Why do you want to be a District Officer? I think this a great opportunity to expand my leadership abilities. I am eager to improve my leadership skills and continue to learn more and become involved at the district level. I believe in passing it on and I would definitely take everyone from the district level back to my county and club. I love motivating fellow members to get out of their comfort zone and see the many opportunities and leadership levels of 4-H.

What Leadership Qualities have you acquired through 4-H experiences? I have acquired so many qualities through 4-H in the past ten years. I think one of the first ones that come to mind is Communication. 4-H has taught me how to interact with all different types of people. Being on teams and often leading teams, I have learned how to communicate in a manner that allows everyone to have a voice. I feel real teamwork is when everyone feels needed and can see if they put forth an effort it always makes for a better group. Dedication most definitely goes along with leadership. When commitments are made it takes dedication to keep those commitments. It makes it hard on everyone if one member does not back up their commitment and the whole group looses. Leaders cannot be selfish. The “me” attitude cannot exist because you are a “group” when you become a leader. One can never loose site of that group goal.

List your more significant 4-H Activities? My most fun experience was going to Brownwood early on. When everyone tells you to go to Brownwood because you will enjoy the experience it is so true. I enjoyed my experience at Brownwood, met new friends and learned not to be so bashful. Being in 4H as long as I have, Brownwood was definitely a great place to start to improve my leadership skills. My passion in leadership is coupled with my passion of livestock judging. I started this early on as well and continue to compete at higher levels today. My current plans are to compete at the junior college level so I will be eligible to compete at a 4-year level. I have placed high at some of the major shows and have won first place at our county fair. My most proud moment in 4-H was when I was selected to represent Harris County as a County Ambassador and first chairman on our County Council team. I want to keep striving to improve not only myself but also my club, county, country and world.

List other non 4H activities that you are proud of? I have been very active in my Local FFA chapter. I have been blessed to go to a brand new school in our district and lead the new chapter as their president for two years. It has been very rewarding to know that you have had a part in setting the standard for your new chapter that others will hopefully continue to pursue in the years to com. Being a brand new chapter certainly has had challenges. We did not have a large enough enrollment to warrant a full-time Ag teacher. We have had 4 Ag teachers over these last two years but we have still managed to keep a motivated officer team and set high standards for our chapter. Our enrollment doubled the second year and it looks like it will double again this upcoming school year. I am proud of the accomplishments our chapter

has made and the awards we have all received. I for fortunate to be selected as a State FFA Ambassador at the State FFA Convention and was awarded outstanding team leader at the awards ceremony.

How has 4-h impacted your life? I cannot brag about 4-H enough, this organization has been the best thing for me. Over the last ten years 4-H has played a huge role in my life. If it is not a hog show or livestock judging contest, it is an officer meeting or leadership training that keeps me going. My club has taught me to be more knowledgeable, not only in just agricultural, but also has helped me with my decision making and how to have a true vision. I have been able to participate in countless hours of community service and learn from each adventure. Volunteering is one of the most important things we can do as a person. We must give back to our communities because we are called to serve by helping people who are less fortunate. I have grown up doing all of the things mentioned in our 4-H pledge but as I have gotten older, it is ever more clear the meaning behind our pledge. I truly believe that I am more prepared me for my life ahead because of 4-H.

What suggestions do you have to improve the district 9 4-H program? District 9 is one of the largest districts in our state. I think that our biggest challenge and the most important thing for our District is to improve on our Community Service. When we come together in large numbers anything is possible. We have the size and the Texas attitude to make this happen. We just need to all get focused in the same direction. With all of the catastrophes that our community and world have been experiencing the opportunity is there for us to really go out and make a huge difference.