Michigan 4-H Alumni Spotlight: Amanda Towne
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EmailAmanda Towne is a 15-year alumna of the Michigan 4-H program. As an active member of the NMU Collegiate 4-H Club, Amanda shared her 4-H story and how her years as a 4-H member impacted her life.
Amanda Towne is a 15-year alumna of the Michigan 4-H program, participating in many animal projects, shooting sports, 4-H Capitol Experience, 4-H Exploration Days, 4-H State Awards and national 4-H programs like 4-H National Congress and Ignite by 4-H. Originally from Van Buren County, the 20 year-old is now a junior at Northern Michigan University (NMU), studying biology – ecology. As an active member of the NMU Collegiate 4-H Club, Amanda shared her 4-H story and how her years as a 4-H member impacted her life.
How has 4-H influenced your life?
4-H allowed me to grow in many different ways. From being around mentors to becoming one, I have gained various life skills, care and patience for youth and animals alike, and a passion to serve my community and give back to those who have put time into me.
What skills have you learned through 4-H that have helped you succeed?
I have been able to become a very well-rounded and skillful individual due to 4-H. Some of the most notable skills I have developed through this program are resiliency, responsible citizenship, critical thinking, problem solving, and a concern and empathy for others. The tools I have been equipped with through 4-H have made me someone I am happy with who is prepared for whatever life may throw at me as time goes on.
How has 4-H provided meaningful skill-development, mentoring and leadership opportunities?
Because of 4-H, I have been given many leadership opportunities. In school, my skills are noticed and appreciated, as they have been developed and polished throughout my time with 4-H. I have been the president of my hall, senior lead for my research studies, and am now a community mentor in Spalding Hall at NMU. I also helped found and run the Collegiate 4-H Club here at NMU, planning and carrying out community and volunteer projects locally. I believe that the family and community from 4-H have highly contributed to the skills seen in these positions.
What do you enjoy most about 4-H?
I enjoy the diversity of programming and ability to connect with youth at a local, state and nationwide level. Doing so allows me to get new ideas, perspectives and empathy for those around me. I always learn something new from those in 4-H, and can then intertwine it throughout multiple areas of my life, such as my professional and academic careers.
What do you want to be after you graduate? What are your career goals?
Once I graduate, I plan to work with the state or federal police as a wildlife or human forensics crime investigator. I also plan to return to my local area as a 4-H leader and help further develop and keep 4-H in my area alive. I have always had a desire to, and I feel that it is very fulfilling to see youth grow as people and within their communities.
