Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Influence: A Light to Others

I absolutely love Christmas. Like many other people, it’s one of my favorite times of the year, and honestly, what’s not to love? Stores are filled with sparkling displays of shining toys and mannequins, streets are lined with glowing lanterns twisted in greenery and red ribbon, and Christmas music whispers softly through the speakers in the local grocery store. Besides the evident Christmas cheer around my hometown, there are so many traditions to look forward to. For me, my favorite family tradition is the time spent decorating the tree.
Ever since I was little, I have always remembered the time spent decorating the tree. Christmas music echos in the background while my mom unpacks old cookie tins full of colorful glass and old crafted ornaments. The coffee table is opened up to hold the weight of various foods including ham and cheese roll ups, chips and salsa, sugar cookies, and my personal favorite, peanut butter M&M’s. The next hour is filled with happy smiles, full-bellied laughs, snack munching, and of course, the hanging of ornaments. Though all of this is fun, I always get assigned the hard part - the checking and untangling of yards of Christmas lights.
Every time I am assigned this dreadful task, I have to remember the golden rule my dad taught me many years ago.

“One burnt out light leads right to another. Fix one, you fix them all.”

Weirdly enough, I never thought this golden rule could ever be used anywhere else until a college friend of mine explained circuits and how it really can say alot about a leader’s influence.

As leaders, we always hear how our influence impacts those around us. Our influence is actually pretty similar to my dad’s golden rule. Christmas lights all run on one circuit, so when one goes out, all the bulbs after also go out. However, if the one light is fixed, all the others can become lit after it. When we influence others, we can help others be an influence as well. We can see our influence in others through their excitement, happiness, perseverance, and even their own actions.

This last week I had the incredible opportunity to finish up my chapter visits with some amazing members. When I was with the Aitkin FFA chapter, I saw what a positive influence can look like first hand. Walking into the classroom I was already nervous, but I was instantly greeted with the bright faces of Breena and Maggie, two chapter officers. I instantly felt their influence as their positive energy got me excited for my visit. Throughout the next few hours, I had the pleasure of seeing their positive influence in the classroom shown by their creativity, boundless energy, and willingness to help others around them. At the end of my visit while sitting with other members drinking hot chocolate and eating brownies, I noticed the atmosphere of the classroom and the attitudes of the members. Breena and Maggie were off giggling with others about some viral video, and you could see the influence they created around them. Simply, it was hard not to smile around either one of them. They didn’t only light up themselves by their influence, but they lit up others around them as well.

Our influence has the power to change the light of those around us. It may start out as a soft glow, but later turn into an intense beam, able to be seen from anywhere. As FFA members, it’s our job to light others up around us. We can encourage others, helping them by building up their own confidence. We can show our appreciation, because truly a little kindness goes a long ways. We can even simply be ourselves, which shows others we can be unapologetically authentic and true to ourselves. All of this encapsulates our influence. When we use our influence as a light, others light up around us, and our influence becomes bigger and bigger.

How can you influence others in your chapter?
What type of light can your influence have?
Even if you feel burnt out, how can you light those around you?

Stationed by the flag,

Eleora DeMuth

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Wingmen Never Wing It




The movement of fighter jets flashed across the screen, voices hushed, and we watched in suspense.  Waldo  Waldman, dressed in the suit of a pilot, explained how he led this formation of aircraft on a military mission.  He told the story of the hours dedicated to preparing for each of his 65 ventures, the intense training he went through, and most importantly, the multitude of people who worked hard to make each mission a success.  From the young man who filled his plane with gas to the pilot who flew directly alongside him, each individual had a key role which impacted Waldman’s experiences.  Even the smallest of their actions mattered, and because of these people, these wingmen, Waldman returned safely each time he took flight.

I had the chance to hear Waldman speak at the Agriculture Future of America conference this fall in Kansas City, Missouri, and through all his presentation’s intensity, one phrase about the people who invested in him stuck with me.

“Wingmen never wing it.”

First of all, who are these wingmen for us?
Now, I don’t know about you, but I do not have airmen flying beside me 30,000 feet above ground.   Nevertheless, I have people who walk right alongside me throughout life who I can count on just as much.  At the University of Minnesota, two of these wingmen are my closest friends.  Grace and Laura never fail to refuel me with encouragement (and ice cream), remind me when to get back on task, and fill my days with joy and dances to Christmas music.  I know I can always count on them because they make a choice to support me each and every day, whether we see each other or not, and I do the same for them.  These relationships push me to become better and are ones I can always fall back on.  Our wingmen are the people who love and support us unconditionally.  
Two FFA members I’ve met who are amazing wingmen for each other are Trinity and Tyffanie from the Winona FFA Chapter.  These girls support each other through everything.  They cheer each other on while competing in Prepared Public or extemporaneous speaking, worked up the courage to run for region office together, and yell in support during dodgeball at FFA lock ins.  These two can always be counted on to be there for each other in support for any situation. They even hyped each other up enough to perform a song from the musical “Hamilton” at a regional talent show with two other chapter members! Their continual support allows each other to flourish and find success.  Wingmen invest in relationships just like this one, and their commitment to building each other up lifts each of us to new heights.  Who are your wingmen? These could be a friend, a teacher or advisor, a family member, or a community person who always encourages and lifts you up.
Now that we know who our wingmen are, why don’t they wing it?
Just like the way Waldman’s aircrew and pilots in his fleet needed to be prepared and in the right mindset so they can count on one another, we need to be intentional to support people in our relationships.  To be a good wingman, each of us need to make the choice to fully invest in the people around us and use our time to develop relationships.  In supportive friendships like these, it doesn’t work to fly by the seat of our pants.  Being a good wingman requires commitment. This may look like the mutual commitment like Trinity and Tyffanie have where they can count on one another.
I know my wingmen are always there, whether I complete a flight mission successfully or crash and burn.  
So, how can we be good wingmen for the people around us?
To keep from “winging it,” let’s plan to support the people we love.  This can look like scheduling time to call a friend we haven’t talked to in awhile, writing a note recognizing the amazing qualities we see in the people around us, or posting a picture with a kind caption on our social media.  Maybe we can plan to carve out time to offer our agriculture teachers help organizing books or cleaning the shop.  We could even start a tradition, like one of my dear friends, of texting a verse or quote every morning to our friends to consistently show love.  We can start with one planned action and build on it.  When we do this, and add a second and third action, we build up trust and faith that we will continuously be there for the people around us.  
What will your planned act of support be?
As you head out into the world today, be the best wingman you can be, and remember:
Wingmen Never Wing It.

Stationed by the plow,
Emily Pliscott

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

The Gift of Being Present

Oh no…. Jack had really outdone himself this time. After only a few test flights of my cousin’s brand new remote controlled drone, my brother had managed to get it stuck at the very top of the pine tree in the yard. After a few good laughs about this mishap, my brother, dad, uncle, and 4th grade cousin Carter had constructed a strategy to get the drone down from its perch. This strategy mostly involved Jack climbing up the tree and shaking it with all of his might. The rest of our laughing family watched from the base of the tree or from inside the house until the drone was released from the highest branches. This is just one of the many highlights from my family’s drive-through Christmas this year.

Drive-through Christmas is one of my favorite events in the holiday season. Since I was born, this family gathering has taken place at my uncle’s house in southern Minnesota. When my brother and I were little, the endearing “drive-through” aspect of the holiday was created because our family would drive three hours to the celebration, stay for lunch and a few gifts, and then return back home before nightfall. Our time together as a family is very short, and often we only get to see my grandparents and my cousins a few times a year. However, I think that’s what makes this family Christmas so great. Since we only have a few hours to see each other, we make the most of every minute and do our best to catch up with each other and show support in the limited timeframe.

Ten-year-old Carter and my six-year-old cousin Morgan are always bursting with energy and excitement. Jack and I play game after game with them, and even though their enthusiasm can be a bit overwhelming at times, we always do our best to spend as much time with them as possible. In fact, everyone engages in conversations and takes advantage of the time we have with each other. My mother always reminds us of our limited time, and Jack and I are reminded before we arrive to make the most of each moment. So we put our phones down, forget about our other obligations for a while, and just enjoy the people in our lives.

I find that even though I hardly see my Dad’s side of the family throughout the year, I develop great memories from each drive-through Christmas. Despite the long car ride every year, Jack and I have always look forward to the family time we experience at this holiday. This happens because my family is intentional about using what we are given to make something better. I have found that drive-through Christmas has inspired me to give my best attention and presence to the people I am with throughout the entire holiday season.


As we continue through this holiday season, we have the opportunity to connect with our family members and close supporters. This is a great time to be fully present and be intentional about giving our time to others. All too often we take the people in our lives for granted, and we fail to maximize our time with them. And while not everyone will have a limited time with their family like I do, we can still make an effort to give the gift of our time and attention to those around us. We make the best memories when we are truly engaged with the people in our lives. So whether you want to bake some cookies, have a snowball fight, drink hot chocolate by the fireplace, have a good conversation, or fulfill another holiday tradition, I invite you to turn your time with others into a gift of its own. 


Stationed beneath the rising sun, 

Katie Benson

Monday, December 4, 2017

What is a Legacy?


My initial reaction was uncertainty. I didn’t know what to expect as I walked into Dingmann Funeral Care in Maple Lake, Minnesota at 3:00 pm on a chilly Saturday afternoon in mid-November. I saw family, friends, and flowers. … Flowers? Hundreds of beautifully vibrant flowers draped around the room from loved ones supporting the loss of Christopher Churchill, a beloved son, brother, friend, hunting buddy, carbles partner, and to me, a cousin. Although these flowers may not appear significant, they have impacted me greatly, just as Christopher has to many around him.

Every year, thousands of people spend money to go to arboretums, greenhouses, and gardens, and even go as far as planting flowers in their home soils as well. They walk and admire the immense beauty that nature brings to their lives. But, many flowers only stay around for a short amount of time (especially in Minnesota) and leave as the seasons change.
I remember when I was 15 years old, my dad bought me a lavender Lantana tree; I know, it was awesome. I took care of it every single day to see it grow higher and higher with the most gorgeous purple blooms you have ever seen. I marveled at the tremendous joy it brought to my life in just one summer! As fall came, my dad told me it was time to bring it into the greenhouse at school so it could survive the winter. However, I wanted to continue to look at the beautiful blooms of the plant and ended up never digging the Lantana out and putting it in the greenhouse. It soon froze and before I knew it, the plant was covered by snow in the yard and I was unable to save it in the greenhouse. I cried for hours about how if I had only taken the plant out, it would be just fine and still thriving.
Looking back on the experience, I discovered that the summer I had watching that Lantana tree grow may have been short, but the amount of knowledge I learned about cultivating plants was largely broadened due to its management. The Lantana tree’s beauty and joy touched my life in a way that nothing else could; it seemed like a connection that could not have carried over into the next season.
Image result for legacy what is a legacy its planting seeds in a gardenChristopher was able to similarly radiate his love for hunting, fishing, life, and those around him in the short 33 years of his life. Many of us have been touched by his kindness and willingness to get any job done for someone. Although we wish we could see him in the next season, his plan from God is different. Christopher’s smile was as large as a Peony bloom and his laugh rustled like the wind in the trees. He truly left a legacy of love and care for all of those around him by showing his true colors.
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Alexander Hamilton (kind of) once said:
“Legacy… What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”
With the short time you have here on Earth, how are you going to leave your legacy, like Christopher?
How will you make a difference to those around you?
What seeds will YOU plant?

Stationed by the Door,
Maddie Weninger

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

So, we got sent to the Principal's Office...

The door clicked shut behind us as we exited Principal Bach’s office. Wren and Sophi turned to me with smiling, shocked looks on their faces. “I have never met him before…he’s actually pretty nice,” trailed Wren’s verbal thoughts. I smiled back at her with a slightly puzzled expression and said, “Wait, you’d never met him before?”



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On a beautiful, early November morning just a few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit the Stillwater FFA chapter. Upon my arrival to this newly remodeled, 2,600 student high school, I asked for both a map and verbal directions to the agriculture department from the main office. This was just a bit different from the 500 student high school I grew up in where my principal and all office staff knew me by name and I was in my principal’s office at least once a week my junior and senior years (for all good things, of course). To be quite honest, I was pretty apprehensive going into my very first chapter visit of the year, especially at a school of this size.

After searching the halls of this ginormous school for about five minutes with map in hand and the verbal directions replaying in my mind, I finally made my way into Mr. Boettcher’s agriculture education classroom. At first the room reminded me of my science classrooms from high school, but I soon discovered what else Stillwater FFA members and agriculture education students had available to them as I listened to them share their experiences in the greenhouse, aquaculture room, and outside the school doors at a plot of land near a local river where they release the trout they raise in the classroom. I also had the opportunity to sit in on one of their weekly, informal meetings and hear about the happenings of the chapter, meet the officer team, and discuss the events some of the other members were involved in or excited to try in the upcoming year.

Wren, Sophi, and I in front of the awards display they put together
showcasing Stillwater FFA's outstanding work.
Allow me to introduce to you two of Stillwater FFA’s chapter officers, President Sophi and Vice President Wren. Sophi is currently a senior at Stillwater Area High School and competes on the Horse Evaluation and the Wildlife CDE teams in FFA. She plans to further pursue an education at University of Wisconsin - River Falls next fall majoring in Conservation and Environmental Planning. Wren is a junior, competes on the Horse Evaluation CDE team, and hopes to follow her passion of working with horses to pursue a double major in Animal Science and Equine Science and continue on to veterinary school after high school. These two girls have a passion for agriculture and the FFA organization similar to most of us heavily involved in FFA; they thrive in the environment and have found a second family - but they haven’t always felt the support of their school’s administration.    

As part of my visit to the school, I was asked to have a quick meeting with Principal Rob Bach. Wren and Sophi escorted me back to the main office to have my meeting. Upon introductions, Mr. Bach asked if the two girls were coming with me? Swift glances of their puzzled faces said, “No!” So…I smiled a response saying, “Yes.” We sat down at the small, round table in his office, and he asked, “So, what can I do for you today, Kylee?” As I briefly explained my role in Minnesota FFA and how FFA has been of benefit to me in my life thus far, I then reached out to the girls joining me to share what they are involved in and what their future plans included. At first, I thought Wren was going to forever dislike me from the look she gave me when I started talking about her and then asking her to talk to her principal. But based on our previous conversations on  the same information earlier that morning, I knew they had awesome stories to share! I smiled and urged them both on to continue sharing the happenings of Stillwater FFA and how it would impact member’s lives. Soon, Mr. Bach was asking questions and inquiring about specifics of Stillwater FFA and certain FFA events.

Wren and Sophi’s faces were glowing and their eyes were glimmering with hope as we sat at that table discussing agriculture with Mr. Bach, and for the first time they felt supported by their administration. Why? Because they shared their story.

As youth leaders in agriculture, we have the opportunity to share our experiences and our stories with those around us. You might ask, “Why Kylee? Aren’t all our stories the same? We all wear the same blue jacket…” And I would then respond, “No, you and your story are perfectly yours and unique. You may wear the same jacket, but the person inside that jacket is different than anyone else in the world.” This reminds me of a quote I recently came across, People love what other people are passionate about.

When we share our stories, we do three things:
1) we positively inform those around us by advocating for our passions
2) we (usually) gain support
3) we add to our own stories and learn a bit more about ourselves

Sometimes, we don’t feel like we have anything to share, much like Wren and Sophi when the meeting with Mr. Bach started. But when we walked out, they knew their stories had finally been heard and they had a newfound respect for Mr. Bach, and vise versa. Sometimes, all it takes is stepping out of our comfort zone and taking a leap of faith to share our story with someone new. Maybe that someone new is a potential sponsor or supporter of your FFA chapter, or maybe the coach of the sport you have always wished you played, or maybe it is a five minute conversation with your principal about the importance of agricultural education and FFA.


We all have the potential to share a powerful, passionate story - we just need to be brave enough to say it out loud.

If you aren’t sure where your story starts, I challenge you to grab a piece of paper and think back to the very first thing/event you participated in in FFA, or in your favorite sport, or any other activity or organization you are a part of. Now, write down why you joined. Continue with what you have done, how you have seen yourself grow, and how your participation has positively impacted your life. You now have a story. I would love to hear it. So would the rest of the world. Why? Because you are passionate about it,and “people love what other people are passionate about.”

If you know where your story starts, keep writing pages, fill chapters, share certain quotes and pages along the way, maybe even chapters, but don’t ever close your book of life. Always keep learning, growing, and sharing your experiences.

Pick your passion. Share your story. Be a #PassionateAdvocate. Be a #PassionateAGvocate.

Stationed by the ear of corn,
Kylee
        

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Non-Stop


Recently, I have been spending a lot of time in the car traveling. My drive from college in Brookings, South Dakota to home is about 3 hours, so I listen to a lot of music, audiobooks, and podcasts. One of my favorite things to listen to is musicals, and as many people know, I am unashamed of my love for the musical Hamilton. I know every line to the musical, and when people ask me why I love it so much, it is hard to explain. I love history, I love musicals, and when a great mind like Lin-Manuel Miranda writes a musical about a founding father that involves fast lyrical melodies, you've got me hooked. On one of my long drives, I was jamming to Hamilton when I was about halfway through, and one of my favorite songs is up next. It is the last song of act one, and it is all about Alexander Hamilton after the revolutionary war ended and what he went on to do. Because of his social circumstances, he had to work twice as hard as any of his fellow founding fathers to build his name and reputation. This song is appropriately named Non-Stop. Lately I feel exactly like Alexander Hamilton, like I have been going nonstop the past couple of weeks.     



I have spent the past couple to weeks traveling: going to National FFA Convention, attending the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference, and traveling all around Minnesota for chapter visits and conferences. I have loved every moment of the traveling and connecting with people across our nation. However, I can't seem to find five minutes to sit down to take a deep breath and rest for a while. I will be the first to admit that when I get behind or super busy the first thing I sacrifice is sleep. I will stay up way too late studying for that next big test or finishing writing a paper due that night. More and more, I have realized that I cannot keep this pace up. It is simply not healthy to do this. I think this has served as a reminder to me that we have to slow down and make time to recharge.


Because I’m  interested in this topic of losing sleep, I was curious to find out what affect sleep and relaxation has on our health. Some benefits I found from simple resting and recharging are that sleeping can help improve your memory, so when we stay up late studying for that test the next day, it will actually has a negative effect on our test taking abilities. When we get more sleep we are less stressed, sleep sharpens our attention, and helps us make better decisions. By getting an adequate amount of sleep each night, our body has time to destress allowing us to do more in less time. It might seem hard or even impossible to find time to sleep, but I assure you it is important. Sleep is just one way to relax, and if all these benefits come from just one thing, imagine what could happen if we stopped to slow down more.  

Later on in the musical, Alexander's family tries everything to get him to simply take a break, desperately begging him to come away with them for a few weeks in the summer. Unfortunately, he stays behind, and because of his stress levels, he makes some poor decisions. We know how history played out for Hamilton, but I can't help but wonder what would've happened if he had taken a break?  When we get caught up in the stress of life or the number of tasks we have to get done, we lose sight of our goals and what is really important to us. Have you been going nonstop lately? If the answer is yes, I encourage you to stop and take a breath. Especially as we go into the holiday season and sit down with our families for Thanksgiving (maybe for the first time  sitting down in a while), let's remember why taking time to rest and recuperate is important. Have you lost perspective and sight of your goals?  Find someone to hold you accountable to how busy you are, to help you slow down, and refocus. Do what is best for you. Find a technique to help maximize your time when you are working; whether  that is taking time to have coffee with a friend and catch up or maybe sitting down to dinner with your family. Find a way so you can slow down and enjoy the journey you are on.  

Stationed by the Emblem of Washington,

Spencer Flood

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Snowstorm Stuck

I packed up my last few belongings into my duffle and completed my mental checklist. White shirt? Check. Black skirt? Check. Heels? Check. Khakis? Check. With my head full of checks, I zipped up my bag, swinging it over my shoulder, finally heading out of my dorm room. As soon as I walked outside, the frigid air and snowflakes hit my face, making me cringe with uncertainty. However, there was no time to waste and I had a full drive to the cities from Crookston to attend the AgriGrowth Conference. A few hours pass, and the snow became worse and worse. Visibility was horrible and the wind shook my already small car. With a whole lot of prayer and encouraging words over the phone, I finally it made off an exit and into Fergus Falls.
Emma and Cole AKA my support system
I sat in the Walgreen’s parking lot, panicking and calling everyone and anyone who could help me. Finally, I decided I was stuck. Completely and utterly stuck. After thirty minutes of panicked calls, disaster planning, and hotel searching, I finally made my way to a local Super 8. I hauled my stuff inside and plopped down on the bed, thoughts and questions running through my head.

How could this have possibly happened?
Why, tonight of all nights?
I have an agenda! I don’t have time for this!
What am I going to do?

Tragedy struck the world on September 11, 2001 when planes hit the World Trade Center and over 3,000 people died. When all aircraft was ordered to land despite the United States closing all airspace, the small town of Newfoundland, Canada opened it’s doors for all aircraft to come into Gander International Airport. This town didn’t see any potential threat of terrorism; they saw a chance to help others get unstuck.

Sometimes, we can’t help but get stuck. We don’t necessarily try to, but we get stuck in homework and school, responsibilities, sports, CDE’s and sometimes even our friends. When we get stuck, we usually panic, stress or even shut down, which can make it even harder for us to continue. This is the point where we need to stop. Stop and recognize that we’re stuck. Once we recognize we’re stuck, we can assess the situation and begin to understand why we’re stuck, and finally be able to ask for help.  We have an array of supporters around us that continue to get us ‘unstuck,’ and we can even be one of those supporters for others.

Next time someone seems stuck and begins to doubt themselves, let’s be the support they need to get unstuck. Next time we get stuck, stop, recognize, assess, and ask.

What has you stuck recently?
How have your supporters helped you get ‘unstuck?’
How can YOU help others get ‘unstuck?’


Sometimes it just takes a moment of us stopping and asking for help, even if it’s not the easiest thing to do. My agenda may not have had a neat check next to every item, but the next morning I got unstuck and safely finished my trip to attend the AgriGrowth Conference, thankful for those who supported me.

Stationed by the flag,
Eleora


Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Leaving Convention with Intention



I can’t believe National Convention has already come and gone! It always amazes me at how fast this week flies by. While at convention, our team and two other phenomenal representatives from Minnesota had the opportunity to serve as delegates in the organization by making choices and giving recommendations on how the FFA can continue to improve and grow. When we weren’t in committee meetings or business sessions, we were making connections with other members from across the nation, signing the Minnesota line in the convention signature books, meeting up with old friends, or getting caught up in the thrill of convention!


Even if you haven’t been to national convention before, you have probably heard about the “sea of blue jackets" that takes over the city of Indianapolis for the week. It’s always been mind-blowing to me that I can feel so at home when surrounded by thousands of strangers. Everyone at convention seems excited for the competitions, sessions, speakers, the career fair, or any of the countless other opportunities convention holds. Each member seems to get caught up in the electrifying inspiration of keynote speakers, star finalists, and the many successful members highlighted for their achievements. I’m sure that just like me, many FFA members from across the country left convention with ideas of chapter activities, goals for the coming year, and a sense of refreshed motivation to make an impact. But after all of my years at National Convention, I know this feeling doesn’t last long, and it’s only a matter of time before it wears off.


In my middle school years, I attended a church youth conference in the Twin Cities. Just like at FFA convention, we were all excited to be involved and have a good time. However, one of our leaders said something that has stuck in my mind for all of these years. He told us, “When we’re here together, we’re like players in the football huddle. We’re excited to give it our all to be successful. But then we have the choice to either go onto the field and take action after we leave or back to the bench. Usually, we find ourselves sitting on the sidelines for a few months until we have the chance to get back in the huddle.” I have found the same thing is true for many FFA members as we leave convention.


Huddles can look different for everyone.
 They are the events, places, and people that inspire us!
We spend hours and hours listening to keynote speakers and retiring addresses, exploring the career fair, and making mental plans for our upcoming year, but if we choose to simply go back to our everyday lives once we go home, what does it matter? If we don’t take anything away from our experiences at convention, was it worth traveling the hundreds of miles to Indianapolis? Whether we are in jerseys or jackets, the huddle is the place where inspirational words and stories are shared. How ridiculous would it be if all of the football players left the huddle and sat on the bench for the rest of the game? It’s just as crazy to leave convention and simply continue our lives as we did before.



We spend the entire convention learning how to push ourselves to learn more, serve others, and become better, so it only makes sense that we take the time to put these new ideas or skills into action. We need to take the time to sit down and think about what we really took from our days at national convention. If we thought an experience was life-changing, we should let it change how we live our lives.  

Even if we didn’t attend national convention this year, we have huddle like opportunities any time we come together with people who push us to be better!  It may be at a big event like national or state convention, at a leadership conference, or during a  conversation with our FFA advisor or with a friend. We can carry on the same motivation from the huddle by finding small ways to remind ourselves of our intentions or surrounding ourselves with those who will keep us accountable.



If we write down one goal or one message we want to remember and keep it in a place where we see it every day, we are much more likely to actually change our habits. Personally, I am a huge fan of sticky notes, so I post quotes, reminders, and goals on sticky notes on my ceiling and around my room. We can also ask others we trust to help keep us accountable in the process of enacting this change in our lives. Talking to friends, advisors, and parents is a great way to make sure we continue improving and striving to reach the goals we set for ourselves at convention or during any time in our life. We need to find ways that help us put the inspiration we gain in the huddle into action on the field. How will you choose to take action?



Stationed beneath the rising sun,

Katie Benson

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Build a House

Image result for procrastinationI am NOT a procrastinator. I will never understand how people can thrive from the thrill of doing a homework assignment at the last minute. I often hear of people writing papers at 11pm that are due at midnight (It makes me shake just thinking of the stress!). Instead, I could potentially have my work complete DAYS in advance to the deadline. Writing blogs is no exception to this proactive mentality.
Often times, I will write my blog a week before it is to be posted, looking for edits and having it ready at least 24 hours before releasing it. Writing is something I’ve always loved doing, but I’ve found that when it comes to blogs I HAVE to commit to a topic and roll with it no matter what. Once I have started on a message and story, I cannot give up on all the progress that came with the rough draft of writing the blog.
IMG_2721 3.JPGI was recently talking to my teammate, Kylee, about this phenomenon, that I can’t give up on something I started. She told me how often with her blogs, she will restart many times, and find ways to fit the pieces together along the way that she wanted to incorporate. Then, she challenged me to try the same exact thing. I was very hesitant, and denied the request at first, until a few nights ago.
I had written my blog earlier than usual, due to the fact that it was to be posted during one of the craziest, busiest, and best weeks of the year -- National FFA Convention. However, I was finding it flow the writing together and realized that it was a few messages put into one. I contemplated what my next move would be and was at a loss. For the first time in awhile, I procrastinated and stressed about going back to that blog and changing it, because there was so much work to be done. I feared not being able to write a good enough message or finish it in time.
A few days after creating my message and receiving edits, I was telling Kylee about my stress in editing the blog to perfection. She flashed a mischievous smile to me as if to say ‘remember what I said’, saying:
“Don’t be afraid to change it and move forward.”
Isn’t it crazy how sometimes, people know exactly what you need to hear, and you just need to open your heart to listen? In that moment, I knew that it was time to alter my way of thinking. I decided to completely restart and write this blog here and now. My stress melted away as I began to just write, an activity that has always helped give me perspective. I found myself again loving to write and create something I was proud of.
Can you think of a time in your life where you felt trapped to stay committed to something because you had so much work invested into it? That time might be right now. Fear of failure, judgement, and loss strike us until we decide to move on or work at the problem.
My choice to rewrite my blog immediately relieved the stress I was experiencing as National FFA Convention approached. I realized that becoming stuck on one single idea was not benefitting me, and that I could grow so much more from looking at different perspectives.
Image result for If God closes a door AND a window, consider the fact that it might be time to build a new house.There’s an excellent quote from Mandy Hale that states:
“If God closes a door AND a window, consider the fact that it might be time to build a new house.”

Sometimes we just need to take the advice of my teammate and be willing to start anew. What will you do this week to build a new house where it seems like you are trapped in your position? How can you start a new story to share with others?

Stationed by the Door,

Maddie Weninger