4-H: Where Are They Now?
Samuel Baker, former Leflore County 4-H’er, with his wife Andrea, son Immanuel, and daughter Imani at the Muhammad Ali Mosque in Cairo, Egypt.
Q&A with Michaela Parker • Photo submitted
Originally from Leflore County, Samuel Baker and his family reside in Kuwait. Baker is pursuing his doctoral degree in education while teaching fifth-grade science abroad. He credits the 4-H youth development program delivered by the Mississippi State University Extension Service as one of the greatest experiences of his youth.
How did 4-H impact your career path?
4-H had a huge impact on my career path. While participating in 4-H, I completed the personal development and child development tracks during Club Congress at MSU. I even received my bronze and silver Congressional Award medals! During this time, I learned about the developmental stages and milestones that children experience. Lessons learned during that time made some of my collegiate studies a bit easier.
How did your Extension agents influence you?
I was truly blessed to have some amazing agents in 4-H. Ms. Karen Moore, Ms. Jennifer Russell, and Mr. Larry Alexander went above and beyond to prepare us for our contests and life. I have a special shout-out to Ms. Christina Meriwether. From Kids in the Kitchen to the 4-H Pride Program, she’s dedicated countless hours—seriously, I think she had an air mattress in her office!—to ensure every child who came through the office felt seen, loved, and respected, and knew we could do whatever we put our minds to! She encouraged us to take risks by taking us out of our comfort zones. I didn’t realize it then, but everything she did prepared me for the next step of my life. I can never repay her for that.
Because of 4-H, I realized …
that life is much more than athletics. I thought the only way to be successful was through sports. Because of 4-H, I learned to cook and grill. I also learned how to live a life of service. I am forever grateful for the lessons learned, the connections made, and all that I’ve experienced.
What is something you learned in 4-H that still impacts your daily life?
The biggest lesson learned from 4-H that sticks with me is the 4-H Pledge.
“I pledge my head to clearer thinking,
My heart to greater loyalty,
My hands to larger service,
and my health to better living,
for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”
Besides my faith and family, the pledge keeps me grounded and continues motivating me to be the best person I can be, make meaningful connections, live a healthy life, and do what I can to make the world a better place.
