Guest blog: You are never too young to have a voice

By Kyra-Lee Harry, 4-H Collegiate Leader/National 4-H Youth Action Citizenship Pillar Winner.

Growing up, I was always that student who volunteered to present, answer questions, or do something that involved interacting with my peers and using my voice. Even at a young age, I knew that I had a passion for helping others.

In the sixth grade, I was introduced to the 4-H program, which is the largest global youth organization that engages youth in hands on learning in the pillars Citizenship, STEM, Agriculture, and Healthy Living. The Tech Wizards program helped me to discover how math and science are applied in the real world. We learned about GPS navigation systems, emerging technologies and how we can make a difference in our community. As I grew older and continued with the 4-H program, I joined the Youth Leadership Academy which exposed me to many different STEM programs, activities, and civic engagement opportunities. I understood the value of wanting to make a difference in the lives of young people, like myself.

Being so passionate about helping others motivated me every day to persevere despite the challenges that I faced. Even when I was told I might not make it in the STEM field, or faced a failing grade in a class that I worked hard in, I reminded myself that the only true failure is if I stop trying. During this time of discouragement, I was reassured by my family, support system, and 4-H leaders that these challenges are my stepping stones. I was able to encourage my peers to never allow obstacles to deter them from where they want to go in life. My elementary school principal always made us recite sayings and the one that resonated with me the most was “No one could make you feel inferior without your permission.” 4-H was there for me every step of the way reminding me that I could turn any challenge into a success by applying the lessons I had learned.

4-H allowed me to gain public speaking, leadership, networking, and team=building skills which helped me to grow as a youth leader. At the age of 15, I was the youngest person to ever be appointed to a Community Board in the U.S.A. I serve on Brooklyn Community Board 9’s (CB9) youth and education committees. I was able to reach more than 300 youth from across the five boroughs in New York City with information about about internship opportunities, workplace etiquette, and the importance of civic participation by facilitating, publicizing, and managing CB9 First Annual Youth Forum. Being that voice for youth in my community reminded me how passionate I am about making a difference.

Today, I am a student at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering studying Business and Technology Management. I am the Pre-Collegiate Initiative Chairperson for the National Society of Black Engineers where I continue to use the many skills I acquired in 4-H to encourage and advocate for more young people, especially black youth, to gain exposure to the STEM field. 4-H paved a way for me to make a difference and I am so thankful and blessed to be a part of this organization.