Megan Farmer, Louisiana, 2010 1st Place Individual
Megan Farmer
4-H forestry competitions have done more for me than meets the eye. In high school I began training for a state forestry contest not thinking much of it, but when I started learning the material I was intrigued. It had never occurred to me how much went into forestry. All the different components of the competition from tree identification to pacing were challenging and something completely new to me. I went in thinking forestry was only about trees, and left with a much greater appreciation for the competition and profession as a whole.
Participating in the National 4-H Forestry Invitational taught me that self-discipline and determination do pay off. Going into the competition I was determined to succeed and do well, so I made a conscious effort to learn the material. By the end of the competition the hard work was not in vain. The Louisiana team placed first and I earned highest individual for the competition. The feeling of accomplishment was worth the extra effort. The National 4-H Forestry Invitational helped me identify in myself that I could do anything I wanted if I sincerely worked for it.
Now five years later I still carry that same mindset of self-discipline and strict work ethic. In an interview for LSU physician assistant program, I was asked in front of my peers to say one thing to set me apart from the other applicants. I followed by conveying my experiences at the National 4-H Forestry Invitational. The director was intrigued and questioned me further on the subject. I received my acceptance letter the next day. Forestry is one of my passions and I would have never discovered it without 4-H.
