Texas 4-H prepares departing member through connections and life skills
Kyler Wendt confidently moves to his next chapter
Kyler Wendt, a Texas 4-H Youth Development Program member from Brazos County, watched his older sister spend many successful years in Texas 4-H and couldn’t wait until it was his turn.
Now completing his Texas 4-H career, Wendt hopes to prove to others that the network he has built and the opportunities he took advantage of have shaped him into who he is today.
Finding his place in Texas 4-H
Texas 4-H roots run deep in the Wendt family.
“Both of my parents were Texas 4-H members, and my older sister went through the program as well,” Wendt said. “Being involved in this program is a family thing.”
While trying to find his passion in 4-H, Wendt and his family decided to start his first year by taking an animal project to every major livestock show in the state.
“In my first set of projects in the third grade, I exhibited a pen of rabbits and a goat,” Wendt said. “After enjoying my first year and learning many lessons with those two projects, my parents allowed me to take on more responsibility, and I began showing heifers and sheep.”
As Wendt got older, he realized the positive impact Texas 4-H had on his life. During his first year of high school, he decided to put more effort into agriculture because he knew the long-term results could set him up for success in life.
Diving into opportunity
After deciding to focus more on his 4-H projects and opportunities, Wendt jumped at every chance the program offered its members. Whether attending the Texas 4-H Congress or serving in a leadership position, Wendt was all in.
“Since 2018, I have served in various leadership positions,” Wendt said. “The one that has given me the most opportunity is serving as an ambassador for Texas Youth Livestock and Agriculture, or TYLA.”
Although becoming an ambassador wasn’t easy, Wendt knew the benefits would allow him to serve more and experience a side of agriculture he had yet to see.
“The TYLA does a series where they bring in an industry leader to discuss a certain topic with the ambassadors,” Wendt said. “I have been able to see what the industry looks like from all perspectives, which has led me to decide where I would like to end up. None of this would’ve happened without the ambassador program.”
Although Wendt enjoyed serving as a TYLA ambassador, he stayed involved with his local 4-H chapters, serving on the Southwood 4-H officer team and the Brazos County 4-H Council.
Texas 4-H supporting his future
Wendt found success in and out of the show arena, which led to receiving multiple scholarships that will help offset the cost of his college experience when he attends Texas A&M University to study animal science, starting in the fall.
He also participated in numerous Texas 4-H events at Texas A&M, which allowed him to meet professors within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
“I’m excited for my next steps of college at Texas A&M,” Wendt said. “Texas 4-H has allowed me to participate in numerous activities held on campus, which has helped make me feel like I’m right at home.”
Prepared for success
Looking back on his Texas 4-H career, Wendt said he knows without this program he wouldn’t have the skills, friendships, networks or memories he has gained.
“If I could advise a new member, it would be to try events to gain new skills, even if they make you uncomfortable, and to meet as many people as possible,” Wendt said. “Nothing comes easy, whether it’s your success in projects or making new friends, but Texas 4-H gives you every opportunity to do both.”