4-H helped me find where I belong. America made that opportunity possible.

OGDEN — My successes are a testament to my country and the opportunities it has given me.

Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t belong anywhere, like many kids, teenagers, and even adults. I spent a long time searching for something that would help me discover who I was and where I fit in. I tried soccer, dance, gymnastics, flag football, and sewing classes but hadn’t quite found the place I fell in love with and wanted to invest my time, energy and passion into. This search led me to 4-H.

4-H is a youth development organization where young people learn by doing. The 4-H motto is “To make the best better.” I believe this means to continually help youth learn, grow, and figure out what they are capable of. The program began in the United States over a century ago and has since spread to countries around the world, impacting millions of people. I’m grateful that America invested in a program like 4-H because it completely changed my life.

Through 4-H, I show lambs, which means I buy a market lamb to raise throughout the summer. Preparing him for the show world is like training to be an athlete. Part of the preparation includes teaching it how to brace. Bracing is teaching the lamb to stand firm and push back against you while the judge is handling it. This helps the judge evaluate the lamb’s muscle body and shape while the lamb stays in the right position.

I also teach my lamb to walk with me, leading it with my hand to show the judge how it moves and give the judge a good look at my lamb. These things help the judge see the control I have over my animal and the training I have put into it.

Not only do you have to teach your animal how to present in the way you want them to but you also have to feed it morning and night, do activities like running and walking to work on muscle development, and wash, sheer and care for its medical needs to make sure it’s the healthiest it can be. This has taught me responsibility, hard work, and how to care for something beyond myself.

I have served as an Agriscience Ambassador, teaching other 4-H members about the science behind agriculture — that agriculture is part of everything we do. Agriculture is more than farming and raising animals, it is connected to the food we eat, the clothes we wear, and even the technology we use.

It is rewarding to inspire 4-H members to ask questions like, “Where does my food come from? Where do my clothes come from? How does agriculture impact my everyday life?” I also want to encourage them to think about how they can make agriculture better, become involved in the industry, and develop into leaders who can share what they have learned with others. Even if these members don’t have an agriculture background they can still be involved and find their place in this field.

I worked hard to earn the amazing opportunity to serve as one of eight Utah 4-H State Ambassadors for the 2026–2027 year. I am so grateful for this opportunity because I love helping others discover what interests them and how they can use those interests to make our world a better place while also learning more about themselves.

One of my favorite parts of 4-H is not only the opportunities it has given me, but also the people and relationships it has brought into my life. I have met some incredible people who have helped shape me into the person I am today.

Through 4-H, I have had opportunities I never imagined, from teaching youth across Utah to teaching at the Ignite by 4-H Conference in Washington, D.C. I was also invited to attend an agriculture celebration at the White House, where I had the opportunity to hear the President of the United States speak about the future of agriculture in our nation.

Being at the White House and hearing President Trump speak about something I am so passionate about and hold so close to my heart was an experience I will never forget.

These are experiences and relationships I may never have had without 4-H, and I am incredibly grateful for everything this organization has given me. I look forward to using what I have learned to give back, inspire other youth, and help them discover the opportunities that 4-H and agriculture can provide.

The American Dream isn’t just about personal success. To me it’s about having the freedom to discover your passions, serve others, and become the best version of yourself. America has given me the opportunity to learn, lead, and grow through organizations like 4-H, and because of that, I want to help create those same opportunities for future generations.

This is a great program for teaching future generations about agriculture and showing them that you don’t have to live on a farm or ranch to make a difference in agriculture. I live in a very urbanized area, but that didn’t stop me from buying and raising a lamb. All I needed was a small pen, the willingness to learn, and the passion.

There are so many ways to be involved in agriculture, no matter where you live. It can even be as simple as growing a garden, caring for an animal, or even having a plant in your window. Agriculture is all around us, and you don’t have to live on a farm to be a part of it. I hope I can help other youth realize that agriculture has a place for everyone.

As our country celebrates 250 years of history, I hope we continue investing in young people, agriculture, education, and leadership. The future of America depends on youth who are willing to serve their communities, work hard, and make a difference. I know that because 4-H helped me become one of them.

Note to readers • This contest was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune, Spy Hop and Amplify Utah. It was supported through a grant from the American Journalism Project.