November 15, 2022
Fourward Together
From the time we are born, we look straight ahead. We look forward as we crawl toward a parent for the first time, walk toward something that catches our eye, and drive forward to our next destination. Sometimes we have to look back to see what we may have tripped over, look back to see how far we have come and what has been accomplished, or look back at doing something the way it once was done because it may be the most efficient way to do it. No matter what, we keep moving forward.
The 2022 NAE4-HYDP Conference theme was Fourward Together. This theme was very fitting since the state motto of our host state, Wisconsin, is Forward. Merriam Webster defines the word ‘forward’ as “moving, tending, or leading towards a position in front” and “of, relating to, or getting ready for the future.” Moving forward together and getting ready for the future as a team is my plan and hope for Kansas 4-H. I want you to know my door is always open. I am happy to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly. The only way for us to live by our 4-H motto is to discuss the hard things. While it will be uncomfortable, it is an opportunity for growth and for us to move forward.
Walt Disney once said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” I am looking forward to working with each one of you as we learn from our past, move fourward together as a team, and open new opportunities for the youth of Kansas.