4-H’ers learn valuable skills, like public speaking and leadership, that follow them for life; Photo credit: Misty Herron
4-H’ers are exposed to education, leadership, citizenship, friendship and professionalism through their project areas, clubs, service projects and events. They experience professional settings, work with others, hone their skills and learn new things before completing middle or high school. It’s easy to say that 4-H’ers are beyond ready to start their careers.
“In my experience, 4-H’ers are some of the most driven, compassionate and resilient young people you will ever meet,” says Jamie Harris, interim state 4-H program leader. “Through 4-H, young people gain access to unique opportunities – leadership, travel, hands-on learning and real-world challenges – that shape who they become and prepare them to thrive in life. The growth we see in them is truly remarkable.”
State Council members with FFA Officers and agriculture leadership at the state capital
Beyond Ready
For the average young person today, the world seems full of challenges. More than 53% of youth in the Generation Z cohort, born from 1997 to 2012, reported feeling lonely, and 52% feel they have failed in meeting their life goals, according to Newsweek. That feeling echoes as these young people grow up and enter the workforce; as of early 2024, Gen Z makes up 18% of the workforce, already surpassing baby boomers. This generation is seeking employment that focuses on values rather than a paycheck.
See more: Katie Collins Wins National 4-H Youth in Action Award
“One thing I’ve noticed about Gen Z is their boldness; they aren’t afraid to ask questions, share ideas or challenge us to think differently,” Harris says. “They care deeply about purpose and making a real impact. Working with them is energizing because they bring creativity, honesty and a willingness to try new things.”
4-H’ers report much higher values of self-worth and leadership than their peers who weren’t involved in the organization. According to a Tufts University longitudinal study, 4-H’ers are twice as likely to have a goal of being a leader, twice as likely to report living with intentionality and purpose, and three times more likely to participate in community service. 4-H’ers are a cut above.
“4-H’ers are simply awesome. They lead with confidence, communicate with purpose and tackle challenges with a level of maturity well beyond their years,” Harris says. “Their skills, passion and determination make them stand out, not just as young people, but as the next generation of leaders our communities can be proud of.”
Caroline Garrell, left, after winning 12th-grade public speaking
4-H Family Legacy
One outstanding 4-H’er who says 4-H made her beyond ready for her career is Caroline Garrell of Lincoln County. There was never any question that Garrell would be in 4-H. As her mother and three sisters before her, the sixth-generation farmer began her 4-H career as soon as she could.
“Even before I joined 4-H and had my own projects, 4-H was always a part of my life,” she says. “I was always taken everywhere my sisters went, doing activities for their portfolios, whether that was watching them lead an after-school class, doing service projects or speaking at local meetings. I would sit in on their livestock judging practices and even memorize my sisters’ speeches just by hearing them so much.”
Caroline Garrell comes from an active 4-H and cattle-showing family.
See more: 2024 Tennessee 4-H Project Winners
Throughout her 4-H career, Garrell excelled in every area she pursued and won several project areas, including Level I and II Leadership, Level I Beef, Citizenship and Veterinary Science, plus the state champion public speaking title her senior year. Garrell took this work ethic with her throughout her entire 4-H career and into her pursuit of starting college. Currently, she is in the throes of her freshman year at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), majoring in natural resources and environmental economics, with the intent of going to law school. She hopes her agricultural passion, experience and knowledge will pair well with this degree to make her a helpful resource for farmers.
“4-H has been instrumental in preparing me for that career,” says Garrell, who still owns 30 purebred Hereford, Black Hereford and Simmental cattle, which she manages, breeds and sells the calves each year. “Through portfolio contests, speeches and interview competitions, 4-H has shaped me into a young professional who is prepared to face challenges head-on and succeed in the career I am pursuing.”
Each year, only 15 students out of more than 6,000 applicants are awarded Haslam Scholarships.
How Scholarly
Her hard work truly paid off in her senior year, when she was encouraged to apply for the Haslam Leadership Scholar award, a prestigious honor given to only 15 students each year from more than 6,000 applicants. After a grueling process, Garrell was named a Haslam Scholar and later a Peyton Manning Scholar.
“I could not be more grateful,” she says. “Being selected as both a Haslam Leadership Scholar and a Peyton Manning Scholar is incredibly humbling, deeply inspiring and truly a dream come true.”
Peyton Manning, Caroline Garrell and UT Chancellor Donde Plowman during the Haslam Scholarship awards program.
Garrell knew 4-H could help her achieve her dreams.
See more: Tennessee 4-H Alumna Caroline Garrell Is a UT Peyton Manning Scholar
“When Tennessee 4-H alumnus Alex Crockett won the Peyton Manning Scholarship in 2014, it left a lasting impression on me and motivated me to strive for greater growth in both leadership and citizenship,” she says. “Then, when Cade Simmons, another 4-H alumnus, was awarded the scholarship recently, it reaffirmed my belief that 4-H has the power to shape the lives of its members in remarkable ways.”
Lincoln County 4-H’er Caroline Garrell, center, is a Haslam Leadership Scholar and a Peyton Manning Scholar at the University of Tennessee.
Thanks to this scholarship, Garrell receives a full ride for her tuition as well as a spot in a miniterm education abroad program and a local internship. Projects to Professionals According to the Kauffman Foundation, employers are focusing less on traditional school subjects, such as math and science, and more on real-world skills. 4-H’ers shine in this changing employment environment because of their real-world skills gained through 4-H.
Clovers to Careers
“4-H members are truly beyond ready for their careers,” Harris says. “They don’t just learn skills, they practice them, refine them and put them into action. Whether it’s leadership, problem-solving, communication or service, our 4-H’ers step forward with confidence and purpose. They’re prepared not only for the opportunities ahead, but to create new ones.”
Caroline and her mother Jeanie after a successful show.
Garrell agrees, emphasizing she directly used her 4-H experiences to clinch the prestigious scholarship.
“In the process, we had three interviews, mingling with UT staff and a formal dinner with the Haslam family,” Garrell says. “It is because of 4-H that I could present myself with poise and confidence in every part.”