The dust has begun to settle as the Buffalo County Fair ended about two weeks ago and 4-H’er are thinking about State Fair or that their year of 4-H may be ending, it is time to reflect on all that has occurred over the summer. Every exhibit comes with a level of achievement, and all levels need to be celebrated.
Often when we think about achievement, we look at awards received and the color of the ribbon to base our level of success. Achievements can look different and should not be measured solely based on ribbon color or awards received. The definition of achievement is something good that you do or finish after working hard. After reading this definition, each youth member at the fair has a long list of achievements.
The hard work that is put in on every project; even those that might not make it to the fair – that’s an achievement. Setting a goal for yourself to learn new skills; maybe the skill isn’t perfected yet – this is still an achievement. Starting a project and discovering that you need to make some changes to your plan that does work out the way you had hoped – this is an achievement too. None of these come with a ribbon color, they may not come with a ribbon at all, but they are accomplishments that need to be celebrated.
Celebrations can look a lot of different ways; it can be as simple as sharing with someone how your project changed and why you did things differently. This discussion allows you to share what you learned and brings an awareness to the need for creativity. We also want to celebrate it when our project doesn’t make it to the fair, this celebration can also be a trip for ice cream or another treat. You should also celebrate the achievements that come with ribbons and awards too, and in the manner that fits you best.
Once these celebrations have taken place, it is time to set new goals for next year. As you start to think about these goals and the projects you might be taken next year, you may want to contact your local Extension Office to find the project areas that fit you best, 308-236-1235 or Kerry.elsen@unl.edu.