Amber Barks Does What It Takes to Get the Job Done
Published: Friday, July 13, 2018
Amber Barks is a 4-H and youth development Extension educator for Fulton County. She currently lives in Rochester.
Family: Parents: Nancy Casada and Elvin Barks
My job consists of: It's hard to put into words what I do as the 4-H Youth Development educator because I do whatever it takes and work till the job is done. Whether that is helping with sheep weigh in and retinal eye scans, teaching youth about electricity through building circuit boards, working alongside my 4-H Council and 4-H Fair board, or being there to help when my 4-H families need assistance. My job is to provide leadership to the local 4-H program and manage its day-to-day operation. This position allows me to work with over 150 volunteers to provide learning opportunities for youth as well as put on the Fulton County 4-H Fair. The best part about my job is seeing the youth develop leadership, citizenship and life skills throughout their 4-H career.
My mentor: My mom, Nancy, has been the one person I could always look up to. She taught me that I could do anything if I put my mind to it. Growing up we showed livestock and she would say, "The more you show, the better you get!" Back then I took that for its literal meaning, but today I know she was really saying if you want to get anywhere in life you have to keep trying. It may take a lot of hard work and dedication but if you want to succeed you have to give it all you've got. She's actually a big part of the reason I am a 4-H educator. She encouraged me to follow my passion for 4-H and turn it into a career I love.
My mission: My mission in life is to help others. 4-H has given me a great avenue to help develop young people into the leaders our country needs.
What I am looking forward to this summer: Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year because I have the opportunity to see the 4-Hers activities come to fruition. I love talking to the 4-Hers and their families about their projects and what has been going on in their lives. During fair week, everyone always asks me if I am ready for fair to be over. The answer to that is nope—fair time is the best time! Some of the best memories these 4-Hers will ever have happened at the 4-H fairgrounds and I can't imagine it any other way.
Hobbies: I enjoy traveling, baking, volunteering and trying new restaurants.
If I could do anything else: I'd love to be able to travel the world and get paid to do so.
To nominate someone for this column, call or email Jerry Goshert (jerry@farm ers-exchange.net) or Caitlin Yoder (caitlin@farmers-exchange.net), associate editor. The telephone number for both editors is 574/831-2138.
Return to Top of Page