Santa Margarita youth takes unique approach to leadership
While her 4-H experience has been diverse, Mikaela Jensen says she finds her current project, restoring an antique tractor, the most interesting.
4-H empowers area youth through life skill development
– It’s no secret that today’s youth feel pressure. Pressure to excel in school, to go to college, to get a job, etc. How they overcome those pressures is a true testament to their character. Take Santa Margarita native Mikaela Jensen for example.
Jensen, 17, credits her enrollment in 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization, to helping her overcome adversity and build confidence along the way. The life skills taught through 4-H helped Jensen learn to work with others, overcome challenges and complete jobs once she started them.
Jensen took advantage of the breadth of programs 4-H offers, from science and agriculture to business and creative arts.
“There really is something for everyone in 4-H,” said Jensen, an 11-year veteran and current president of the Santa Margarita 4-H club. “I’ve experienced a variety of projects from engineering to community service, it really is a great program to try new things.”
While her 4-H experience has been diverse, she finds her current project, restoring an antique tractor, the most interesting.
“I have learned so much about tractors and mechanics in general,” said Jensen, who has already spent more than 250 hours on the project since she started in May of 2015. “I feel invested in the project and determined to finish because I paid for the tractor myself.”
“My 4-H leaders have always provided me with guidance and support throughout all of my projects,” adds Jensen. “I am excited to see the results of my hard work when I present my project at the California Mid-State Fair in July.”
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 your local extension office or visit 4H.org. Or, visit www.ca4hfoundation.org to make a donation to the California 4-H Foundation.
