Terri Kimble

I was the shyest, most nerdy 5th grader one can imagine. Then something appeared which not only gave me new direction, but continues to shape My life today: 4-H. My classmates elected me as president, and I found myself facing fears to stand in front of the class each month to dutifully lead our meetings. I won first place at Project Achievement and literally sat in shock after hearing my name called out.

Over the next 7 years, 4-H gave me a chance to develop leadership skills, practice  communication talents, and find my heart’s passion in service and education. While I could cite awards won, miles travelled, or scholarships earned, I think some of the biggest impacts on my life were less quantitative. I learned to make friends anywhere and to see my community as something much larger, partly through 4-H exchange programs in other states. My mind was opened to the limitless possibilities the world holds. Overall, I was shaped into a confident, well-rounded young woman which I didn’t dream possible at age 10.

Today, I lead the Newton 4-H program not only as a way to return the debt of gratitude I feel to the organization, but also because working with the youth in our community inspires me to continue to expand my education and service. Knowing the impact my 4-H leaders had on my life, I try to live every single day as an example and model of what I believe a community member and leader should exemplify.

Whether I am teaching a science lesson, prepping youth for leading an assembly, working side-by-side with youth sorting recycling at Relay for Life, or just chatting on Facebook about their daily lives, I hope these nearly 1700 youth take something away from our interaction which inspires them to learn for life, to see the world as our community, and to care for others through leadership and service.

The Rotary cultural exchange opportunity represents for me one of the most valuable experiential learning tools I can imagine. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to network with other educators and youth development leaders through the program to bring greater depth and experience to my own program. I believe even visits to sites outside of my direct profession are also extremely valuable as I work with youth in more than 50 project areas covering everything from international issues to technology and agriculture.

Terri was nominated by the Rotary Club of Covington.