As a freshman in college, Paige Behrens is considering a few different career options. She wants to be an agronomist, but she also might be a politician.
The 18-year-old grew up on a dairy farm in Huntley, Ill., where she and her two younger sisters learned how to take care of the family’s cows. When she was a little, she joined Illinois 4-H, which helped her start taking care of animals on her own. She even took care of her friends’ animals at her home too.
But along with caring for animals on the family farm, she also has spent time in the state and national capitols, getting a front-row seat to politics. Behrens said these experiences taught her responsibility and about the legislative process, and inspired her to want to give back to her community going forward.
She encourages kids to try different things to find their passion, as she did — 4-H offered a way to become well-rounded. The learn-by-doing program for young people across the U.S. teaches lifelong skills through varied programming.
She joined the organization when she was 8 and began taking care of a pig and cow each year that she would auction off at the annual state fair.
“It definitely is a lot of responsibility,” said Behrens, who is double majoring in environmental horticulture, and soil and crop science at the University of Wisconsin at Platteville.
Behrens traveled to Springfield with the group. While at the state Capitol, as part of the 4-H Legislative Connection, her group shared its stories with legislators. They learned to set up meetings with representatives to talk about the importance of programs like 4-H.
“It’s basically a crazy two days of running around the state Capitol just trying to get appointments,” she said.
Her advice for youth and parents? Encourage branching out. She’s tried everything from livestock care to conservation to learning about health and forestry, and retreats she took with 4-H boosted her interest in leadership and politics.
Behrens’ 4-H group is raising money to help fund youth development and leadership programs in Illinois. Customers at any Tractor Supply Co. store in Illinois can purchase paper clovers for $1 through May 5 to support the program.
Twitter @byalisonbowen
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