Every year in honor of Earth Day my 4-H club, The Backwoodsmen, takes a Sunday to clean the roadsides in the the area. So, on April 15th about 15 members and leaders split up the roads and picked up about a miles worth of roadside. Now, everybody can usually find some interesting things that people have dumped over banks. One year my brother found a cell phone, a brand new CD, and a pair of sneakers. Other years multiple soccer and basket balls have been found. One year I even found a salamander when picking up bottles. Of course there are some years that I only found cigarettes and empty soda bottles.
So this year I was full of anticipation as to what I would find. Within 5 minutes of starting my stretch of road I found an old metal vacuum cleaner. My friend and I still have no idea as to how the vacuum cleaner ended up over the bank in the middle of no where, but there it was. So my friend decided she wanted to retrieve it. She jumped over the guard rail and started down the bank. Little did she know there was an ant hill right where she had jumped. While she was working her way down the bank I saw the ants swarming about. I called out to my friend saying, "Hey look at all these ants!" At that time she noticed all the ants crawling up her legs. luckily she didn't fall down the bank as she started hopping and slapping her legs. After she rid herself of the ants she grabbed the vacuum cleaners cord and drug it up the bank.
We were both pretty proud of our discover of the vacuum cleaner, because we doubt that anyone will ever find another vacuum cleaner along side the road. And discoveries like this make cleaning the roadsides fun.
Your 2014 State Council
Friday, April 27, 2012
Wishing for Change
Senior year is a year for celebrating, focusing, making decisions, and even having fun. I would have never thought senior year is a year to change. Change in attitude, change in experiences, and change in where you are headed are all changes that occurred during my senior year.
As you begin to become more involved with situations around you, you have no idea how it will affect you. Senior year is a situation that changed my whole life. It is a time for college acceptances to begin arriving and your decisions become finalized. My search for a college started as a broad want and finished with a narrow-down to a major and college choice. With any situation, the beginning doesn’t matter; it is the ending people notice.
In the summer, I had no inclination of where I wanted to be attending college after four years of high school. Sure I had goals and aspirations, but what if the path I choose isn’t the right choice for me. If I wrote my credentials for college applications once, I wrote them at least 5 more times. As I filled in my name, I saw a clear ending of where I wanted to be. One by one, colleges began to fall off of my list and left me with one choice. That choice I realized is a change in what I will become four years from now.
My suggestion for all of you is that when you start the college search, you might know where you will end up or why you are making the choices you did. Everything that you do know will help you later on. If you stumble, you are still moving forward, which is what matters the most. When you start a project, event or anything else, finish it with the smile you started out with. Through your decisions and choices it doesn’t matter where you are, all that matters is where you end up. Change is a positive element in life.
With something to think about,Ashley MohnPA 4-H State Council Secretary
“A year from now you will wish you had started today.” -Karen Lamb
Everyone needs a few goals
Do you know that feeling you get when you accomplish something you set out to do? It's a sweet satisfying feeling, one that comes after a great accomplishment that keeps you smiling for days. Yeah, I love that feeling. The first start to getting that satisfaction is by setting goals for yourself. Goal setting is a great thing to do, especially when you
finally achieve the goal after you worked hard to get there. There is great
satisfaction in knowing you are capable of completing something you wanted to do. I have set a few goals for myself
already this year, some involving my 4-H horse project and another just
involving something I have always wanted to do.
First I’ll tell you about my goals involving my horse
project. I have worked with my mare for the last few years, and each year we
have improved considerably. It is amazing to think back on how she used to be, and then look at her now as what she has become. So two of my goals that include her are –
1. Place in the top 6 at Round up in the Grooming
and Showmanship class.
2. Place in the top 6 at Round up in the Trail
class.
I think that these will be tough to get, but not impossible.
It will be even more fulfilling if I do make it to districts because my sister
and I were the ones to put in all of her training. There was no professional
instructor for us, which is the most rewarding way to achieve my goals.
The next goal is something I have been meaning to do for the
last several years, and this year I am finally going to do it! I have wanted to
participate in the Apple Pie contest held at my county’s fair, but have never
actually gotten to do it because I was busy preparing my market animals. It
always slipped my mind until after the submissions were done. This year I intend to not forget and actually get one
submitted. Perhaps I will even make it to Farm Show? But I won't get ahead of myself. That would be amazing, but
for now I will just be happy with submitting my apple pie into my county
contest.
What about your own goals? Do you have any set? If not you
should think about some, even if they seem like they are simple ones. When you
do reach them be sure to enjoy accomplishing them, because you were capable of attaining them!
Sincerely,
Danielle Knapp
Reporter
Sunday, April 1, 2012
A taste of college...
Thinking of college is quite easy, but actually going and seeing where I'm going to be living and studying can be very intimidating. In January, I received my acceptance letter into Penn State University Park and I was the happiest person in the whole world! I couldn't believe I got in and couldn't wait to be on the campus going to classes and meeting new people.
Like most other colleges, Penn State offers an overnight stay to get a feel of the college life. Instead of being put on by the college though, the one I went to was put on by the Pre-Vet Club. The head of the Animal Science major was there and also the head of the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences department. Upon arrival, I checked in and talked to my college host student a little bit about college and what to expect. She is a junior at Penn State and her major is Animal Science which is my intended major. It was very helpful to be with someone that has already been through so much at college and is now applying to Vet schools. I was there Thursday night to Saturday and all day Friday went to classes with my host. Being at this overnight stay made me feel so much better about going to college and made it seem less intimidating. But wait, this was not the end of my college adventure...
On Saturday, the Pre-Vet club was also hosting a Pre-Vet Symposium! It started early that morning and went till 4 in the afternoon. I was able to hear a lecture on Zoonosis by a Penn State Professor and lectures on different case studies and Toxicology by different Veterinarians. They were all very interesting and taught me so much information. We were also able to participate in a lab. The lab I was in was a dissection of a chicken. The only animals that I have ever dissected were rats and fetal pigs that were preserved in formaldehyde, but these chickens were fresh and by that I mean still warm! It was definitely a first for me! But as we started, it wasn't that bad and I learned a lot! I also was able to even remember some of the parts inside from by high school classes. Overall, both of these experiences were great and gave me a new perspective of a college student and as a veterinarian.
This month has been very busy getting ready for college. Not only that but of course 4-H events! State Council's upcoming event is Capitol Days and we hope to see lots and lots of 4-H members there!
Truly,
Liz McAndrew
PA State 4-H Vice President of Operations and Events
Like most other colleges, Penn State offers an overnight stay to get a feel of the college life. Instead of being put on by the college though, the one I went to was put on by the Pre-Vet Club. The head of the Animal Science major was there and also the head of the Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences department. Upon arrival, I checked in and talked to my college host student a little bit about college and what to expect. She is a junior at Penn State and her major is Animal Science which is my intended major. It was very helpful to be with someone that has already been through so much at college and is now applying to Vet schools. I was there Thursday night to Saturday and all day Friday went to classes with my host. Being at this overnight stay made me feel so much better about going to college and made it seem less intimidating. But wait, this was not the end of my college adventure...
On Saturday, the Pre-Vet club was also hosting a Pre-Vet Symposium! It started early that morning and went till 4 in the afternoon. I was able to hear a lecture on Zoonosis by a Penn State Professor and lectures on different case studies and Toxicology by different Veterinarians. They were all very interesting and taught me so much information. We were also able to participate in a lab. The lab I was in was a dissection of a chicken. The only animals that I have ever dissected were rats and fetal pigs that were preserved in formaldehyde, but these chickens were fresh and by that I mean still warm! It was definitely a first for me! But as we started, it wasn't that bad and I learned a lot! I also was able to even remember some of the parts inside from by high school classes. Overall, both of these experiences were great and gave me a new perspective of a college student and as a veterinarian.
This month has been very busy getting ready for college. Not only that but of course 4-H events! State Council's upcoming event is Capitol Days and we hope to see lots and lots of 4-H members there!
Truly,
Liz McAndrew
PA State 4-H Vice President of Operations and Events
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Never Say Impossible!
A quote by Audrey Hepburn really explains how I have been involved during March. “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says I’m possible.” The month started with a face-to-face meeting with team building activities that bond me closer to my fellow team members. Some of the activities were taking what I knew about myself and digging deeper into something greater. We shared an unbelievable amount of items with the team that helped us to understand where we were all coming from.
I am proud to say that 3 of the 5 weekends in March were filled with 4-H events. I represented the team along side Sarah and Danny at Clinton County’s teen retreat. Here is where we engaged the youth in team building activities as well as spreading the news about events on the state level. A big point we tried to overlay was that we are always looking for State Council applicants. The application is on the Penn State 4-H site under State Council. If you have any questions you can contact any of us as council members, or you county extension educators. It’s an amazing opportunity!
In my home county we are celebrating the 100th Birthday of 4-H with a big event. To make the event a huge success a group of 4-Hers around the county as well as adult leaders has formed a committee. I serve on the committee and am helping to plan the early fall get together. We had our first meeting in March where we tossed around ideas as to what we want the event to be. I think we are well on our way to having a day of fun and excitement!
My next big adventure was rocking out the Leadership positions with Montgomery County 4-H. I actually just got home from a day of learning with this county. Here the teens learned how to be an effective communicator and leader in their clubs as officers.
It may have been a packed month of 4-H events, but during each event the team became stronger and more ready to tackle each future event. April will be filled with preparations for Capital Days. Hope to see you all there!
With something to think about,
Ashley Mohn
State Council Secretary
“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life’s coming attractions.”
Cow washing in Bradford County
There are some people who ask their kid to go out to wash their cars during the spring, but here in Bradford County they send their kids out to wash heifers. Yes, it’s a cow wash! The cow wash is on the Thursday before our annual Calf and Heifer sale on Saturday. On Thursday people who have donated heifers for the sale bring them in, and it is our job to wash them up and make them look good for the sale. Other 4-H kids and I help to wash the heifers. We usually get at least 60 cows, and all day it’s a repetition; unload them, tie them to the wash rack, wash them, and then put them in a nice bedded spot. After they are in the bedded area it is someone’s job to scoop up any poop so the heifers don’t lay in it and need another wash.
The next day the cows are spot washed, unless they got really dirty over night. They are then clipped up so that they look good for the buyers the day of the sale. I don’t usually go on this day, because I am busy at home preparing some goodies for the food booth for the auction. The food booth is run by the County Council of our county. I am happily in the food booth all day during the sale. We are sometimes hard pressed for volunteers in the booth because there are 4-H members helping out in the live auction holding items up for the bidders to see. The 4-Hers that helped during the previous days of the sale also get to lead their choice of a heifer around in the ring to present. The food booth workers create a system so it runs smoothly and the food is given to the customers quickly, even if we don’t have a lot of helpers. Sometimes it is better with a smaller amount so that we don’t run into each other in the booth… which has happened before, and we have learned from it.
This year the Calf and Heifer sale is the day before Easter, April 7th. I hope that the weather decides to warm up a bit during our cow washing, so the poor girls don’t get too cold! As mentioned a little bit earlier included in the sale we have a live and silent auction filled with items that 4-H Volunteers have asked local businesses to donate, or have made themselves. In the silent auction the items are ones that each club from our county has donated, usually they consist of baskets, like a picnic basket, hunting basket, toys basket, and so on. Each club gets to come up with their own idea and bring at least one basket to the sale. The live auction and silent auction proceeds go to the funding for our 4-H building at the fair to keep it running and get the bills paid.
I’m looking forward to it again this year, because it is always a good time... even if it is in cold weather! It will be a little bit tricky for some of us with Easter the next day, but will still be very enjoyable. Spending time with friends and supporting 4-H as a team is some of my favorite things to do on a Saturday.
Enjoy your Easter weekend!
Danielle Knapp
Reporter
Everyday We Learn Something New!
Every day we learn something new, whether it is a random
fact or a life lesson. So I decided to share some of the things that I have
learned this past month through 4-H.
1: Everyone should color. Coloring brings out the kid in us.
2: I need to get a GPS because I don’t pay attention to road
names well enough.
3: Ashley and I both like romantic movies
4: The 4th H was originally Hustle in 1911 but in
1912 it was changed to Heart.
5: For long road trips a couple of good CDs with sing-able
songs are needed.
6: Every county does 4-H differently
7: It isn’t hard as we think to teach a workshop. (As long
as you are prepared ahead of time.)
8: Sometimes it’s good to change tradition.
9: You can never be too prepared.
10: Every group of friends needs a techy.
These are just a couple of the random things I
learned. I encourage you to think about what you have learned this past month. It
is crazy the things we pick and carry with us the rest of our lives.
fact or a life lesson. So I decided to share some of the things that I have
learned this past month through 4-H.
1: Everyone should color. Coloring brings out the kid in us.
2: I need to get a GPS because I don’t pay attention to road
names well enough.
3: Ashley and I both like romantic movies
4: The 4th H was originally Hustle in 1911 but in
1912 it was changed to Heart.
5: For long road trips a couple of good CDs with sing-able
songs are needed.
6: Every county does 4-H differently
7: It isn’t hard as we think to teach a workshop. (As long
as you are prepared ahead of time.)
8: Sometimes it’s good to change tradition.
9: You can never be too prepared.
10: Every group of friends needs a techy.
These are just a couple of the random things I
learned. I encourage you to think about what you have learned this past month. It
is crazy the things we pick and carry with us the rest of our lives.
Springtime
March 21 began the official first day of spring, and we have had some crazy weather to kick spring off. Even though the weather has been a little rough that hasn't stopped the regular happenings of spring to go on. This month I visited several places some were close ,and some far away. On the second through the fourth I attended the Southwest Teen Leader Retreat, where Liz Mcandrew and I taught a class on the leadership ladder. We also had a council face to face in which we did several team building opportunities. I also attended th Penn State Dubios reception, where I toured campus. Now I wont be lost when i start down there this fall.
Another thing that happened this month is my boss found out that he has the early stages of cancer, I ask that you keep him in your prayers. He is an awesome guy and is more of a grandpa to me than a boss.
March was a thoughroly enjoyable month, all the 4h steer kids have their projects and have started to walk them. Everyone is in full swing to start the year. I wish all the livestock kids a good year for their projects , and I hope everyone will take advantage of our good weather. Thanks and Good Luck. This is your council VP of Internal Affairs and Sentinel
Garrett J. Richardson
Another thing that happened this month is my boss found out that he has the early stages of cancer, I ask that you keep him in your prayers. He is an awesome guy and is more of a grandpa to me than a boss.
March was a thoughroly enjoyable month, all the 4h steer kids have their projects and have started to walk them. Everyone is in full swing to start the year. I wish all the livestock kids a good year for their projects , and I hope everyone will take advantage of our good weather. Thanks and Good Luck. This is your council VP of Internal Affairs and Sentinel
Garrett J. Richardson
Friday, March 2, 2012
Piglets and calves
This past month was another busy one down here in my neck of the woods. My farm has had a busy month, from adding on to our farrowing, haveing litters of pigs, school, oh and of course working. I get the privlage not only to work on my farm with sheep, hogs, and donkeys but also to work at a local dairy farm. The cool part about my job is I have learned so much about dairy and the many aspects of that industry, but also some of the simplest things that everyone should know. I have learned enough at both farms to realize that i truely do want to work with livestock and farming the rest of my life!
At my place I have learned stuff such as how to artifically insemenate a sow or gilt, how to properly give shots, ear notch piglets,catch ewes and sows/gilts when their in heat, judge for proper quality in my livestock and also how to love what I am doing. The dairy farm however has taught me how to appreciate being able to grow up on a farm. I have only been working there for 3 monthes now and I'm already doing things that the other kids working there had to wait a lot longer to do. My boss has taken the time to show me how to artifically insemenate a cow, which is so much different then a pig, they've showen me how to give pills to calves and even how to properly feed a newborn calf. I have come to the conclusion tho had it not been for 4-H I probably would have wanted to quit this new job by now. 4-H has taught me to take every new opportunity given and make the best out of it. I mean heck I'm the only girl that works at the farm and yet i can show up some of the guys when it comes to driving some of the equipment, or getting a calf that won't drink to drink.
Hope to see alot of you at Capital Days here in April!
At my place I have learned stuff such as how to artifically insemenate a sow or gilt, how to properly give shots, ear notch piglets,catch ewes and sows/gilts when their in heat, judge for proper quality in my livestock and also how to love what I am doing. The dairy farm however has taught me how to appreciate being able to grow up on a farm. I have only been working there for 3 monthes now and I'm already doing things that the other kids working there had to wait a lot longer to do. My boss has taken the time to show me how to artifically insemenate a cow, which is so much different then a pig, they've showen me how to give pills to calves and even how to properly feed a newborn calf. I have come to the conclusion tho had it not been for 4-H I probably would have wanted to quit this new job by now. 4-H has taught me to take every new opportunity given and make the best out of it. I mean heck I'm the only girl that works at the farm and yet i can show up some of the guys when it comes to driving some of the equipment, or getting a calf that won't drink to drink.
Hope to see alot of you at Capital Days here in April!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
What an exciting month!......
February was a very action pack month for my side of the state. We began the month with the anticipated yet dreaded appearance of Punxy Phil, a groundhog that looks for his shadow to determine whether or not we will have six more weeks of winter or if it will be an early spring. Yeah, we're crazy ,but the youth in the area don't seem to mind. They get two whole days of school off.
The week after that, love was in the air, emotions were high, and many men (including me) were actually shopping. Feb. 14 and that whole week was very pleasant, not only because of the occasion, but also the weather. At the end of that week my county had their Leader's Symposium. I was asked to represent council ,and give a presentation on our county, regional, state, and national events. The first night of the Symposium I didn't have to be there, but I went anyway. Halfway through the night, when we came down to the last two presenters, my extension agent ,Carol Schurman, came to me and asked if I could speak in her workshop. I agreed, thinking I could look over her materials and speak on her subject. About the time I began to search through her notes, she came up to me and asked me to pick a random card from the dreaded, green impromptu cards. My mind was spazzing out thinking "Impromptu, she meant impromptu speech!!" I slowly pull a card, I read it, the subject " To you what does pledging your heart to greater Loyalty mean?" It is not a hard hard question to talk on, until you actually start trying to think what your are going to say. Mind you this is two minutes before she started her presentation. Three minutes into her speech she starts introducing me ,and I do not even have the first sentence in my head. I take my place at the head of the room and start. " How many of you know what the 4H pledge truly means?...." after that my words spewed a motivational speech about What the 4-H pledge meant to me with an emphasis on Heart. I ended took my seat as the audience judged my skills. I collected papers and to my delight my three minute impromptu speech got no lower than a score of 95. Talk about an ego booster. The weekend couldn't have gotten better ,or could it have? I did my presentation on the events ,and as I was handing out my council business card, a lady who listened to my impromptu speech and attended my workshop, came to me and asked if I would come be a motivational speaker at their county's round-up.
As I said February was an action packed month. I will be speaking at several round-ups ,because of my involvement with the state council. It taught me the speaking skills, and I am really now looking for a way to give back. Until Next month this is your Council Vice President of Internal Affairs and Sentinel. Garrett Richardson.
The week after that, love was in the air, emotions were high, and many men (including me) were actually shopping. Feb. 14 and that whole week was very pleasant, not only because of the occasion, but also the weather. At the end of that week my county had their Leader's Symposium. I was asked to represent council ,and give a presentation on our county, regional, state, and national events. The first night of the Symposium I didn't have to be there, but I went anyway. Halfway through the night, when we came down to the last two presenters, my extension agent ,Carol Schurman, came to me and asked if I could speak in her workshop. I agreed, thinking I could look over her materials and speak on her subject. About the time I began to search through her notes, she came up to me and asked me to pick a random card from the dreaded, green impromptu cards. My mind was spazzing out thinking "Impromptu, she meant impromptu speech!!" I slowly pull a card, I read it, the subject " To you what does pledging your heart to greater Loyalty mean?" It is not a hard hard question to talk on, until you actually start trying to think what your are going to say. Mind you this is two minutes before she started her presentation. Three minutes into her speech she starts introducing me ,and I do not even have the first sentence in my head. I take my place at the head of the room and start. " How many of you know what the 4H pledge truly means?...." after that my words spewed a motivational speech about What the 4-H pledge meant to me with an emphasis on Heart. I ended took my seat as the audience judged my skills. I collected papers and to my delight my three minute impromptu speech got no lower than a score of 95. Talk about an ego booster. The weekend couldn't have gotten better ,or could it have? I did my presentation on the events ,and as I was handing out my council business card, a lady who listened to my impromptu speech and attended my workshop, came to me and asked if I would come be a motivational speaker at their county's round-up.
As I said February was an action packed month. I will be speaking at several round-ups ,because of my involvement with the state council. It taught me the speaking skills, and I am really now looking for a way to give back. Until Next month this is your Council Vice President of Internal Affairs and Sentinel. Garrett Richardson.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
And the placings are...
Horse shows. They are confusing to most people that haven't been to one and even to those that have still are confused. Now, to get even more confusing there are horse shows for high school and middle school students through the organization, Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). During the fall and winter I dedicate some weekends for these horse shows and once a week to lessons. Sounds like a huge commitment but when your one of those "crazy horse people" it's more like having fun and relaxing than a commitment.
So the question your probably asking is, what is IEA? Well, to make it short and simple it's a program set up for high school and middle school students to go to different horse show locations, English style or Western style, and ride that facilities horses. So, no you are not bringing your own horse. You ride a completely different horse that you know nothing about and try to place well enough to accumulate 15 points in order to make it to regionals or zones. From then you have to place well enough to make it to nationals. Yes, that is the shortest way I can explain it, sorry.
This was my second year doing the English style for IEA and I had high expectations for myself. Starting this month, I had 11 points in my one class, on the flat, and seven points in my jumping class. So, I needed four points in the one class and eight more in the other in order to qualify for my regional horse show. I was a little nervous because I only had two shows left and I needed to get good places. The first horse show, which was five hours away, I got a fourth place on the flat and a third place in my jumping. That fourth place was enough to get me the 15 points I needed for on the flat but the third only gave me 11 points in my jumping. So, thankfully I was able to already say I made it on the flat to regionals but I really needed to get a third or better at the last show. The day finally came and I heard that there was going to be a lot in my jumping class. Then, I found out what horse I had and got even more nervous because I had already seen a girl fall off him. At that point, my hopes were pretty down but I went in the class and give it my all. After about 45 minutes, I finally heard the announcer say that they were ready to pin the class. My heart was beating so fast! "And the placings are..first.....and second goes to Elizabeth McAndrew!!! I couldn't believe it! I placed second out of all those people and qualified for regionals! It was definitely a moment I will never forget because this was my first and last year to qualify.
I wasn't able to place at regionals but I'm still proud to say that I made it there and did my best. I was even awarded a High Point Placing at the regional banquet for accumulating the most points. Even though at first I felt like I couldn't do it, I never gave up and I always tried my best. No matter what the odds are don't give up and good things will come of it!
Sincerely,
Liz McAndrew
PA State 4-H Council Vice President of Operations and Events
So the question your probably asking is, what is IEA? Well, to make it short and simple it's a program set up for high school and middle school students to go to different horse show locations, English style or Western style, and ride that facilities horses. So, no you are not bringing your own horse. You ride a completely different horse that you know nothing about and try to place well enough to accumulate 15 points in order to make it to regionals or zones. From then you have to place well enough to make it to nationals. Yes, that is the shortest way I can explain it, sorry.
This was my second year doing the English style for IEA and I had high expectations for myself. Starting this month, I had 11 points in my one class, on the flat, and seven points in my jumping class. So, I needed four points in the one class and eight more in the other in order to qualify for my regional horse show. I was a little nervous because I only had two shows left and I needed to get good places. The first horse show, which was five hours away, I got a fourth place on the flat and a third place in my jumping. That fourth place was enough to get me the 15 points I needed for on the flat but the third only gave me 11 points in my jumping. So, thankfully I was able to already say I made it on the flat to regionals but I really needed to get a third or better at the last show. The day finally came and I heard that there was going to be a lot in my jumping class. Then, I found out what horse I had and got even more nervous because I had already seen a girl fall off him. At that point, my hopes were pretty down but I went in the class and give it my all. After about 45 minutes, I finally heard the announcer say that they were ready to pin the class. My heart was beating so fast! "And the placings are..first.....and second goes to Elizabeth McAndrew!!! I couldn't believe it! I placed second out of all those people and qualified for regionals! It was definitely a moment I will never forget because this was my first and last year to qualify.
I wasn't able to place at regionals but I'm still proud to say that I made it there and did my best. I was even awarded a High Point Placing at the regional banquet for accumulating the most points. Even though at first I felt like I couldn't do it, I never gave up and I always tried my best. No matter what the odds are don't give up and good things will come of it!
Sincerely,
Liz McAndrew
PA State 4-H Council Vice President of Operations and Events
Homeschooled kids are cool kids too
There is a saying I have heard a few times before. “That weird homeschooled kid.” I never used to understand it, because I was a homeschooled kid. Now that I am older I can better understand. Other kids find homeschooled kids to be different, mostly because the stereotypical version of them lacks social interaction. That is not true for all of them. I am homeschooled, but I have had PLENTY of social interaction that many don’t think of me as ‘that weird homeschooled kid’. In fact there are times where some of my friends have even forgotten that I am homeschooled. I have 4-H to thank for that. Without the program, I would not be able to speak in front of others at all. Now when first meeting people I am quiet, but I warm up eventually.
Now there are times that people say “I wish I could be homeschooled too.” Yeah it is great for me, because I can pick the hours to work on school but I don’t just sit around all day doing nothing. I have work to do. I live on an Organic dairy farm that my parents run, but I help them do it along with my other siblings. We also have beef cows, horses, dogs, chickens, and goats to take care of as well. So it’s not all fun and games for me, some homeschooled kids’ maybe, but not this one.
I attend PACyber which is an online school that gives me a course to follow. I have been homeschooled ever since I was little. What started me off with it was my mother. She started us in homeschooling because my older siblings had some trouble with public schooling. I have never switched from being homeschooled. I will admit, there were times when I would think about going to public school, but being able to stay at home and do my work was easier for me while working on the farm and taking care of it.
The most awkward times for me, I would say are when my friends are talking about afterschool programs such as sports or other after school activities. I have never experienced them. I just get to listen to what that person has to say about it. I like hearing it, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t have much to contribute to the conversation. There were chances for me to get into sports but homeschooling sports aren’t advertised well or they are a big distance to get to, so instead I use my time to work with the animals on the farm. This gives me more chances to go to 4-H events as well, so I don’t really mind. I also have more time to work with my horse and goats. So being homeschooled works well for me, but may not be the best choice for others.
I hope to see many of you at our next event, Capital Days!
Danielle Knapp
State Council Reporter
Now there are times that people say “I wish I could be homeschooled too.” Yeah it is great for me, because I can pick the hours to work on school but I don’t just sit around all day doing nothing. I have work to do. I live on an Organic dairy farm that my parents run, but I help them do it along with my other siblings. We also have beef cows, horses, dogs, chickens, and goats to take care of as well. So it’s not all fun and games for me, some homeschooled kids’ maybe, but not this one.
I attend PACyber which is an online school that gives me a course to follow. I have been homeschooled ever since I was little. What started me off with it was my mother. She started us in homeschooling because my older siblings had some trouble with public schooling. I have never switched from being homeschooled. I will admit, there were times when I would think about going to public school, but being able to stay at home and do my work was easier for me while working on the farm and taking care of it.
The most awkward times for me, I would say are when my friends are talking about afterschool programs such as sports or other after school activities. I have never experienced them. I just get to listen to what that person has to say about it. I like hearing it, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t have much to contribute to the conversation. There were chances for me to get into sports but homeschooling sports aren’t advertised well or they are a big distance to get to, so instead I use my time to work with the animals on the farm. This gives me more chances to go to 4-H events as well, so I don’t really mind. I also have more time to work with my horse and goats. So being homeschooled works well for me, but may not be the best choice for others.
I hope to see many of you at our next event, Capital Days!
Danielle Knapp
State Council Reporter
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