Oxford youth take unique approach to Leadership
OXFORD – It’s no secret that today’s youth feel pressure. Pressure to excel in school, go to college, get a job, etc. How they overcome those pressures is a true testament to their character. Take Oxford natives Madalyn and Natalie Barrows for example.
The sisters, Madalyn, 10, and Natalie, 12, credit their enrollment in 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization, to helping them overcome adversity and helping build confidence along the way. The life skills taught through 4-H has helped them learn to work with others, overcome challenges and complete jobs once they started them.
Madalyn and Natalie took advantage of the breadth of programs 4-H offers, from science and agriculture to business and creative arts.
“Both of my parents were in 4-H when they were growing up, so it was a family tradition for me to join,” said Natalie, an eight-year veteran of 4-H. “Our mom has horses and I wanted an opportunity to get involved in equestrian sports and the community; 4-H provided the opportunity for both.” Madalyn, a five-year veteran of 4-H, added, “I wanted to be a part of something that brought me together with other people who had similar interests,” she says. “4-H has allowed me to interact with others who have the same interests.”
Today, when Madalyn and Natalie aren’t pursuing their passion for equestrian sports, the sisters craft unique items from recycled objects. They also spend time volunteering in the community through activities such as Christmas caroling at the local senior center.
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 and work at to be a good leader. But, those same youth need supportive adults to help them along the way.
4-H brings a community together to grow true leaders – helping build confidence, teamwork, curiosity and resilience.
“My 4-H leaders have been great influences in my life,” adds Natalie. “They have been great about pushing me to try other things within 4-H, which led to my involvement in public presentations and acting.”
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 Cornell Cooperative Extension or visit 4H.org.
The sisters, Madalyn, 10, and Natalie, 12, credit their enrollment in 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization, to helping them overcome adversity and helping build confidence along the way. The life skills taught through 4-H has helped them learn to work with others, overcome challenges and complete jobs once they started them.
Madalyn and Natalie took advantage of the breadth of programs 4-H offers, from science and agriculture to business and creative arts.
“Both of my parents were in 4-H when they were growing up, so it was a family tradition for me to join,” said Natalie, an eight-year veteran of 4-H. “Our mom has horses and I wanted an opportunity to get involved in equestrian sports and the community; 4-H provided the opportunity for both.” Madalyn, a five-year veteran of 4-H, added, “I wanted to be a part of something that brought me together with other people who had similar interests,” she says. “4-H has allowed me to interact with others who have the same interests.”
Today, when Madalyn and Natalie aren’t pursuing their passion for equestrian sports, the sisters craft unique items from recycled objects. They also spend time volunteering in the community through activities such as Christmas caroling at the local senior center.
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 and work at to be a good leader. But, those same youth need supportive adults to help them along the way.
4-H brings a community together to grow true leaders – helping build confidence, teamwork, curiosity and resilience.
“My 4-H leaders have been great influences in my life,” adds Natalie. “They have been great about pushing me to try other things within 4-H, which led to my involvement in public presentations and acting.”
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 Cornell Cooperative Extension or visit 4H.org.
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