Tumblin twins credit 4-H for career paths

Taryn and Ashlyn Tumblin joined 4-H because their family was involved for a long time. The girls graduated from River View High School in 2025, and both believe what they learned in 4-H has had a huge impact on their lives. They began as Cloverbuds and were active in 4-H for about 13 years.

Taryn Tumblin is a student at Ohio State ATI, studying animal bioscience (pre-vet), and plans to attend veterinary school to become a large animal veterinarian. Ashlyn Tumblin is attending Ohio University in Athens, studying sociology-criminology, and is a cadet in the Army ROTC Program. She plans to commission as an army officer after graduation and serve her country. After retiring from the Army, she plans to use her degree and become a police K-9 officer.

Taryn Tumblin said she showed horses, dairy cows and heifers at the Coshocton County Fair. She also showed cats a few times.

“I love animals and loved showing them at the county fair,” Taryn Tumblin said.

She believes showing the large animals made her desire to be a vet even stronger.

“It really allowed me to grow my dream I had since I was a kid into an actual reality,” Taryn Tumblin said. “I learned many skills while dealing with these large animals, and it has definitely helped me in my college classes while handling large animals in my pursuit of being a large animal veterinarian.”

Ashlyn Tumblin showed the same types of animals as Taryn, but she also showed hogs for a year.

“We also showcased FFA shop projects too,” Ashlyn Tumblin said. “I joined 4-H because it was a family tradition and we lived on a farm. My whole family has been involved in 4-H for a long time, and it was just a natural continuation of our family’s customs.”

Ashlyn Tumblin said 4-H taught her how to grow as a person and learn by doing. “Being able to adapt to what you are asked to do with your animal or project allows you to be versatile and is a skill I’m glad I learned,” she said.

Ashlyn Tumblin said 4-H also taught her how to be part of a community and gave her useful skills, like interacting with people and showing up for yourself.

Taryn Tumblin said, “4-H taught me many things in life including leadership skills, being a better servant leader, how to be a great showman, and to take pride in my county and community.”

Taryn Tumblin said being involved with 4-H has affected her career choice because she was able to interact with all kinds of animals and many different people.

“I want to be able to help the animals and people in my community by serving them as a veterinarian,” she said. “4-H has helped me by teaching me many important skills when handling and dealing with various animals, as well as teaching me how to interact and communicate with the public.”

She said it helped her grow as a person. “And it gave me many great memories and experiences to take with me on my journey toward my future career path and goals,” Taryn Tumblin said.

Ashlyn Tumblin credits her experience in 4-H with giving her the ability to be a leader in her career. “Without the growth and leadership capabilities that 4-H gave me as a person, I would not have the foundation I need in order to lead others in the future,” she said.

Both girls believe everyone should try 4-H.

Ashlyn Tumblin said, “It allows so many opportunities that youth can expand upon in a new career path they never would have explored. It gives them everyday skills that are needed in life such as public speaking, communication, adaptability and multi-tasking. It also allows for connections to be made in the community.”

Taryn Tumblin said 4-H helps grow young people into future leaders. “You learn valuable skills that will help you in the future,” she said. “The leadership, communication and personable skills that you learn in 4-H will allow you to become a better individual and set you up for a bright future.”

They both said 4-H offers youth the chance to meet new people, make friends and make amazing memories.