Beyond Ready: Earning Confidence To Grow Up And Speak Out
By: Emma Alexander -
High school senior, Caydance Welters, has been a Missouri 4-H member of the Solid Rock 4-H club in rural #Agri-Ready Designated Lawrence County for eight years. Her projects have included everything from arts and crafts, to sheep and goats, to leadership and public speaking. Caydance’s biggest takeaways from her years in 4-H aren’t the animals she has raised or the county fair ribbons she has won.
“4-H is the reason I have developed the confidence and professionalism I need to begin adulthood. When adult leaders meet 4-Hers like me who are striving for success, I want them to have hope for the future,” Caydance shares.
What Sets 4-H Apart
“I have participated in other activities and sports that focus on discipline and teamwork; 4-H is so much more. What makes 4-H different is that it is youth-led, has project driven activities, and offers more leadership opportunities,” Caydance describes. “The confidence I have was earned by participating in activities that allowed me to grow into things I wasn’t naturally good at. I learned that professionalism doesn’t just mean dressing nice; professionalism is how you present yourself. It is also the impact you make on others as you grow and help them to grow. I have really enjoyed learning to be a leader.”
Only A 4-Her…
“I’m so glad I get to do this interview!” says Caydance at the start of our conversation. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without 4-H.” 4-Hers are among top-tier youth that get excited about the ‘adult’ opportunity of a feature interview.
Caydance approaches each interview as a growing experience that opens her eyes to new ideas and the opportunities offered to her. She began public speaking by presenting demonstrations and competing in extemporaneous speaking at the county fair. This skill has helped her learn how to lead meetings and present to all ages.
“Public speaking skills are what earned me a trip to National 4-H Congress,” Caydance recalls.
Most Memorable Moment
“My most transformational 4-H experience was attending the 2023 National 4-H Congress held in Atlanta, Ga.,” Caydance shares. “I was one of only twenty Missouri 4-Hers chosen to represent our state. I got to meet 4-Hers from across the U.S. and learn about the different things they do as 4-H members. During this trip, I found out I could be a 4-H leader at the state level. I learned just how far I could go in 4-H and after that I wanted to get as much out of 4-H as I possibly could.”
Servant Leadership
Caydance has served as the president of her local 4-H club, the Lawrence County 4-H Teen Council, and the Southwest Regional Teen Council. She is currently the southwest Regional Representative to the Missouri 4-H State Council. 4-H leadership roles are an excellent way for members like Caydance to gain confidence in public speaking.
Her Favorite Thing About 4-H
“My best 4-H memories are about making new friends and connecting with incredible people,” Caydance says. “Someday those people may provide me with my next opportunities.” As a State 4-H leader, Caydance had the opportunity to meet business leaders and legislators during the Missouri State Fair, Governor’s Ham Breakfast, and other events.
“As I met my own Representative, Mitch Boggs, and others, I looked around the room and thought, ‘I want to be like these people someday.’ I may not fulfill their job role, but I want to show up when it matters, lead, and encourage the people around me,” Caydance reflects.
Advice to Younger Members
“A wise leader once told me, ‘You get as much out of 4-H as you put in.’ I want all members to hear that,” Caydance shares. “Families have to choose between 4-H and so many activities. People are busy. And some people think that 4-H is still just about agriculture. What I like about 4-H is that it has something for everybody and anybody can get involved. I know that a lot of kids are still thriving in 4-H and will do great things and make 4-H even better.”
Caydance plans to be a 4-H volunteer when she is an adult.
More About Caydance
When she has time, Caydance does parts inventory for Welters Farm Supply, the family business her great-grandparents started. Caydance is the oldest of four children, the daughter of Gary and Lesley Welters. Amanda Clark is her 4-H club leader. Caydance enjoys playing basketball and being involved with her church family. As she finishes high school coursework, Caydence is studying to become a licensed real estate agent. Next, she plans to grow her professional skills through property management and becoming a real estate investor.
What is National 4-H Congress?
This Congress is an annual recognition event for high-achieving 4-H from across the United States and beyond. The event includes leadership workshops, community service projects, and educational sessions. Participation is by invitation only.
Missouri 4-H is a program of University of Missouri Extension and a partner of Missouri Farmers Care.
#Agri-Ready Designated Lawrence County. Agriculture, including food, feed and forestry, contributes $284.4 million in value added products, $1.0 billion in economic output, over 5,100 jobs, and adds $375.0 million to household incomes in Lawrence County according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study. Lawrence County boasts significant production in animal and pet food and primary food processing in meat and dairy.
4-H Wants You!
October is 4-H month, when youth enroll for their next year of membership. 4-H has programming for kids ages 5-18. For more information on how to sign up and active groups in your area, contact the local university extension office. 4-H is the youth development program of the United States’ Land-Grant University Cooperative Extension System.
