Learn by Doing
Alaska 4-H prepares students for real life
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Kids and parents learning together
Nancy Veal grew up with 4-H in eastern Oregon, and she became a market livestock leader on the Kenai Peninsula when her own kids were of 4-H age. She volunteered for 20 years and has led 4-H programming on the Kenai the past eight years.
Veal has seen Ala and others grow up and become teachers, business owners, farmers, veterinarians and doctors. Some former 4-H'ers, like herself, have become 4-H leaders.
The program continues to be successful, she believes, because kids and parents are involved and learning at the same time. The kids work with guidelines, project books and deadlines. Those who raise livestock are accountable for an animal's welfare.
"You become more responsible," she said.
Since 4-H kids care for their animals, they also learn a lot of veterinary medicine. Ala learned how to give shots, dehorn and castrate animals, and dress wounds. Caring for animals and making multiple visits to doctors for his own health issues, including broken bones, encouraged his interest in medicine.
Last fall, as he has done on several visits home, Ala butchered a pig with a group of 4-H'ers, taking time to talk to them about bones, muscles and organs.
The main philosophy Ala learned from 4-H is that you just jump in and learn. That approach helped in medical school, he said. "I was much more comfortable getting in and doing things because I've been doing it my whole life."