Article by Adrianna E. Meyer

Williams & LeBlanc, State Executive Board Officers, 2019
Photos courtesy of Eugenia Williams and Clay LeBlanc

4-H is a youth organization that not only prepares young people for life but also fosters meaningful friendships—giving them the confidence to succeed both in 4-H and beyond.

Clay LeBlanc, an Iberville parish alum, spent eight years in 4-H. Currently he attends Pennsylvania College of Optometry where he is pursuing his doctorate degree in optometry. LeBlanc participated in leadership & citizenship, healthy living, STEM, wetlands, and college and career readiness projects. Additionally, he served on the state 4-H Executive Board as Parliamentarian.

Eugenia Williams, St. Landry parish alum, spent six years in 4-H. Currently, she is pursuing her Master of Science degree in Security, Technology, and International Relations at Carnegie Mellon University. Williams engaged in leadership & citizenship projects during her time in 4-H and served on the Performing Arts Troupe, 4-Harmony, and the state 4-H Executive Board as Secretary.

LeBlanc and Williams first met as campers at LOST camp and quickly became friends. “In 4-H, you meet the person and then by the third day, you know the person, their story, and their background…. We understood each other,” LeBlanc had mentioned, telling the story of how 4-H can bring youth together to form friendships that last well beyond camp and cross over into life.

For both alumni, becoming friends through 4-H and participating in camps, conferences, leadership, and competitions allowed them to help each other become life ready after high school. Both gained critical skills such as public speaking, communicating effectively, stepping outside of your comfort zone, time management, and confidence. They also learned practical life skills such as how to pack a suitcase, cooking, financial readiness, and even how to book a flight.

For Williams, the youth organization and LeBlanc taught her how to be confident and how to talk to people. “I got to do a lot of public speaking at different conferences for my university. Not just singing the National Anthem at events but actually sitting there, talking to people, and relating to them on a whim.”

“4-H taught you how to wear all the different hats,” stated LeBlanc. 4-H taught him how to oversee multiple projects, or lead groups of people, at the same time and at different rates. Through “prioritizing, time management and communication” LeBlanc was able to balance the responsibilities of leadership and adulthood.

Not only did 4-H provide a friendship to both, but it helped Williams find her undergraduate college on a 4-H trip to Atlanta, Georgia to the Music Education Matter Summit. Driving on the educational trip, they drove past Spelman College and Williams found herself asking “what’s that?” and researched the college. “I made the decision right then and there that I wanted to go to Spelman College. The only reason I even found out about Spelman was because I drove past it one time on a 4-H trip.”

And for LeBlanc, the communication learned through 4-H aided him for his optometry school acceptance. “Because of the communication (in 4-H), it allowed me to be ready for optometry school interviews and talking to the deans of colleges to explain why I deserve to be there. If it weren’t for 4-H and learning that skill, I don’t think I would be where I am today.”

Both alumni share a favorite memory from their time in 4-H together, when Williams competed at the 4-H University Talent Show and LeBlanc awarded her with winning first place on stage. Both were serving as Executive Board officers during this memorable moment.

When asked what advice they would give to a current 4-H member, they both encourage members to try new

things and to try everything at least once. “Put your hand everywhere. Try it all and if you fail, try again.” LeBlanc also mentioned “get comfortable with the uncomfortable” because this skill will help you throughout life as you find yourself surrounded by new people in new environments. “You learn to adapt to any situation. You learn to make light of every situation. You learn to make friends.”

Williams enjoys talking about 4-H and she mentioned that “I tell people, 4-H changed my life. It is not just agriculture. It is so much more than that.” Their story is just one example of how 4-H builds leaders and lifelong connections.

Alumni interested in reconnecting or giving back to the Louisiana 4-H program can learn more today at this link: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/topics/kids_teens/contribute/alumni.

Williams & LeBlanc, Junior Leadership Conference, 2019