Illinois
COMMENTRY

Youth programs make a lifetime of difference

While a student at Winchester High School, I was involved in everything! I was in the senior play, on the student council, in the Prom Court, 4-H Federation president and an officer in the FFA. My parents never forced me to be a participant, but they did encourage and support me. I had chores on the farm and a part-time job. I certainly wouldn't qualify myself as an overachiever, but I was a "doer."

Cyndi Young

I have a very dear friend who was the complete opposite: he took ag classes because his teachers told him he'd need vocational skills to get a job when he graduated. He turned his work in late, if at all. He didn't care or take much pride in his appearance. Kevin and I met in college, so obviously, he did continue his education. He began to care about himself and his appearance) and after completing his bachelor's degree, went on to get his MBA. They told him he couldn't, so he did. I, on the other hand, was voted most likely to succeed. So, who had it the hardest? He, who was pressured to fail, or she who was pressured to succeed?

There were things along the way that Kevin didn't try because he thought them hopeless. I'm sure there were opportunities I missed for fear of failure, but the foundation built by a childhood of involvement gave me the courage to try, and the simple knowledge that not succeeding did not condemn me to a life of failure.

You cannot force a child to be someone or something they are not. But you can offer them opportunities. Have the kindness and the foresight to bet on their future.

My high school English teacher and a friend's father who worked at Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative encouraged me to write an essay for the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives "Youth to Washington Tour." That award offered me the chance of a lifetime to visit both our state capital and Washington, D.C. That trip further developed the sense of citizenship that had been instilled in me from the time I was a small child.

FFA and 4-H opened doors to me that after 20 years, I continue to walk through! I'll never forget the frightened yet excited ten-year-old girl standing in front of a crowded auditorium with knocking knees and sweaty palms, introducing the next act in the 4-H Share-the-Fun competition. We learned respect for people of other cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds not only through books, but through culinary and people-to-people projects. We gained a stronger sense of community by spending volunteer hours reading to residents and entertaining at the local Nursing Center. We learned to manage our time and our finances by caring for and keeping records on livestock projects.

We learned to voice our opinion and to communicate more effectively by judging livestock and giving reasons. We learned to work together with other youth to accomplish a common goal, whether it was building a fire at 4-H camp, or building a picnic table to raise money for FFA. We learned respect for our environment. We learned to recite the FFA Creed, but more importantly, we believed in it. We learned the proper way to fold Old Glory and all the words to "The Star Spangled Banner." We learned about boundaries and rules, and accepted the consequences of breaking those rules. We learned that voting is a privilege and a responsibility.

We learned to work hard and play hard. We learned about balance. We learned to compete fairly and lose gracefully. We learned humility. We developed our character through our experiences: that character which becomes our destiny.

I was blessed with good role models. Both my parents and grandparents were active in volunteer organizations in my community. They influenced many other young people outside of the family.

The greatest influence you can have on a young person is to set a good example. They listen and they learn from your actions much more than they learn from your words.

Youth involvement in 4-H, FFA or any other

Cyndi Young is regional farm director for the Brownfield Network. A Farm Broadcaster since 1985, Young has traveled extensively nationally and internationally, covering agricultural news. She was named Farm Broadcaster of the Year in 1997 for her professional accomplishments and devotion to the agriculture industry.

The opinions and views of guest commentators are their own and may not represent those of the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives or the electric co-ops of Illinois.

4 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING DECEMBER 1999

organization does not guarantee a "charmed life" but it does open doors to opportunity beyond comprehension! I never in my wildest dreams imagined that I would travel with a trade mission to Argentina, Russia, Jordan or Belgium. I never imagined having the opportunity to shake hands with the president of the United States in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, or walk the halls of Congress and be recognized by lawmakers and cabinet members. I never imagined staying up all night editing interviews and writing stories about the impact of the export market on the farmers in my community.

I have lived through the most wonderful and challenging experiences imaginable, but I've worked hard and lived for weeks on tomato soup and popcorn because the cupboards were bare, knowing that hard work would pay off in the end. My youth experiences set the stage for who and what I would become.

There is no such thing as luck. There is opportunity meeting readiness. Young people in this country are our finest natural resource, and our future. If we give them the opportunity today, they will be ready tomorrow!

Someone saw something in you once and had the kindness and foresight to bet on your future. That's part of the reason you are where you are today. Why not take the time to give a young person their first break by helping them get involved in something . . . anything. Make a difference. Your efforts could change that kid's future.

6 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING • DECEMBER 1999