4-H: Can make dreams come true
When our daughter Carrie graduates from medical school next May in California and writes "M.D." next to her name, one of the life experiences she will attribute to that success will be her 10 years in Marian Crumb's 4-H group.
No one who works with horses, in a serious way, can escape developing a good work ethic, but the 4-H program turns that effort into excellence. As I watch Carrie pouring through her USMLE step 2 review book (for the second part of National Board exams), I am reminded of her comprehensive study of the "Horse Industry Handbook" in preparation for 4-H "Horse Bowl" (individually she placed 2nd for the state of Idaho and competed with her team at the national level). That experience will also serve her well when she takes oral board exams someday.
She has been an officer in her medical class all four years: leadership and organizational skills taught in 4-H! Medical students are consistently called upon to make oral presentations on patients/medical topics/etc. in rounds with peers, residents and attending physicians. Anyone who has ever delivered their 4H oral presentation on their chosen topic to the judicious critique of Marian Crumb will never been intimidated by another audience! Carrie is hoping to specialize in pediatric endocrinology: after medical school three years of residency and a three-year fellowship, but after that long road, it is her dream to return to Coeur d'Alene to practice. It is also her dream to become a 4-H leader, and encourage her patients (primarily children/teens with diabetes) who have an interest in horses to join the 4-H club.
True, she could still involve her patients with horses in other ways, but the 4-H organization gives so much more breath and depth of opportunity. It offers a nurturing community of learning, camaraderie, competition and developing life skills - including instilling in each member a commitment to service. (Do you have any idea how much trash would pile up without 4-H clubs to pick it up?) I know times are tough, but I see a lot of things that have far less a positive impact on our community. 4-H is about the character of our youth - youth who in turn become positive contributing members of our society.
DENISE GRAVES
Hayden Lake