When Aidan Oldenburg juggled flaming torches to "We Didn't Start the Fire" at his county fair, it marked the culmination of his 10-year 4-H journey.
He began with tennis balls, progressing to juggling balls, clubs, machetes and torches.
Among his fondest memories with the Blue Earth County 4-H Clever Clovers Club is performing with his older brother at the Minnesota State Fair. "He and I did a yo-yo and juggling performance together," Oldenburg recalls. "The big highlight was our backflip."
Their performance earned a purple ribbon and an encore invitation.
The skills that keep flaming torches safely circling overhead — focus, timing and grace under pressure — have become signature strengths in Oldenburg's STEM career and athletic pursuits.
The pathway to a STEM career
Now an environmental scientist, Oldenburg credits 4-H experiences with preparing him for his professional role. His work involves environmental permitting for wind and solar projects nationwide, building on his early wildlife projects.
"I did quite a few projects on animals or wildlife, especially fish," explains Oldenburg, who as a homeschooled student would "finish work early and go down to the river and do a bit of fishing."
His dedication once led him to fish until 1 a.m. to take a picture with a catfish for the poster board just days before the county fair.
Skills to succeed under stress
The most valuable skill Oldenburg developed was performing under pressure. Through projects ranging from art to wildlife to robotics, he gained confidence speaking before audiences.
"The practice and opportunity to perform in front of people helps you get comfortable with it in a work environment," he says. "I had to do a presentation to 100 people at my job recently. The largest one I've given so far, and the second largest was my 4-H performances."
Oldenburg is also a competitive curler with Olympic aspirations. Having curled since age 10, he recently earned a bronze medal at the Olympic Trials, a high-pressure environment where his performance experience proves valuable.
His philosophy is straightforward: "The only way to learn how to focus under pressure is to practice putting yourself under pressure. No one's good at anything the first time they do it."
Aidan’s advice to 4-H’ers for staying cool under pressure
Practice your project before you present
“Imagine yourself presenting your project before judging day. Rehearse some of what you want to say so you'll be more prepared, and more confident, when it's time to show your project.”
Go outside your comfort zone
“Tackle projects that push you out of your comfort zone. These experiences allow you to practice speaking in situations that might be uncomfortable at first, but over time get easier and help prepare you for other challenges!”
Take deep breaths
“If you feel yourself getting nervous before presenting your project, take a couple of deep breaths to refocus and steady yourself!”
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