I am proud to be an 11th grade 4-H member from Pierce County. Today, I want to share how 4-H has not only shaped who I am—but helped me find who I was meant to be.
When I was younger, my life was filled with pain and uncertainty. I experienced abuse, neglect and deep loneliness at a very young age. For a long time, I didn’t believe that I belonged anywhere or that my story could ever have a purpose.
But when I joined 4-H in sixth grade, everything began to change. For the first time, I found an outlet—a place where I could be myself, feel accepted, and begin to heal. 4-H gave me something I had been missing: a sense of belonging, confidence and family.
Through 4-H, I found mentors who believed in me when I didn’t yet believe in myself—especially Mrs. Billie Ann and Mrs. Carrie, who have created a safe, encouraging and family-like environment for all of us. They’ve shown me that leadership is about lifting others up and that your past does not define your future.
4-H taught me how to turn my pain into purpose. I discovered my passion for Human Development—understanding how people grow, heal and find harmony in their lives. I dream of becoming a chiropractor, helping others experience full health—physically, mentally, and emotionally— just as I’ve seen it change lives within my own family.
4-H gave me the courage to pursue that dream. It helped me break the cycle I was born into and create a new path filled with hope and purpose.
To me, 4-H isn’t just an extracurricular activity—it’s a movement. A movement that builds character, strengthens communities and gives young people like me a chance to rise above their circumstances.
I am living proof that 4-H changes lives. Because of this program, I’m no longer defined by my past—I’m defined by my potential.
Thank you for supporting 4-H and for believing in the power it has to transform lives—just like it transformed mine.
Nevaeh Baitey is a junior at Pierce County High School. She delivered these remarks about what 4-H means to her during a recent county commission meeting in honor of National 4-H Week.
Baitey
