Mentoring Young People

[Schroeder]

I was contacted last March by a parent of a girl wanting some real Ameraucanas to exhibit. I was provided background information about the student who had recently experienced some physical problems, but was very bright.  As it happened, I had a pair of 6-month old LF wheatens I could spare and was happy to assist her.   In lieu of payment I offered that she could have them in exchange for a written report to me explaining the difference between an Easter Egger and an Ameraucana.  When the family arrived the girl timidly handed me a three page report neatly written on line tablet paper.  She watched nervously as I read the report carefully, and then asked a couple of follow-up questions which she answered correctly.  (e.g. What type of comb do the males have?)

Recently she sent this email to me:

Hello, this is Shelby ___. In early April my mom, dad and I came and picked up a wheaten pullet and cockerel from you. I wrote you an explanation between the difference of an ameraucana and an easter egger. I just wanted to give you an update on how they are doing. My pullet has not yet began to lay eggs, but I am sure she will do so soon. I am excited to see her beautiful eggs! My cockerel has started to crow, and mature quickly. I recently entered them in my clubs annual open show for adults and youth. There were 6 ameraucanas entered into the show. 2 black, one white, one blue, and my two wheaten. My cockerel got best of breed and best variety. My pullet received reserve variety. I am very pleased with how they are doing. Their next show will be my local 4H fair in July. I will give you another update on how they do in the July show! I want to thank you again for the opportunity to get these amazing birds.  Thank You,

I have yet to win Best of Breed but I doubt that will be nearly as fulfilling as seeing this fine young woman succeed!

Duane

[Mike Gilbert]

Duane, it is stories like yours that make my day and keep me going.    Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing. 

[John W Blehm]

I especially loved your last sentence, Duane.  I've had that same feeling and it is great.
Years ago I remember a discussion on giving birds to juniors as opposed to having them pay something.  I think your "exchange" added more value to the birds for Shelby than just freebies. 
Very Cool.

[Linda Ferguson]

Duane - That's a great story you shared. Thanks for inspiring us all. Linda

[Rebecca G Howie]

Duane,

I love what you did and how Shelby has learned and gone forward with what she has learned and her AMs.

In fact, it brought happy tears to my eyes

[Tailfeathers]

Duane, thank you SO much for sharing that!  Made me a little misty-eyed myself.  Heartwarming is an understatement.  That was truly the highlight of my day.  That was truly a wonderful thing you did!

I particularly like the idea of you having Shelby write the story.  I hope you don't mind if I borrow that should I ever have the opportunity to do so.

[Russ Blair]

This was a wonderful thing you have done and a testament to your character Duane. If you have never had the opportunity to meet Duane this shows what kind of man he is. Thanks for sharing this with us all

[Max Strawn]

Awesome story, Duane! You can't put a price on something like that. 

[Schroeder]

Thanks Russ.  I'm in fine company with all our AA members.

[Beth Curran]

Love this story, Duane!! Wonderful idea about the essay!

[Schroeder]

Here is an update to this story from Shelby:

My show was on July 8th and directly after the show we headed off to Florida. There was quite a few Ameraucanas shown this year, but the majority of them seemed to be Easter Eggers. A beautiful white ameraucana won best of breed, and my cockerel won reserve breed. The judge told me that if he was older he would have won. I am pleased with how they are doing.

[Tailfeathers]

We definitely need that "Thumbs Up" or "Like" button!!  Good on ya, Duane. Well done!