Member Spotlights

Alyssa, Alameda County

Alyssa, Crane Ridge 4-H Club, Alameda County

As the parents of a shy child, Alyssa’s mom and dad enrolled her in many organizations before they came upon the winner: California 4-H!  Alyssa reminisces on her pre-4-H days, saying, “Well, 4-H has broken me out of my shell and now there’s no stopping me!”  This enthusiasm is an admirable trait and shows that Alyssa is certainly going places!

Like many 4-H members, Alyssa began with a single project: rabbits.  However, she has since expanded her interests far beyond this one project. She has now includes the western horse, citizenship, swine, leadership, and demonstration projects in her schedule. Demonstrations in particular have been invaluable to her: “I now enjoy talking in front of groups and getting people involved with whatever I’m trying to get them to do.”

However, don’t assume that Alyssa has abandoned her first project – far from it! She now owns and operates her own rabbitry business entitled Rocky Road Rabbitry, where she breeds rabbits such as her California State Fair Best Opposite Breed winner, Josie. As a junior leader for the rabbit project, she teaches other members about bunnies and proper rabbit care.

Alyssa has also held the positions of sergeant-at-arms and vice president in her community club, and she intends to run for president this year.  Now a high-schooler with five years of 4-H under her belt, Alyssa sums up her 4-H experience with her apt quote, “When I first joined 4-H years ago, I had no idea that it would lead me on the path that I am on now. I enjoy what 4-H has to offer the youth; no other program that I know lets you discover so many opportunities that are available. Whether it’s animals, cooking, public speaking or auto mechanics… 4-H has something for everyone! And that’s why I love 4-H!!”

Author: Emily Lane, State 4-H Office Student Assistant, erlane@ucdavis.edu