4-H Stories....
Melissa Daniel
Melissa Daniel, UT Martin student and former 4-H Foundation Board of Directors member, relates her 4-H story:
“Mom, Dad, I’m going to run for 4-H Governor next year at Congress. “I proudly announced after returning from Congress as a public speaking delegate. My parents encouraged me to run for office, but told me to not be disappointed if I did not win. After all, I was just a shy little girl from Wayne County. For months I prepared to run for Governor making signs, printing stickers, and writing speeches. Finally, one other delegate and I from Wayne County headed to Nashville with high hopes and expectations.
I made it through district elections only to find that the most attractive guy in 4-H was running against me from the Cumberland District. I was so scared! But thankfully had two incredible roommates -- Tara Berry and Allison Clarkson -- who supported me and helped me throughout my campaign.
The election came down to Brant Hall and me. I was sure he had won, but then Chris Vessell announced me as the 2000-2001 State 4-H Congress Governor. I was in shock and in tears. As I walked off the stage, Mrs. Mary Jo Brinkmann gave me a hug and told me how proud she was of me. I will never forget that moment. It was then I realized that I could do anything as long as I believed in myself.
Serving as Congress Governor and State All Star Scribe were great experiences, but not the highlight of my 4-H career. There is not just one moment in 4-H that stands out in my head the most. Rather, it was the many moments of challenging myself to halter break a steer, overcoming my fear to speak in public, realizing that I could be a leader and make a difference, and making friends and meeting people who will forever be in my heart. The 4-H staff inspired me to make the most of every opportunity and are still role models in my life. If I am having a bad day, it never fails that Cliff Howard, Russell Hale, or Michael Coley will just happen to call and lift my spirits. And my Congress roommate, Allison Clarkson, is my best friend who I can count on for anything.
4-H to me is about learning who you are, what you want to do with you life, and meeting people who serve as inspiration to succeed in wherever you life takes you. 4-H has contributed greatly to the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for all 4-H has given me.