Finding my Voice - Leah Cook

My name is Leah Cook. I am a junior at Fort Defiance High School. I found out about Project GROWS and the Youth Leader in Agriculture (YLA) program when I saw a job posting at school looking for crew members. I thought about applying for the job but wasn't sure if I should or not. I wanted something to keep me occupied during the summer and to get me out of the house, and into the sunshine. So, ultimately I applied and got the job!

Having the opportunity to learn new things and meet amazing people in as little as eight weeks was truly the best experience I could have asked for. My favorite part about working at Project GROWS would be the satisfaction of completing a very tedious task. Two examples of that would be clearing plant beds of weeds, and suckering, pruning, and clipping the whole tomato high tunnel. I would have never thought how rewarding all of the work would be.

I have never really seen or thought about a farm like Project GROWS. I always thought about a farm with a barn and smelly animals in it, with nothing to it except commercial farming. Project GROWS has given me a broader spectrum with that. Project GROWS isn't commercial, which is one of the best features of the farm as well as it being a non-profit. It doesn't use any chemicals which can be annoying with disease or weeds but is overall healthier and better for the environment. Overall the farm and the YLA team has helped me learn many things and further developed my character for the best.

I am most proud of how much I stepped out of my comfort zone this summer. I'm not much of one to lead or take initiative but this summer I've really surprised myself with using my voice. I learned how to become a leader which is something I've never been confident in. I was able to exercise my ability in being a strong role model for the campers on the farm. I've always enjoyed kids and helping to explain things and for them to be able to trust and look up to me. I feel that I have always had a special patience for kids in general but, being able to spend a couple of days with campers has shown me that being a teacher might be a career option for me. In summary the time I have spent at Project GROWS has helped me find things in myself that have shown more opportunities and possibilities that the future might have for me. I am forever grateful to have had this opportunity.