Meet Josephine: Osceola County 4-H
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EmailOsceola County 4-H’er Josephine gives a personal testimonial of the impact of Michigan 4-H.
Josephine is a 12-year-old member of Michigan State University Extension’s Osceola County 4-H program. A 4-H’er since the age of five, Josephine is active in numerous 4-H animal projects, as well as still exhibit projects. In 2025, Josephine wrote the following essay about her 4-H experience as part of the Michigan 4-H Mark of Excellence contest.
“I am beyond ready because of what 4-H has taught me. 4-H has taught me patience, passion, responsibility and a strong work ethic. These skills will help to build my future success.
Patience is an important skill I have learned through 4-H. It helps me get ready for fair because you don’t just pick up your animal and it’s ready to show. For example, when I first brought my goat home, she didn’t know how to pose or walk on a lead. So, I had to teach my goat those things. I thought it would be easy at first, but I found myself getting worked up and frustrated with both myself and with my goat. It took time and patience to train my goat to walk on a lead and pose correctly. Patience is a valuable skill that 4-H has taught me.
My family and I don’t live on a big farm. We are a first-generation family in 4-H. We were introduced to 4-H through our friends. We have since created a small hobby farm because of the love we have developed for 4-H. Over the years, 4-H has helped me discover my passion for animals. I can apply my passion for animals toward my 4-H projects and in my chores. To me, passion isn’t only a useful skill, but a positive feeling. This passionate feeling makes me excited to start the 4-H season each year.
Responsibility is also a powerful skill that 4-H has taught me.
It goes beyond just taking care of animals. I have learned to be responsible with my time, money and the effort I put into my work. I have learned to be responsible with my time by making smart choices so that I can manage my time wisely. I have learned that there is only so much time after school to do my homework, chores and hobbies. I must be smart with my time to get everything done.
In addition to using my time wisely, I have also learned to be responsible with my money. If I make poor choices with my money, I will eventually run out. But, if I budget my money for food, shelter, supplies and medical needs responsibly, I will have greater success with my project. Therefore, by being wise with my time and money, I can focus on the effort I put into my project.
The patience, passion and responsibilities that 4-H has helped me develop has resulted in my strong work ethic.
Without 4-H in my life, I believe it would have taken a lot longer to gain these skills. I can apply these skills in many ways and carry them into my future. I am 4-H beyond ready.”
