GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. — CJ Lee grew up attending an afterschool program known as the Glynn County 4-H.
He never left the program because nowadays, much of his time is spent giving back as an active volunteer. One can say he's dedicated to his job; Lee said he was raised and taught to volunteer.
He once had a 4-H volunteer he used to look up to back in 1995. Lee grew up in the 4-H program, from middle school to high school, and now as an adult. When someone needs a big brother, mentor or teacher, Lee is paying it forward to the next generation.
"Nowadays kids don't have nothing to lean on. So, I was raised to give back to the community," said Lee. "It's a huge opportunity for the kids to learn from," he said.
4-H is America's largest youth development organization. They provide experiences for young people to try hands-on projects through: agriculture, stem and healthy living.
To Lee, he believes in ensuring kids have a space to express themselves, find their voice and demonstrate how to make their community a better place for others.
Lee's 20 years of selflessness is not taken for granted. His colleagues say Lee brings "something that some of them [the youth] can be missing in their lives." They said Lee has a way of getting students excited about learning new things.
Every summer, Lee gives up his one week of vacation time to volunteer as an adult chaperone at the 4-H annual summer camp. The same camp he would enjoy growing up. Lee joked, saying he felt as if he was one of the kids at 4-H.
"It's something I love to do every time I get the chance to," Lee said.
The same people who allowed him to be a kid growing up, Lee wants to pay it forward to the next child.