Thinking clearly has always been my greatest strength. I try to set emotions aside and look at the logic of situations. I'm fiercely loyal—loyal to my family and those who have earned my trust. There is a flip side to loyalty; those who lose my respect are "done" for me. I avoid them and cut them out of my life, falling back on my logic. Why surround yourself with people who make you sad?
I am a truly "hands-on" person. I enjoy growing my own food, sewing my own clothes, and working hard to provide a greater service to our world. With that, I strive to live a cleaner life. I don't drink, smoke, and I try to avoid eating animals. I do this primarily for health reasons, but I also strive to maintain a smaller environmental footprint. I have downsized our housing.
4-H taught me so many valuable skills.
Leadership developed through my 4-H experience, where I worked my way up through every office, culminating in my role as club president during my junior year of high school. Accounting skills were developed as we had to prepare profit/loss statements for each project—buy a lamb for $20, pay $10 for feed, and sell it for $100, earning a $70 profit. Public speaking improved when we had to give demonstrations, such as teaching an audience how to decorate a cake. I even made my own 5-tier wedding cake!
However, one of the most valuable skills I acquired was the ability to judge. 4-H judging contests provide youth with hands-on learning experiences that enhance their knowledge while developing critical life skills:
- Critical thinking - to analyze and evaluate different aspects,
- Decision-making - to make informed choices based on evaluation and standards,
- Communication - to explain reasoning and improve public speaking skills.
The contest format was simple: four pigs presented, or four heads of lettuce. Each had a number, and we had to rank them and explain why to the judge. Here's an example: I ranked lamb number 3 as the best because it had a straight back, full hindquarters, and alert eyes. Number 4 was next, but didn't seem as healthy as number 3. Number 1's back was dipped and lacked development in chest and hindquarters. Number 2 was last—it seemed sick, thin, and its wool was matted. Thus, I ranked them 3, 4, 1, 2.
4-H members start learning analytical evaluation at an early age. While "judgmental" often carries negative connotations—describing someone who forms harsh, critical opinions without being open-minded—what I learned was different. I developed the ability to be analytical, making informed judgments and rankings based on clear criteria and logical evaluation.
Applying These Skills to Disney Vacation Club
This analytical approach now guides my evaluation of Disney Vacation Club properties. Just like those 4-H judging contests, I evaluate each resort through multiple lenses: location, convenience, room layouts, amenities, transportation options, dining choices, and overall value proposition. I consider both the pros and cons of DVC ownership, helping others make informed decisions about this significant investment.
In my DVC playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXGM_RRzOZ4&list=PLx_8Ja4anZU4oHlsC6u_9OQk-wMbfxf2d - I break down each DVC property with the same methodical approach I learned in 4-H. I don't let Disney magic cloud my judgment—instead, I evaluate each resort's strengths and weaknesses objectively. Whether it's the convenience of staying at Bay Lake Tower with easy monorail access to Magic Kingdom or the potential drawbacks of a resort's distance from the parks, I aim to provide you with a clear and logical analysis.
My DVC Resort Judging Journey Continues as I've been systematically visiting all the DVC resorts to provide firsthand insights. My next stop is Disney's Beach Club Villas in September, and I'm excited to experience this Epcot-area resort firsthand. From the famous Stormalong Bay pool complex to the easy walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios, Beach Club has always intrigued me, but I want to see for myself how it measures up against my analytical criteria.
The same skills that helped me rank livestock at county fairs now help me rank Disney resorts. It's about looking beyond the surface magic to understand what really matters: practical considerations, value for your vacation dollar, and which resort truly fits your family's needs.
Ready to Learn More?
If you're considering Disney Vacation Club or just want to see how these properties really stack up, check out my DVC playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXGM_RRzOZ4&list=PLx_8Ja4anZU4oHlsC6u_9OQk-wMbfxf2d
I apply the same analytical approach to each property that 4-H taught me decades ago—because whether you're judging pigs or Disney resorts, clear thinking and honest evaluation never go out of style.
Stay tuned for my Beach Club review coming this fall!
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