Marta Lengyel.
It’s no secret that today’s youth feel pressure. Pressure to excel in school, go to college, get a job, etc. How they constructively deal with those pressures is a true testament to their character. Take Owego native Marta Lengyel for example.
Lengyel, 17, credits her enrollment in 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization, to helping her overcome challenges and helping build confidence along the way. The life skills taught through 4-H helped Marta learn to work with others, overcome obstacles and complete jobs once she started them.
Lengyel took advantage of the breadth of programs 4-H offers, from science and agriculture to business and creative arts.
“My mother was a big proponent of 4-H and that helped me join when I was eight,” says Lengyel. “I started out showing horses and market lambs, but also participated in dog competitions, history programs and marksmanship.”
Lengyel has progressed so much in marksmanship that she is now a certified junior instructor, helping teach younger members of the rifle team.
America needs more true leaders focused on today’s challenges, as well as the issues of tomorrow. A recent survey by National 4-H Council found that 71 percent of today’s youth view leadership as something they can practice and work at to be a good leader. But – those same youth need supportive adults to help them along the way.
4-H brings a community together to grow true leaders – helping build confidence, teamwork, curiosity and resilience.
“The enthusiasm and passion for teaching and mentoring is something I love about my club’s leaders,” says Lengyel. “Their commitment has really kept me involved over the years.”
Any child can grow with 4-H, an organization that has something for every interest. But, 4-H is always looking for adult volunteers and funding to help expand their reach and empower young people through doing. To find out more about helping 4-H in your area, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at (607) 687-4020 or visit 4H.org.
