Cottonwood Connections May 2023 | Page 10

July 5-9, 2023

"Country Pride,

County Wide"

July 15-22, 2023

"Saddle up

for Fun"

4-H agents, Michelle Beran and Tamara Robertson, had a great time working with the Real World program in partnership with United Way of Central Kansas on April 28th at the Ellinwood School/Community Library. The purpose of the program is to help graduating students become more prepared to take on the 'real-world'. 30 Ellinwood High School seniors learned about proper handshakes, making a good first impression, and created elevator speeches. The youth also learned about Money Management/Budgeting, Credit Scores, Renting 101, and Car Maintenance.

Michelle started her presentation by walking up to a few of the seniors and shaking their hands. The reaction from the group was pure confusion for what was happening. She then stood up at the front and gave her elevator speech before asking the youth to shake someone else’s hand in the group. Michelle shared that the purpose of an elevator speech was to introduce yourself and making a connection with someone. Michelle told the group that it is important to make a good impression everywhere you go because you never know who is listening or watching. The group also had the opportunity to try writing their own speech with the help of a worksheet.