By Lauryn Billing

4-H has always had a part in my life! When I wasn't old enough and my sisters were in it, I couldn't wait until it was my turn to participate. I was an honorary member of the Powder River Trailblazers at about age one! I've been a part of the 4-H program officially for six years and am now working on my seventh.

My two favorite projects have been Photography and Market Hog. I have taken market hog for the past six years. I love this project because every pig has its own personality and they truly are fun animals to be around. The project is a fun experience to bond with these animals and see them build up trust with you. I am always amazed how quickly a hog can put on weight and muscle. It is sometimes challenging to deal with how to prepare a hog for the stress that the Fair will cause. They never seem to act the same at the Fair as they do at home.

I've always loved photography and I have done it every single year in 4-H. Doing this project has really taught me a lot of things about how to take interesting photos. Photography is cool because no two persons' pictures are ever the same; even if you take the picture at the same place each picture is going to have something different about them. The early years of photography are sometimes the most challenging due to the fact that you have to get pictures that meet certain criteria. I enjoy the independent study because you can be more creative.

Social distancing has been pretty easy, I just stay home! It was nice to have more time to help with lambing this year, but I have missed my friends and school activities.