Stories

Amy Wenning
Henry, Indiana, 1997 to 2007

"I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world." I have repeated this pledge hundreds of times over the last ten years. It has become more than just a recited verse. It has become my pledge for life. "I pledge my head to clearer thinkg..." One year while sewing my formal, I realized I had cut our the wrong pattern piece. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough fabric to cut a new piece and judging was not far away. Eventually I was able to find enough fabric from a different store to cut out a new piece. I saved my project from being a catastrophe. Instead of panicking I was able to use clear thinking and problem solving to fix my mistake. "I pledge my heart to greater loyalty..." 4-H has taught me put my whole heart into every project I attempt. I have really enjoyed the flowers project and have poured my heart into raising flowers and creating arrangements. The effort paid off when I won Grand Champion of the Flowers project. I learned that to be successful in a career and in life, I must put my heart into everything I do. "I pledge...my hands to larger service..." 4-H has taught me the importance of volunteerism and helping others. One time, my 4-H club, the Dudley-Do Rights Club, got to work at the Lewisville Park as a service project. While there, we planted flowers, painted trash barrels, and spread mulch. We all had a fun time, but more importantly helped beautify our community. Through 4-H, I have learned that the rewards of volunteerism far outweigh the pain of the work. I want to continue giving of myself throughout my life. "I pledge...my health to better living..." Working with livestock has given me the opportunity to keep physically active and enjoy the outdoors. I have many great (and not so great) memories of working with my steer and many pigs. I have also made many friends in 4-H whom I hope to keep in contact with throughout my life. When I entered 4-H, I was a shy 4th grader. Now I am leaving as a proud 10 year member. I will never forget the lessons learned and the memories gained. Someday when my children are 4-Hers and Junior Leaders, I hope I can teach them the many lessons my mom, dad, and grandma taught me. It was only through their patience and willingness to work with me that I succeeded in 4-H. "For my club, my community, my country, and my world." I am prepared to follow this pledge in every aspect of my life. I am sad to say goodbye, but I am extremely happy that I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in 4-H in Henry County.