My 4-H Story

My name is Rachel Elana House. I'm 15 years old, and I'm a sophomore at Cannon County High School. I love art, learning music with my brother, baking with my 2 sisters, and volunteering with my parents. I joined 4-H in the 4th grade when my county agent came into the classroom, and my love for it grew from there. From the speeches to baking contests, I loved and was apart of it all. In 4-H, my record consists of Citizenship, leadership, Communication, and civic engagement. I learned about all of these things and practiced them through activities such as: being a class officer for 4-H for 3 years, project demonstration, public speaking, clover bowl, becoming a healthy living ambassador, bread baking, poster contests, being the county contest registrar, and carrying out community service projects with other 4-h honor students.

A few years ago I had the honor to meet a former TN state 4-H officer. One of the projects that she has worked in was Embracing the Elderly. This helped me to start looking more into how to help our forgotten population. During the past two years I have created flyers, asked for donations from not only school clubs, local community organizations and businesses. This past Christmas I had the honor to deliver 82 Christmas gifts and homemade cards to our local nursing home. I was able to visit with some of the sweetest people. Since then I have set aside time to have my fellow classmates create Valentine's Day cards to deliver. In March we set up a Bingo event. I collected donations to make snack bags, along with crochet hats and fresh fruit. We had an amazing day. I look forward to visiting again soon.

Another project that I have worked on is gathering donations for our local domestic violence shelter. This year we were able to take winter hats and gloves to the children. At Easter I helped with gathering donations and creating Easter Baskets for the four children. It is hard for children to be away from home and I hope that these small things brighten their day.

Through 4-H I have learned so many skills that will carry me throughout life. Becoming a leader is just one. I have grown from being shy and being to talk, to an individual that wants to share my thoughts and ideas. I have watched others to see what it takes to be a good leader and what not to do. It is a struggle for teens, especially myself to talk in front of others and share experiences. Through my work in not only 4-H but also Lioness, Beta and Teen Health Council I have learned to speak up, ask for help as needed.

After graduation at this time I want to work as a Social Worker with either the elderly or young children. I feel that Art and writing will always be my way to express myself and share my life. In my spare time I like to paint, cook, create displays, and help out with community events and projects. One of my favorite things to do is help with the Lions Club. As a member of the Lioness Club we work closely with the Lions Club for their Annual Horse Show, blood drives and fish fry meals. 4-H has led me to try new clubs and learn new passions.