4-H Stories....
Patrick Hamilton
Patrick Hamilton is a former active member from Hamblen County, Tennessee. He is currently serving as an assistant to Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen. Here is Patrick's 4-H story:
All throughout my 4-H career I had three goals. They included being a national winner in the dog project, receiving Vol State recognition at 4-H Roundup, and being elected State All Star Big Chief.
In 1995 I won state in the Level II Dog project and received a trip to National 4-H Congress. They no longer were doing national competitions, so I figured I got as close as possible to accomplishing my first goal. That same year I was recognized as a recipient of the Vol State award at 4-H Roundup. Goal two accomplished!
However, I remember the election for State All Star Big Chief like it was yesterday! I was so nervous standing by campfire waiting to see who would be elected. I knew I had won. I was sure of it. Imagine my surprise when I was not “tapped in” as the new State Big Chief. I was devastated.
The outgoing Big Chief, Robert “Turtle” Meadows, talked to me for well over an hour after that campfire. He helped me to realize that sometimes we learn more about ourselves and the world around us when we loose. That moment was truly an epiphany!
That single loss helped me to take on a new perspective. I am so thankful for that experience and the way it literally changed my life. The many friends that I met during my 4-H tenure are still some of my closest. 4-H truly helps in the development of great youth!