Photo courtesy: Doug Gaehle

4-H proven to empower area youth through life skill development

By Doug Gaehle

CORONA– It’s no secret that today’s youth feel pressure. Pressure to excel in school, to go to college, to get a job, etc. How they overcome those pressures is a true testament to their character. Take Corona native Aidan Longridge for example.

Aidan, 17, credits his enrollment in 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization, to helping him overcome adversity and build confidence along the way. The life skills taught through 4-H helped Aidan learn to work with others, overcome challenges and complete jobs once he started them.

Aidan took advantage of the breadth of programs 4-H offers, from science and agriculture to business and creative arts.

“I enrolled in 4-H after my mom received a recommendation to join from a family friend,” said Aidan, a member of the Alvord Aggies 4-H club. “I’ve always had a passion for speaking in front of people and through my years in 4-H I’ve had many opportunities to get involved in projects that have made me more confident in myself and my abilities as a speaker.”

Aidan started in 4-H when he was 5 years old, and since then has participated in the communications project.

Today, Aidan is involved in communication, chess, drama and leadership projects as well as part of a national home school speech and debate league.

“Joining a speech and debate league was a direct result of the confidence and experience I gained through my 4-H projects,” said Aidan.

America needs more true leaders focused on today’s challenges, as well as the issues of tomorrow. A recent survey by National 4-H Council found that 71 percent of today’s youth view leadership as something they can practice improve over time. But those same youth need supportive adults to help them along the way.

4-H brings a community together to grow true leaders in today’s youth – helping build confidence, teamwork, curiosity and resilience.

“My advisor Heather Bean has been a positive impact on my 4-H experience,” said Aidan. “In addition to valuable life skills, 4-H teaches you about building character, problem solving, fostering friendships and to keep challenging yourself.”

Any child can grow with 4-H, an organization that has something for every interest. But 4-H is always looking for adult volunteers and funding to help expand their reach and empower young people through doing. To find out more about helping 4-H in your area, contact your local extension office or visit 4H.org. Or, visit www.ca4hfoundation.org to make a donation to the California 4-H Foundation.