Exhibit: 4-H
Benchmark: Teamwork/Communication 
Skills: TC103: Anticipate the impact of your actions or words on others
    TC109: Make and/or follow a set of rules and procedures

    For the past two years I have participated in 4-H. I am a part of a group called the, “Cross Country Chargers” that consists of eight members and their families. 4-H has many rules, deadlines, and activities that you must adhere to in order to be a part of it. Whether it is paperwork deadlines, mandatory shows, or even simply rules to follow in the barn there are many guidelines in place. 

    To participate in events such as states and fair you have to make sure that you have all of your paperwork in on time or you cannot go. Also to participate at States aside from having to qualify at the mandatory 4-H Show called Achievement you also have to make sure that you take the written Hippology test showing your knowledge of horses. 

    I have shown through 4-H for the past two years and I have been a part of the Jackson County Fair and I have also been a part of the Michigan State 4-H Horse Show both years. Both I and many others have been very involved at the Jackson County Fair and States. There are kids as young as nine years old in my 4-H group up to seventeen. But just because these are the youngest and oldest members in the group does not mean those are the youngest and oldest kids in the barn. Many of the members have younger siblings anywhere from two years old and up that are constantly running through the barn aisle ways and petting the horses. However, there are also many adults in the barn. Many parents are there all week with their children and animals and are constantly involved. Anyways what I am getting at is that with these extra people in the barn comes a variation in speech. Many of the adults and even teenagers have to watch their language and actions around the little ones. We have to make sure that we are good examples for them because they can pick up bad habit so easily. For example when showing and our horse is acting up or we don’t place as well as we would have liked in a class we have to make sure that we are mature about it because the young ones are watching. They could be hoping to grow up and be as privileged to do exactly what you are getting to do in that moment and you have to make sure that you are a good example to them. Showing horses and participating with all of the groups in 4-H is a wonderful experience that provides a lot of learning but also amazing memories and friendships. 

    Throughout my experience in 4-H I have learned to be mindful of myself at all times because you never know who could be watching you. 4-H and all of the things that come with it such as the little kids in the barn have taught me discipline in not only my actions but also my responsibilities with the paperwork and deadlines. I know that this will be very valuable in my career and life itself because I will always have a paper, a report, or bill due during my life and I have to be responsible enough to make sure I complete these tasks. Music therapy requires you to work diligently with patients and to always record your progress no matter how small. 4-H has prepared me for this by showing me my progress through competition. It has also taught me responsibility through paperwork deadlines that I will have to apply to my future career. My young adult life will also benefit greatly from my experience with 4-H because the deadlines and self-awareness it has taught me will help me with my bills and my appearance in the workplace. I will always have to be mindful of what I say and who I am around. 4-H has given me many great experiences that I can apply to the skills I will use now, in my future career and also my general adult life.