Florida 4-H Grit Takes Center Stage

Florida 4-H alumnus Ben Wolking knows firsthand that grit is grown through experience. As a freshman swimmer at Bates College, Wolking nearly drowned during practice after an undiagnosed heart condition caused him to lose consciousness. What followed were hospital stays, surgeries and an uncertain future that doctors warned might never include competitive sports again.

Wolking leaned on lessons he learned through Florida 4-H. Growing up in Alachua County, he spent 13 years building leadership and confidence through projects that ranged from raising goats and chickens to debating legislation and speaking before state leaders. Those experiences taught him resilience, problem-solving and perseverance.

While recovering, Wolking drafted a TEDx talk from his hospital bed using public speaking skills developed through 4-H. Now back in the pool and studying physics and biology, his story reflects the lasting impact of agricultural youth programs. Need a powerful lift of your spirits this holiday? Check out Wolking’s TEDx Talk by heading to https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/news/2025/12/17/florida-4-h-alumnus-gives-inspiring-tedx-talk-on-grit-overcoming-uncertainty/