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TOP STORY OF THE DAY, brought to you free by WICU: New county 4-H educator looking to grow program
There’s a new 4-H Educator in Clay County, and she’s looking forward to meeting you.
“I am looking forward to meeting more people and really getting to know Clay County,” said Natalie Korniak, a 2019 graduate from Purdue University who grew up in Logansport, IN.
The Indiana 4-H Youth Development’s mission is to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who positively impact their community and world.
That mission has always been a passion for Natalie since she was an active 10-year 4-H member showing livestock and completing several building projects in Cass County.
But her favorite project was Jr. Leaders.
“I was able to learn so many new ways of leading a group, and also a lot about myself. It was a great way to make friends and provide service to the community,” she said. “We got to interact with many people, like those at a nursing home through our community service, that I would never have gotten to meet otherwise. We also got to go on fun trips too.”
She also worked as a Purdue Summer Intern in Carroll County and loved working with the youth, volunteers, and staff. 4-H strives to empower young people to reach their full potential with a motto of; “To make the best better.”
The experience helped Natalie decide a career with Purdue Cooperative Extension was for her. While attending Purdue University, Natalie majored in Agricultural Communications, with minors in Organizational Leadership and Horticulture. She was a member of the Agriculture Communicators of Tomorrow Club, the Purdue University Dance Marathon, and the Purdue Student Union Board.
Among her favorite experiences were her time studying abroad in Italy and Haiti and submerging herself into new cultures.
“These were very eye-opening experiences,” said Natalie, who added the main focus in 4-H is diversity and inclusion. “Visiting new places helps you learn to appreciate our differences, but realize we are more alike. Especially Haiti, it taught me that regardless of your background or how much you have, at heart, we are the same, and we can do great things together.”
Natalie said 4-H is all about gaining skills to help kids prepare for the future. The three mission areas of 4-H are STEM (science, technology, engineer, and math), healthy living, and citizenship/leadership/civic engagements.
“All of our projects and activities focus on these areas and work on developing skills that can be used throughout the rest of your life,” she said, including examples like foods, sewing, and crafts projects that teach home economic skills most kids wouldn’t learn otherwise. “Our livestock projects teach hard work, responsibility, and the time commitment that some things take.”
Natalie said there is pretty much something for everyone, from electricity to photography, to entomology, farming, genealogy, collecting, and crafts. Together with Jr. Leaders and demonstration projects, these projects teach kids valuable communications and leadership skills that help them learn how to speak to people and navigate life.
While many children are heavily involved in technology, Natalie said 4-H is changing to be interesting for kids.
“4-H is always evolving. With technology constantly changing, it allows 4-H to come up with new ways of doing things,” Natalie said. “We have a really great virtual reality program that will enable kids to utilize technology to explore new subjects. We have several projects that allow the kids to build technology like robots or research a new product and present it.”
The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot of things in 2020, including 4-H.
“Especially with more people staying at home, we have found a way to offer virtual programs and stay connected through the use of technology,” said Natalie, who recently earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Western Governors University. “Kids will utilize their newfound 4-H responsibilities to navigate problems in the future. I used those skills to help make presentations in high school and college. All of these skills help shape who you are, and you use them forever.”
Natalie loves traveling, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, trying new things, and cuddling with her three-month puppy “Bucee” in her free time.
She is excited about the upcoming 4-H Fair.
“Being new to the area, I am excited to see the way that Clay County does things. I am excited to see the 4-Hers hard work showcased at the fair,’ she said, adding there will be something new. “This year, we are hosting a 4-H Roadshow.”
A different county will host interactive STEM activities for the kids to learn and practice for three weeks this summer. Topics range from aviation to healthy living, to soil sciences, to community development.
“Yes! I am very much looking forward to the fair this year,” said Natalie, who hopes to bring a positive, fun, educational spirit to the role. “I am eager to develop and witness the power of youth in Clay County.”
If you are interested in learning more about 4-H, Natalie Korniak can be contacted at the Purdue Extension Office at 812-448-9041. Or visit the Clay County 4-H website at https://extension_purdue.edu/clay.
To enroll before the deadline at June 1, 2021, log on to https://v2.4honline.com.