In life, there is a first time for everything. The first time you talk, the first time you walk, and the first time you learn. My first time being introduced to the agriculture industry, well actually my first time being introduced to 4-H Alberta, was one in which I will never forget. I was the age of 6, and my sister, Samantha, at the age of 9. It was her first year as a member of the West Ponoka 4-H Beef club, and she had a calm and loving steer. I remember those cold mornings in which I would travel to the pen with her to feed, simply imagining the day in which I myself, would have a steer of my own. That day came, a short 3 years later, my steer, a white Charolais crossbred named Frosty. He was one of my best friends, he never judged, always listened, and allowed me to brush him as much as I pleased. As the 4-H season rolled along, Frosty became increasingly fat and lazy. As the show and sale day approached I had mixed emotions, I was excited to see how Frosty would place, but I was dreading the day that he would have to leave me. The sale day of April, 2002, marked my first time for losing a close friend. Unfortunately, this first time, was an unhappy one. However, the many shed tears and longing for my friend Frosty, didn't keep me from the rewarding 8 years of 4-H that were to come. Through out my years of 4-H, I have come to understand the benefits and positive experiences that it has to offer. Those 8 years ago in which I put a halter around my calves head for the first time, seems like a mere memory now. Its hard to believe that that specific first time, has had the ability to shape me into the person that I am today, an active, and agriculturally involved youth.
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