Anne Truitt-Petry's experience with 4-H is a little different than most in Kosciusko County have had.
And with that different perspective, she is hoping to grow the program in events and activities that may be a little off the beaten path locally.
That's one of her new goals as she takes on the role of 4-H youth educator at the Purdue-Extension Kosciusko County office.
Truitt-Petry started the job Oct. 1, taking over for Sarah O'Hara.
She took the job after just completing her master's degree in therapeutic recreation from Indiana University in Bloomington.
"This is a totally new experience for me," said Truitt-Petry. "Right now I'm learning the ins and outs of the county."
Originally from Indianapolis, for Truitt-Petry that means getting used to the lay of the land as well as where things are.
While she was in high school she participated in 4-H, though growing up in a more urban area she didn't show livestock and during the summer she would work as a secretary at her local extension office.
Truitt-Petry also said that she will have time to transition because the extension year starts Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30.
Her new job will deal with different youth councils and clubs as well as budget responsibilities.
"I want to know what's already been done," said Truitt-Petry. "I want to take people's advice and what they feel needs to be changed."
Truitt-Petry said she felt fortunate to walk into a situation where there were so many passionate volunteers in the livestock programs and shooting sports as well as others.
She said, with her experience in 4-H dealing more with non-livestock exhibits, she hoped to grow those and reach out to kids who may not have normally been interested in 4-H.
Truitt-Petry pointed to the opportunities for youth leadership and scholarship opportunities in 4-H.
Truitt-Petry recently moved to the area with her husband, Richard.
