Sharing life lessons before retirement
- Melinda Hill, OSU Extension Wayne County
- April 25, 2025
- 448
I’m taking a deep breath, realizing I have 10 days left. In a meeting this morning, I was asked for my reflection, so in a nutshell, here’s what I’ve learned through the years that I’d love to share.
This journey has been filled with more opportunities and fulfillment than I could have ever imagined. I knew at an early age extension was what I wanted as a career. I worked in Licking County as the 4-H program assistant for three summers before getting married and moving to Wooster. During that time the mentors encouraged me through the easy and the hard times to remember youth development doesn’t follow a straight path; every day is a new opportunity to apply the skills they are learning.
Today, with the emphasis on workforce development, it is more important than ever to remember the values of dedication, hard work, accountability, respect and “stick-to-it-iveness” that 4-H and FFA offer.
Find a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life
My grandmother was in Extension Homemakers, and I can remember going to club meetings with her. My mother was a 4-H adviser for many years, and through her gentle guidance, I was able to identify projects I really enjoyed.
There are many more projects today than back then, but it was a wonderful way to learn life skills like cooking and sewing, but also the ability to interview, do public speaking, and find leadership opportunities through the club, committees and special activities. The trips, scholarships and friends made through the years have been very memorable.
Joining the Wayne County office and working with excellent mentors and teachers helped to define me in all aspects of the job. I can honestly say I love my job. Working for OSU Extension offered more training, professional development, travel, and state and national opportunities that I will be forever grateful for.
Follow your passion and find something that fills your cup and brings you affirmation of the values in life you live by
When I’ve been able to do personality tests, they arrive at similar results. I am caring by nature and strive to support and uphold others. I am so excited to see others achieve their goal or accomplish a challenge they didn’t think they could do. To help one person by giving them the tools they needed to purchase a home or to become healthier brings such affirmation to me. To support a co-worker to overcome an obstacle brings true joy.
Be thankful for the many opportunities and experiences you have at home/work and community
I can’t begin to list the professional conferences I’ve been privileged to attend. Many of them were as a presenter along with wonderful teammates and several to polish leadership skills. I can only encourage that when opportunities present themselves, take advantage of them. It will only make you better in your position and gain personal skills as you interact with others.
Be grateful for those around you who support what you do, and expand your circle
In the course of 37 years, I’ve been so fortunate to have relationships with not only family and consumer science peers, but also all other program professionals in most of the 88 counties throughout the state. Through travel I have made friendships in many other states. In the community the stakeholders and partners through the years are ones I cherish as they supported ongoing educational outreach in a variety of ways. Respecting and valuing these relationships is not something to take lightly, but with gratitude.
When you are stressed, find something that allows you to have a break, mentally and/or physically
What’s the why? How can you leave with improvements? Gran always said, “Leave everything better than you found it.” When you walk into a class and what you prepared is not what they expected or wanted, then you change direction to meet the needs. Does it cause a little angst? Absolutely, but this job has taught me to think on my feet to better connect with the audience.
I encourage everyone to find their own way to relax and unwind in a healthy manner. For me, as you know, it will be in the barn with the critters or horseback riding on a trail in the woods. Working in the flowers, traveling with family and camping are other ways to let the stress of the daily grind go. I’ve been blessed to also be a part of the state Mindfulness Team and have learned several techniques to do in the office that are very helpful as well.
In summary
Time really does fly. The months turn into years, and before you know it, the realization of another milestone is here. I am filled with gratitude to have had this position and the privilege of serving in this community. Blessings to you all!
Melinda Hill is an Ohio State University Extension family and consumer sciences educator and is retiring April 26. The OSU Extension office may be called at 330-264-8722.