with maybe one or two close friends. I followed the teachers’ directions, listened to my parents, looked after my sister, and remained diligent in my studies. This doesn’t seem so bad, however I was not satisfied with my personality. I was too timid, expressed no unique thoughts, and had almost no independence. This all changed when I was almost ten years old and entered 4-H, the West Hawaii 4-H organization which was geared towards community service and volunteer work to address the four H’s: head, hands, heart, and health.

4-H is looked at in high regards within society, but I’ll honestly admit that I had no idea what it was when I entered. I begrudgingly went to the meetings at the urging of my mom who looked at the overall picture and wanted to raise two well-rounded women who would be able
to hold their own in society with a level head. I entered this organization with the same timid, cautious nature that I had for all ten years of my life and I wasn’t very pleased with my mom’s forceful nature. I bent to my mom’s will and attended the meetings. Though I no longer remember what I thought 4-H was going to be like, it exceeded every positive thought I might have spared for it at the time. Parents typically ran the monthly meetings until we reached seventh and eighth grade. As eighth and ninth graders, two of my peers from my club I were allowed to become junior leaders to a younger 4-H club. We all had younger sisters from the club and were deemed responsible and reliable, another step up from my past self.

In high school, rather than view 4-H as an obligation, I saw the merit in having participated so long in the organization. I enjoyed interacting with others, participating in activities, and helping the community. As a senior 4-Her, I had to take charge and push my comfort zone. Towards the end of the school year, we have our annual Spectacular where we model outfits we chose, upcycled, or made, commentated, performed, and honored our graduating seniors. In ninth grade I was allowed to commentate and found that I was developing confidence in public speaking because of this and other similar activities. By tenth grade I was sewing my own outfits to model on top of commentating.

Now as a senior I’m still in 4-H and during the eight years in the organization I’ve progressed from the unwilling participant to the Federation President and oldest 4-H member. I participate in almost every 4-H activity and noticed a profound difference in my leadership abilities, confidence, and involvement in the community. I now conduct the Federation meeting, help plan and train for our annual events, and mentor the younger 4-Hers who will carry on the organization.
I broke free from my shell, I’m not afraid to make mistakes, and I’m at a point where I don’t just take the orders, I give them.
I’ve evolved from an adolescent to an amazing young woman who can voice her opinions, make decisions, collaborates with others, and acts as a leader rather than a follower. In school, when asked to give a presentation or read out loud, I don’t cower in fear. I can stand tall and proud with a clear voice that portrays my knowledge. I can look at an upcoming event where I have to speak out loud and breeze through it with confidence. I look back at my ten year old self and smile. I can look back and think ‘that’s where I used to be,’ then look at myself now and say, “Look what I’ve become.” I don’t think I could be more proud of my progress. I still have a lot to learn, but I’m getting there. I’m excelling, and I’m ready for the rest of life. I’m ready to take on the challenges that the world throws at me because I have all the life skills that 4-H has taught me, “Learn by doing,” and “Make the best
better.”