My friends,
I am sitting in the Indiana FFA Fellowship Center in Trafalgar, Indiana, in gym shorts and an FFA chapter T-shirt. My teammates and I are preparing for our upcoming convention.
The past few months of National Leadership Conferences for State Officers, State Presidents’ Conference, National FFA Convention preparation and visiting FFA partners are unforgettable aspects in this FFA member’s journey. We are blessed to experience all we have while wearing the corduroy, and for just over six years I have proudly worn my jacket. In taking off the blue and gold for the final time at the 81st National FFA Convention, the places, the experiences and the people will forever remain—not only in my jacket on a hanger, but within me.
Who knew that by joining FFA, this small-town farm-kid would get to travel to state competitions, national conventions, agricultural businesses, other countries, meet some of his best friends, fail, succeed and grow? Who knew a jacket could instill power? Who knew I would see the potential within others to do their best? Who knew that an organization could change a life? Who knew that you would be reading this, right now, also thinking about what you can and will become? Who knew?
Most amazing, it is not the FFA jacket that makes young people excel in what they are passionate about and learn in ways paramount to growing as servant-leaders. The authenticity, discovery, character, excellence and heart valued by each FFA member are what make an impact in another’s life. Each of us choose what we do when wearing our FFA jackets, and when we retire from our experience in FFA, we will have chosen what we gave, what we leave behind in our jackets and in others.
I smile as I cannot wait to wear it again. After more than six years of putting it on, I know what’s in store. I open up my closet and put on my black slacks, black socks, black shoes, white shirt and FFA tie. I reach for the only missing piece—my FFA jacket. To complete my official dress, it is all I have left. When I return it to my closet on October 25, 2008, I hope I will have left all I have.
Thank you, supporters and fellow members alike, for making the past six years the best of my life.
Gold and blue… forever for you,
Tyler
Monday, October 13, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Check it Out!
Hey!
Morgan posted a new video on his blog, on Facebook and on YouTube. All of my teammates and I are incredibly excited for the coming weeks, and we wanted to give you all a SHOUT OUT before we see you in Indy.
Check it out!
Morgan posted a new video on his blog, on Facebook and on YouTube. All of my teammates and I are incredibly excited for the coming weeks, and we wanted to give you all a SHOUT OUT before we see you in Indy.
Check it out!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Adventures in September
I am sitting in a hotel in Chicago, Illinois. Morgan Parker, my teammate and I are preparing to visit Kraft and Brunswick with the National FFA Foundation. The two partnership visits mark our final sponsor interaction for our year as national FFA officers. Looking ahead, preparing for convention continues as we conclude our adventures in a matter of weeks.
Our team enjoyed two weeks in Indianapolis writing scripts, practicing events and committing presentations to memory. Following our time in Indianapolis, we moved right into some of our final FFA events. I spent a week in Missouri with 1,809 students in 21 high schools within five days. We talked about character and developed plans to grow as individuals.
Kansas was next. These four days in high schools rank as one of the most fulfilling. With 1,727 eager students between four high schools, we discovered how attitude affects our progress and our ability to simply have fun. With two families, we played football in a church parking lot. With former Kansas state FFA officers, we relaxed and had a blast at Kansas State University. It was an incredible week, and I hope to visit Kansas again.
I flew out of Kansas City, Missouri on September 25, my last day with Kansas FFA, and the next morning visited the Shenandoah FFA Chapter. I could not have asked for a more fitting final event with FFA members prior to our National FFA Convention. I spent some time training with our Marketing and Communications Specialist Team, FFA Alumni and FFA Foundation for our time in New York City.
Monday morning, September 29, I joined Grammy nominee Jewel and Martha Stewart for a taping of “Martha”. Campbell Soup Company has partnered with FFA to reconnect people to their food. Martha Stewart and Jewel prepared a meal of butternut squash—provided by agriculture students from the Queens. I spoke with Martha about her growing up on and currently living on a farm. Cool! The taping aired October 3, 2008. Check out HelpGrowYourSoup.com for more information on how you can initiate a free donation from Campbell to FFA.
Our team enjoyed two weeks in Indianapolis writing scripts, practicing events and committing presentations to memory. Following our time in Indianapolis, we moved right into some of our final FFA events. I spent a week in Missouri with 1,809 students in 21 high schools within five days. We talked about character and developed plans to grow as individuals.
Kansas was next. These four days in high schools rank as one of the most fulfilling. With 1,727 eager students between four high schools, we discovered how attitude affects our progress and our ability to simply have fun. With two families, we played football in a church parking lot. With former Kansas state FFA officers, we relaxed and had a blast at Kansas State University. It was an incredible week, and I hope to visit Kansas again.
I flew out of Kansas City, Missouri on September 25, my last day with Kansas FFA, and the next morning visited the Shenandoah FFA Chapter. I could not have asked for a more fitting final event with FFA members prior to our National FFA Convention. I spent some time training with our Marketing and Communications Specialist Team, FFA Alumni and FFA Foundation for our time in New York City.
Monday morning, September 29, I joined Grammy nominee Jewel and Martha Stewart for a taping of “Martha”. Campbell Soup Company has partnered with FFA to reconnect people to their food. Martha Stewart and Jewel prepared a meal of butternut squash—provided by agriculture students from the Queens. I spoke with Martha about her growing up on and currently living on a farm. Cool! The taping aired October 3, 2008. Check out HelpGrowYourSoup.com for more information on how you can initiate a free donation from Campbell to FFA.
After also stopping at Pfizer and Lincoln Educational Services, I departed for Becky Sullivan’s, another teammate, home in Kansas. We finalized our addresses and scripts and realized how excited we are to begin convention on October 22, 2008! If you are interested in what convention entails, watch RFDTV for live coverage.
From here on out, basically, we will be engaged solely in convention rehearsals. If you are near Indianapolis, Indiana from October 22 through 25, please venture downtown to see for yourself what 54,000 FFA jackets look like!
In Photos
This is one of the flip charts used in Missouri while visiting nearly 2,000 students in 21 schools and enjoying leadership conferences in the evenings... "I didn't know ELEPHANTS drove DODGE TRACTORS!"
Um... Kansas and Missouri pretty much ROCKED the human push up. Every person could only touch the floor with their hands, and we peaked in Missouri with 16, Kansas with 48 and Indiana with 56!
Scott received his FFA jacket while I was in Missouri. This was the first time he wore it, and I even got to help him learn to tie a tie!
Kansas Greenhand Conferences. KANSAS WAS ENERGETIC AND INCREDIBLY ACTIVE!
The Big Apple taping of a Martha Stewart show... along with Jewel and a couple of FFA members from John Bowne High School in NYC. Check out HelpGrowYourSoup.com for more info.Saturday, September 6, 2008
Adventures in August
We were only a few thousand feet in the air on the final Cape Air flight of the evening from the Indianapolis International Airport to the Evansville Regional Airport last Friday. The lady beside me had been to Las Vegas with her sister and mother, both in-laws, and I could tell a week together was more than enough for them. As we shared a bag of barbeque potato chips—all six passengers, the pilot included, we identified towns and cities beneath the almost-clear night sky. I thought, “How does a small-town farm kid from Southern Indiana get to do this?”
National FFA Convention is just around the corner! We finished up initial preparation for our estimated 53,000-member event in Indianapolis this October 22-25, and our entire team jumped on a series of long flights to Los Angeles, California en lieu of our team retreat. Snorkeling off the coast of Catalina Island, football on Venice and Pismo Beach, a stroll in Hollywood, and fellowship with my five teammates describes most of our relaxing before our final stretch of office. We left for Kari’s house in Hermiston, Oregon as the final leg of our retreat. White water rafting rounded out our stay in Oregon.
Morgan and I departed on August 24 for Minneapolis, Minnesota to begin a six-day, six-state tour of FFA corporate supporters. In Minnesota, Georgia, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin we met at the world headquarters of Tyson, Wal-Mart, Wahl Clipper, John Deere, Ecolab, and several more. We also had dinner with a retried farming couple who has pledged almost a million dollars in corn! As soon as we finished our visit at Seneca—packer of Libby’s canned vegetables and other foods, I boarded a flight in Chicago and flew to Indianapolis to board another small flight for home.
Still munching on chips as we neared the Evansville landing strip, I thought about how any one of over a half a million students in FFA could be right here, right now, on a flight home to rest three days before his or her last weeks serving FFA… and to think the tens of thousands of companies, families, teachers and more who allow young people to do this. Wow.
I spent the few days at home with family and friends and even played a pick-up game of soccer with a few buddies and two of my brothers. All of the team met in Erlanger, Kentucky for a visit with Toyota, and we are now in the midst of National FFA Convention planning. This small-town farm-kid still cannot believe all the experienced has entailed, and I cannot wait to see what the end of October brings as we convene in Indy!
National FFA Convention is just around the corner! We finished up initial preparation for our estimated 53,000-member event in Indianapolis this October 22-25, and our entire team jumped on a series of long flights to Los Angeles, California en lieu of our team retreat. Snorkeling off the coast of Catalina Island, football on Venice and Pismo Beach, a stroll in Hollywood, and fellowship with my five teammates describes most of our relaxing before our final stretch of office. We left for Kari’s house in Hermiston, Oregon as the final leg of our retreat. White water rafting rounded out our stay in Oregon.
Morgan and I departed on August 24 for Minneapolis, Minnesota to begin a six-day, six-state tour of FFA corporate supporters. In Minnesota, Georgia, Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin we met at the world headquarters of Tyson, Wal-Mart, Wahl Clipper, John Deere, Ecolab, and several more. We also had dinner with a retried farming couple who has pledged almost a million dollars in corn! As soon as we finished our visit at Seneca—packer of Libby’s canned vegetables and other foods, I boarded a flight in Chicago and flew to Indianapolis to board another small flight for home.
Still munching on chips as we neared the Evansville landing strip, I thought about how any one of over a half a million students in FFA could be right here, right now, on a flight home to rest three days before his or her last weeks serving FFA… and to think the tens of thousands of companies, families, teachers and more who allow young people to do this. Wow.
I spent the few days at home with family and friends and even played a pick-up game of soccer with a few buddies and two of my brothers. All of the team met in Erlanger, Kentucky for a visit with Toyota, and we are now in the midst of National FFA Convention planning. This small-town farm-kid still cannot believe all the experienced has entailed, and I cannot wait to see what the end of October brings as we convene in Indy!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
See Him Live
I wrote a blog about a young Alaskan singer/song-writer a few weeks back, and I posted his link so we could all check out his music. Now, you will see him live at the 81st National FFA Convention!
Isaac is a junior in high school and a member of FFA. Since he was young, he has both written songs and sang his own music as well. Recently, he applied for National FFA Talent and was excitedly accepted!
Not only will Isaac be heard at convention, you can hear him on-line at http://www.myspace.com/isaaccourson. Listen to his music, and get your own copy of his first album, "Living in Sunlight." The song, "Angel Answer," is my favorite.
Check it out, listen to a fellow member, and support one of our own as we step up, stand out at convention this fall!
Isaac is a junior in high school and a member of FFA. Since he was young, he has both written songs and sang his own music as well. Recently, he applied for National FFA Talent and was excitedly accepted!
Not only will Isaac be heard at convention, you can hear him on-line at http://www.myspace.com/isaaccourson. Listen to his music, and get your own copy of his first album, "Living in Sunlight." The song, "Angel Answer," is my favorite.
Check it out, listen to a fellow member, and support one of our own as we step up, stand out at convention this fall!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Help Grow Your Soup
On a Sunny August day, in the heart of the Midwest, 45 FFA members gathered with Alumni and friends to begin a project... and truly had a "hay day". Chelsea Riordan, a high school student and FFA member from Illinois is the sixth generation of her family and the fifth to be currently involved in FFA. She and her brother are FFA members and her family is all members of the National FFA Alumni. Well, as she works hard in her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), she uses many structures and pieces of equipment, and one of her family's barns was about to get a face lift.
Campbell Soup Company has partnered with the National FFA Organization to donate a quarter of million dollars to fund agricultural education programs. Along with assisting National FFA Alumni in providing an opportunity for alumni members to engage and mentor FFA members through these service projects, this project also allows the alumni to provide scholarships for the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC) to all chapters that participate in the barn preservation. Partners in Active Learning Support (PALS), a peer-to-peer mentoring program and 10x15, Agricultural Education's long range strategic goal for increasing growth and quality by attaining 10,000 ag programs/FFA chapters by 2015 are two other areas of focus for the Campbell/FFA partnership.
So... How does a barn preservation fit?
Campbell’s and the FFA Alumni want to help keep good things growing in agriculture – our national’s largest industry employing 17% of the workforce. Because barns are an iconic symbol of American agriculture, this effort is designed to raise awareness for the importance of supporting the people and places that help grow our food. Chelsea isn't only involved in agriculture currently; she plans to become an agricultural education major and teach ag to other students and future FFA members.
On Monday, August 11, volunteers from Campbell Soup Company Corporate Headquarters, the Riordan family, four FFA Chapters and their advisors, local and national FFA Alumni, TV crews and newspaper reporters and more joined together to begin the painting. Within hours, not only was the barn completely painted, so were many of us! And, after a second day on the job, Chelsea and her family took pride in their restored piece of history and currently active red barn.
Now, the barn stands out against the beautiful agricultural countryside and embodies a passion of both future and present agriculturalists.
You can learn more about this initiative. Beginning September 29, 2008, visit http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com/ and click on the symbolic red barn. It will trigger a $1 donation to the FFA, and you will help preserve the future of this organization and the industry of agriculture.
July: What a Month!
The unfathomable experiences continue. In addition to seeing how much other FFA members are also thriving in our agricultural leadership organization, building influential partnerships is significantly rewarding.
State Presidents’ Conference (SPC) involved two state FFA officers from 49 states and Puerto
Rico as well as our team and families. We empowered those involved through discussing delegate issues, presenting our direction to congressmen, touring the city and even meeting with President Bush in the White House. His message was that we are free, and the principle of freedom doesn’t discriminate. If we believe 
freedom is a God-given gift, we should stand for our principle for every single person alive. I was standing within reach of the most powerful man in the world as he spoke with conviction and even told a few jokes. I will never, never forget it.
I arrived back in our state capital just two days after leaving, and I toured Marion College. I will be getting back to the books this coming January and will definitely incorporate the real-world educational experiences the former two years have brought. The next day I jumped back into setting up the FFA Pavilion for fair, and then began National FFA Convention preparation.
It was the summer of 2005 when I first arrived in Washington, DC for an FFA conference. Going back to my premier FFA experience in our nation’s capital, now three years later, I joined with younger FFA members at the Washington Leadership Conference. I didn’t 
give a speech, facilitate the conference, deliver directions or have any “officer” responsibilities; I was asked to be a participant with the 120 high school students as we discovered what it means to be an authentic leader. After making some great friends and doing a community service project for an inner city school, my teammates and I joined for our following FFA conference in DC.
give a speech, facilitate the conference, deliver directions or have any “officer” responsibilities; I was asked to be a participant with the 120 high school students as we discovered what it means to be an authentic leader. After making some great friends and doing a community service project for an inner city school, my teammates and I joined for our following FFA conference in DC.State Presidents’ Conference (SPC) involved two state FFA officers from 49 states and Puerto
Rico as well as our team and families. We empowered those involved through discussing delegate issues, presenting our direction to congressmen, touring the city and even meeting with President Bush in the White House. His message was that we are free, and the principle of freedom doesn’t discriminate. If we believe 
freedom is a God-given gift, we should stand for our principle for every single person alive. I was standing within reach of the most powerful man in the world as he spoke with conviction and even told a few jokes. I will never, never forget it.After the state officers and our families returned home following SPC, my teammates and I were on our way to our next adventures. I left for Indianapolis to visit friends setting up at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. After only a day in Indy, my flight left for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Newark, New Jersey to visit FFA partners. We met with UPI—a post-patent chemical company, New Holland, Campbell Soup Company and the Penn-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show. I was super impressed with Campbell’s World Headquarters building, iconic display of their soups and paraphernalia, and energetic team of staff, and I am looking forward to working even more closely with Campbell this fall.
I arrived back in our state capital just two days after leaving, and I toured Marion College. I will be getting back to the books this coming January and will definitely incorporate the real-world educational experiences the former two years have brought. The next day I jumped back into setting up the FFA Pavilion for fair, and then began National FFA Convention preparation.
In the midst of planning our 54,000-member gathering this October, Kari, my teammate, and I restored a century-old barn in Reddick, Illinois with about 40 FFA members and several volunteers. Campbell’s partnership includes restoring barns in an effort to connect consumers with their farm-grown ingredients. Now, we are back in Indianapolis for more preparation for our largest annual-event.
As the year begins to close out, the partnerships will continue: partnerships of connection, inspiration, heart and energy. I cannot wait to see what the final months bring.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Reconnecting
State Fair Set-Up and Partnership Visits
August 2, 2008
After returning from State Presidents’ Conference—still chanting, “Em-em-em-empower, em-em-em-empower…” all the way back, I arrived at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to help with our 25,000 square foot FFA Pavilion. The Indiana State FFA Officers, state staff and hundreds of FFA members have been working hard to get our largest annual public relations event created and ready to educate adults and children alike. I also traveled to New Jersey and Pennsylvania for a few partnership visits with FFA sponsors and visited Marian College where I will most likely be attending school this January, before returning for another day of work. While I spoke with many friends in Indiana FFA and from other states, one in particular this past week stopped me in my tracks.
As we painted walls, put up ponds, built structures and moved golf holes, I did a little catch-up work on some forms and documents concerning FFA travels and events before taking a lap around the building in the afternoon. As I passed the front doorway, I noticed Travis, one of my good friends who is also an active FFA member, sitting on a picnic table waiting for his ride home. We met two years ago at his chapter’s state fair set-up day, and we had become close friends since. I took a seat with Travis, and we began to chat. Like most, we had small talk about what has happened over the summer, what school classes will be like this fall, how his friends are doing and caught up on all the happenings from state FFA convention in June. Then, we began talking about how we cannot believe how these FFA connections really happen.
I had just been elected to serve as a state FFA officer and was collaborating with my teammates to set up the FFA Pavilion when Travis and I met literally two years prior. Through FFA conferences, conventions, chapter visits and other events, we had not only grown as fellow FFA members, we became friends. Travis and I have shared successes in FFA and defeats. We have gotten together to hang out when I come back to Indy, and we have texted back-and-forth when I have been on the road. Never, never did I realize that when I shook that sophomore’s hand two years ago, we’d become the best of friends.
FFA connects agriculture with the consumers, leaders with future career opportunities, alumni with current members, and connects young people with others every single day. Countless connections build young people in this dynamic organization, but these connections are only the beginning to incredible life-long friendships.
Your fellow FFA member,
Tyler
August 2, 2008
After returning from State Presidents’ Conference—still chanting, “Em-em-em-empower, em-em-em-empower…” all the way back, I arrived at the Indiana State Fairgrounds to help with our 25,000 square foot FFA Pavilion. The Indiana State FFA Officers, state staff and hundreds of FFA members have been working hard to get our largest annual public relations event created and ready to educate adults and children alike. I also traveled to New Jersey and Pennsylvania for a few partnership visits with FFA sponsors and visited Marian College where I will most likely be attending school this January, before returning for another day of work. While I spoke with many friends in Indiana FFA and from other states, one in particular this past week stopped me in my tracks.
As we painted walls, put up ponds, built structures and moved golf holes, I did a little catch-up work on some forms and documents concerning FFA travels and events before taking a lap around the building in the afternoon. As I passed the front doorway, I noticed Travis, one of my good friends who is also an active FFA member, sitting on a picnic table waiting for his ride home. We met two years ago at his chapter’s state fair set-up day, and we had become close friends since. I took a seat with Travis, and we began to chat. Like most, we had small talk about what has happened over the summer, what school classes will be like this fall, how his friends are doing and caught up on all the happenings from state FFA convention in June. Then, we began talking about how we cannot believe how these FFA connections really happen.
I had just been elected to serve as a state FFA officer and was collaborating with my teammates to set up the FFA Pavilion when Travis and I met literally two years prior. Through FFA conferences, conventions, chapter visits and other events, we had not only grown as fellow FFA members, we became friends. Travis and I have shared successes in FFA and defeats. We have gotten together to hang out when I come back to Indy, and we have texted back-and-forth when I have been on the road. Never, never did I realize that when I shook that sophomore’s hand two years ago, we’d become the best of friends.
FFA connects agriculture with the consumers, leaders with future career opportunities, alumni with current members, and connects young people with others every single day. Countless connections build young people in this dynamic organization, but these connections are only the beginning to incredible life-long friendships.
Your fellow FFA member,
Tyler
Friday, July 18, 2008
Calling on You!
Hello!
Our travels have been quite diverse, extensive and involved over the past few months. I posted a recap of each month for the past three months, and if there is something you would like to know more about, please let me know. I would happy to share more stories with you!
I hope to see you soon,
Tyler
Our travels have been quite diverse, extensive and involved over the past few months. I posted a recap of each month for the past three months, and if there is something you would like to know more about, please let me know. I would happy to share more stories with you!
I hope to see you soon,
Tyler
Adventures in June
From National Leadership Conferences for State Officers (NLCSO) to state conventions and from spending time at home to getting ready to speak with President Bush this month, a certain fulfillment resonates with all I have done for some time now. If ever I have felt deeply connected with my duties as a national FFA officer, these have been the moments.
After Zach and I prepared for out first NLCSO while at his home in Eagleville, Missouri, we departed for Cody, Wyoming. Meeting up with North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana, comprising twenty-five 19 and 20-year olds, we facilitated the first of our three, week-long regional state FFA officer conferences. The breathtaking outer edges of Yellowstone and the notable potential in each young person at our conference provided an abundance of energy and excitement for my teammate and I. We rounded out our time in Wyoming on June 18, and I was off to Purdue for the 79th Indiana FFA State Convention.
My state FFA officer teammates and I were all present as we celebrated our first anniversary in Elliot Hall of Music. For all seven of us, it was a special moment. The session was energized as we watched members get recognized, as Monsanto presented a $50,000 check to Indiana FFA, as I was blessed to see my home chapter, Gibson Southern, and as several convention-goers and I were hypnotized by Dr. Al Snyder. The next morning we finished up convention with recognition of FFA chapters, my keynote address, the retirement of the current officers, and installation of the 2008-09 state FFA officer team.
On June 20 I met up with Zach in Paris Landing, Tennessee for our second NLCSO. Kentucky, Arkansas, Michigan, and Tennessee attended our conference. Because these conferences are focused on developing team performance, relationships, and reflection, workshop development for the officers, and also provide information for each state, we had a blast facilitating for the following week in the Volunteer State. The morning of June 28, it was time to leave for our third and final NLCSO in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
This was the largest of our regional conferences with 46 students from Alaska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona in attendance. By far, it was one of the most effective, enjoyable conferences I have helped to facilitate thus far. Our “Discover the Rhythm” concert/music theme and the energy within the officers pushed the conference to another level and after we “rocked-out” in Colorado, we knew we had connected with the future leaders of FFA, agriculture, and of our country. Zach and I caught a fireworks show in downtown Colorado Springs on July 4th, and we headed for home the following morning.
My time at home was short but jam-packed! My friends picked me up from the airport; we went straight to the Goedde’s lake, across from Tri-State Speedway, for the 19th annual Slide Party. Seeing almost 500 of my family and friends was the perfect start to my three-day home stay. Following some work on the farm, time with high school friends, and seeing my classmate Kristen Schmitt—Miss Indiana State Fair, at the Gibson County Fair, I hopped on a plane for Washington, D.C.
For the rest of this month, I will be attending the Washington Leadership Conference with hundreds of FFA members from all states, making final preparations for our upcoming State President’s Conference (SPC), and then facilitating SPC with my teammates, our families, and two state FFA officer representatives from each state. The highlight of the conference will most likely be our time with President George W. Bush in the White House, and I cannot wait to let you know all about it in August!
These are the moments I will long remember when my time in the National FFA Organization nears an end this October. FFA has offered the experience of a lifetime—both this year and the five years prior. I hope to make the most of these moments.
After Zach and I prepared for out first NLCSO while at his home in Eagleville, Missouri, we departed for Cody, Wyoming. Meeting up with North Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana, comprising twenty-five 19 and 20-year olds, we facilitated the first of our three, week-long regional state FFA officer conferences. The breathtaking outer edges of Yellowstone and the notable potential in each young person at our conference provided an abundance of energy and excitement for my teammate and I. We rounded out our time in Wyoming on June 18, and I was off to Purdue for the 79th Indiana FFA State Convention.
My state FFA officer teammates and I were all present as we celebrated our first anniversary in Elliot Hall of Music. For all seven of us, it was a special moment. The session was energized as we watched members get recognized, as Monsanto presented a $50,000 check to Indiana FFA, as I was blessed to see my home chapter, Gibson Southern, and as several convention-goers and I were hypnotized by Dr. Al Snyder. The next morning we finished up convention with recognition of FFA chapters, my keynote address, the retirement of the current officers, and installation of the 2008-09 state FFA officer team.
On June 20 I met up with Zach in Paris Landing, Tennessee for our second NLCSO. Kentucky, Arkansas, Michigan, and Tennessee attended our conference. Because these conferences are focused on developing team performance, relationships, and reflection, workshop development for the officers, and also provide information for each state, we had a blast facilitating for the following week in the Volunteer State. The morning of June 28, it was time to leave for our third and final NLCSO in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
This was the largest of our regional conferences with 46 students from Alaska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, and Arizona in attendance. By far, it was one of the most effective, enjoyable conferences I have helped to facilitate thus far. Our “Discover the Rhythm” concert/music theme and the energy within the officers pushed the conference to another level and after we “rocked-out” in Colorado, we knew we had connected with the future leaders of FFA, agriculture, and of our country. Zach and I caught a fireworks show in downtown Colorado Springs on July 4th, and we headed for home the following morning.
My time at home was short but jam-packed! My friends picked me up from the airport; we went straight to the Goedde’s lake, across from Tri-State Speedway, for the 19th annual Slide Party. Seeing almost 500 of my family and friends was the perfect start to my three-day home stay. Following some work on the farm, time with high school friends, and seeing my classmate Kristen Schmitt—Miss Indiana State Fair, at the Gibson County Fair, I hopped on a plane for Washington, D.C.
For the rest of this month, I will be attending the Washington Leadership Conference with hundreds of FFA members from all states, making final preparations for our upcoming State President’s Conference (SPC), and then facilitating SPC with my teammates, our families, and two state FFA officer representatives from each state. The highlight of the conference will most likely be our time with President George W. Bush in the White House, and I cannot wait to let you know all about it in August!
These are the moments I will long remember when my time in the National FFA Organization nears an end this October. FFA has offered the experience of a lifetime—both this year and the five years prior. I hope to make the most of these moments.
Adventures in May
I was in the Atlanta, Georgia airport three times in one week this May, I experienced flight delays for a total of 38 hours in a single month, and I have spoken to a total of 24,702 audience members so far. I have been as busy as ever, seeing 31 states, meeting thousands of great people, and having the time of my life!
May 4th began one of our longest stays adventures in any one location. Our home from the 4th to the 17th was College Station, Texas, home of the Texas A&M University Aggies. Here, complimenting an agricultural leadership college course, my teammates and I worked in pairs to present a conference on team-development and workshop facilitation. This four-day conference, called the National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO), will be presented in June and July at ten locations across the country. Each location will host anywhere from 30 to 60 state FFA officers from the surrounding area. With our NLCSO debut, Zach and I were surprised to find out some of our Aggie students were seeking their master’s degree and others were seven foot tall basketball stars! We thoroughly enjoyed our Lone Star stay.
The morning of the 17th, my teammates and I split up again to continue our travels in all corners of the country. I was blessed to return to Indiana and visit the Shenandoah FFA Chapter to speak at their annual awards banquet. Some of my family members drove up to visit with me, and because we don’t get to see family or old friends much, I cherished my time in Middletown, Indiana. Then, I remained in Trafalgar, Indiana at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center to develop some materials for my next event in New Jersey.
“After this event,” I thought, “I will have been on the road for over five weeks. Whoa!”
I arrived at Rutgers University in New Jersey for their state FFA convention. I presented a workshop for 134 students, gave a keynote speech to the 436 member audience, and found out how critical landscape and gardening is to New Jersey agriculture. Right after my stay in the Garden State, I headed, finally, for home.
As an FFA member who lives and works on a farm, I was blessed with the chance to spend some time cutting, bailing, hauling, and stacking wheat-hay while back in Haubstadt, Indiana. Working alongside my family, we finished up the season of harvesting round and square bales for our dairy and beef operation. While I was home, I also went to see “Iron Man” with some friends, watched my fourth-grade brother, Blake, win his baseball game, and I got ready for my next six weeks on the road. It was refreshing to see family and friends, to get my hands dirty, and to begin perfecting that incredible farmer’s tan!
It was May 29, and I was off to Falls Village, Connecticut for their state FFA convention. Just before their one-day annual FFA gathering at a local high school, I went kayaking on a Massachusetts lake to get a rural northeast experience. Though New England is known more for the Big Apple than a large lake, kayaking for an hour in Massachusetts was just the thing I needed to settle in. I stayed a few days in Connecticut, and I departed for Mississippi on June 2.
We have all heard of Hoosier Hospitality, but never did I realize the extent to which the Deep South engages this state of being. While at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, I realized the value they put into their experiences. Actually, an hour after I arrived, I hosted a 165 student workshop, followed by a different workshop with over 100 students there, as well. That evening I gave a keynote address, and throughout convention, if I wasn’t at a dance, emceeing a talent show, auctioning items for the alumni association, or eating Cajun food with FFA members, I was spending time with the current junior or senior state officer teams. Unlike Indiana, Mississippi organizes their membership into a junior association of sixth through ninth graders and a senior association of tenth through collegiate. Again, for every single FFA member, they look to increase value.
In a matter of days, I traveled from home to Connecticut, Massachusetts, Mississippi, and on June 4, I boarded a plane for Arkansas.
June 4 through the 7 ranks highly in my favorite set of events, and all of this was in the Natural State of Arkansas. FFA members, advisors and others embraced me as one of their own. I felt at home though I was several states south of Indiana. This 1,200-member convention is held at their state FFA Camp, similar to the Hoosier FFA headquarters. I felt more at home in Arkansas than in most states. Their hospitality, energy, enthusiasm, optimism, and understanding lead me to feel as if I was among old friends the very minute I arrived! I am grateful to have been chosen to spend some time in Arkansas as my final convention before my home convention at Purdue.
From then on, Zach and I met up at his Eagleville, Missouri home. We worked on final preparations for NLCSO in Wyoming, Tennessee and Colorado. We also rode horses with Gerren, Zach’s cousin, had a bon fire with the family, and enjoyed catching up on our experiences since we last parted in Texas. All of my teammates and I are so excited for our final state conventions and for visiting with the new officers at our NLCSO’s this June and July.
May 4th began one of our longest stays adventures in any one location. Our home from the 4th to the 17th was College Station, Texas, home of the Texas A&M University Aggies. Here, complimenting an agricultural leadership college course, my teammates and I worked in pairs to present a conference on team-development and workshop facilitation. This four-day conference, called the National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO), will be presented in June and July at ten locations across the country. Each location will host anywhere from 30 to 60 state FFA officers from the surrounding area. With our NLCSO debut, Zach and I were surprised to find out some of our Aggie students were seeking their master’s degree and others were seven foot tall basketball stars! We thoroughly enjoyed our Lone Star stay.
The morning of the 17th, my teammates and I split up again to continue our travels in all corners of the country. I was blessed to return to Indiana and visit the Shenandoah FFA Chapter to speak at their annual awards banquet. Some of my family members drove up to visit with me, and because we don’t get to see family or old friends much, I cherished my time in Middletown, Indiana. Then, I remained in Trafalgar, Indiana at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center to develop some materials for my next event in New Jersey.
“After this event,” I thought, “I will have been on the road for over five weeks. Whoa!”
I arrived at Rutgers University in New Jersey for their state FFA convention. I presented a workshop for 134 students, gave a keynote speech to the 436 member audience, and found out how critical landscape and gardening is to New Jersey agriculture. Right after my stay in the Garden State, I headed, finally, for home.
As an FFA member who lives and works on a farm, I was blessed with the chance to spend some time cutting, bailing, hauling, and stacking wheat-hay while back in Haubstadt, Indiana. Working alongside my family, we finished up the season of harvesting round and square bales for our dairy and beef operation. While I was home, I also went to see “Iron Man” with some friends, watched my fourth-grade brother, Blake, win his baseball game, and I got ready for my next six weeks on the road. It was refreshing to see family and friends, to get my hands dirty, and to begin perfecting that incredible farmer’s tan!
It was May 29, and I was off to Falls Village, Connecticut for their state FFA convention. Just before their one-day annual FFA gathering at a local high school, I went kayaking on a Massachusetts lake to get a rural northeast experience. Though New England is known more for the Big Apple than a large lake, kayaking for an hour in Massachusetts was just the thing I needed to settle in. I stayed a few days in Connecticut, and I departed for Mississippi on June 2.
We have all heard of Hoosier Hospitality, but never did I realize the extent to which the Deep South engages this state of being. While at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, I realized the value they put into their experiences. Actually, an hour after I arrived, I hosted a 165 student workshop, followed by a different workshop with over 100 students there, as well. That evening I gave a keynote address, and throughout convention, if I wasn’t at a dance, emceeing a talent show, auctioning items for the alumni association, or eating Cajun food with FFA members, I was spending time with the current junior or senior state officer teams. Unlike Indiana, Mississippi organizes their membership into a junior association of sixth through ninth graders and a senior association of tenth through collegiate. Again, for every single FFA member, they look to increase value.
In a matter of days, I traveled from home to Connecticut, Massachusetts, Mississippi, and on June 4, I boarded a plane for Arkansas.
June 4 through the 7 ranks highly in my favorite set of events, and all of this was in the Natural State of Arkansas. FFA members, advisors and others embraced me as one of their own. I felt at home though I was several states south of Indiana. This 1,200-member convention is held at their state FFA Camp, similar to the Hoosier FFA headquarters. I felt more at home in Arkansas than in most states. Their hospitality, energy, enthusiasm, optimism, and understanding lead me to feel as if I was among old friends the very minute I arrived! I am grateful to have been chosen to spend some time in Arkansas as my final convention before my home convention at Purdue.
From then on, Zach and I met up at his Eagleville, Missouri home. We worked on final preparations for NLCSO in Wyoming, Tennessee and Colorado. We also rode horses with Gerren, Zach’s cousin, had a bon fire with the family, and enjoyed catching up on our experiences since we last parted in Texas. All of my teammates and I are so excited for our final state conventions and for visiting with the new officers at our NLCSO’s this June and July.
Adventures in April
The 500,823 members in the National FFA Organization earn over 4 billion dollars from their experiences in the science, business, and technology of agriculture in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands in preparation for the 17% of our country’s workforce involved in some aspect of agriculture. That’s quite a mouth-full, right? I had thought after being a FFA member for six years, I would begin to actually grasp all of the positive influence FFA has on students the more involved I have become. Seeing so many beneficiaries of FFA programs this past month, I am still in awe of the impact.
Finishing out at the University of Maine Presque Isle the end of March, I hopped on a plane for my first state FFA convention of the year. I arrived in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and during those seven days, I spoke to more than a dozen audiences ranging from 15 to 2,567 people. Those few days in, “The Volunteer State,” were some of the absolute best days thus far.
Following Tennessee, I was given the opportunity to stop at Crothersville High School in Crothersville, Indiana for their Chapter FFA Banquet with about 150 in attendance, and from there, my teammates and I reconvened in Indianapolis after weeks apart. Mark Reardon, professional speech trainer and high school principal, helped us learn more about our upcoming National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO). We will be traveling in pairs to different regions of the United States presenting these week-long conferences to state officer teams this summer.
After a short stint in Hoosier country, I moved on to my next big adventure in Twin Falls, Idaho. Their state FFA convention was another great week of meeting FFA members, speaking to and facilitating groups of all sizes and ages, and seeing other beautiful features of our nation. Upon completing my time with the 1,300 in Twin Falls, I spent a couple extra days in Idaho to sight see with a ranching family before returning home again for a great week of fun, family, and friends.
Just before my departure for my next state FFA convention, I visited the Prairie Heights FFA Chapter in LaGrange, Indiana to attend their banquet with about 65 others. Then, I was off to the cold, natural wilderness of Alaska. In Fairbanks and surrounding areas, I experienced the diverse food, fiber, feed, fuel, and natural resources these FFA members and professionals cultivate. Their convention was like most others, though very personal. In fact, when I departed after six days, every one of the 94 students gave me a hug as I said goodbye, and I addressed each by name. It was a neat experience I won’t soon forget.
A few long flights through the night got me to Minneapolis, Minnesota for my fourth state FFA convention this past month of April. I gave a keynote address about living out your beliefs to the convention body of 3,428 FFA members, agricultural educators, and guests. Upon the completion of my three-day stay in Minnesota, I embarked on another adventure to Washington, DC.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency sponsors an essay competition on managing risks in agriculture. Of the hundreds of submissions, ten students receive a four-day trip to our nation’s capitol. There, we met with some congressmen—including Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell, toured the city, met with Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Shafer, and other USDA staff, and we even got to tour the White House with two former National FFA Officers—current White House employees. While in the White House, we looked out to the south lawn as Marine One arrived and President Bush stepped onto his helicopter for Missouri. Wow!
Finishing out at the University of Maine Presque Isle the end of March, I hopped on a plane for my first state FFA convention of the year. I arrived in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and during those seven days, I spoke to more than a dozen audiences ranging from 15 to 2,567 people. Those few days in, “The Volunteer State,” were some of the absolute best days thus far.
Following Tennessee, I was given the opportunity to stop at Crothersville High School in Crothersville, Indiana for their Chapter FFA Banquet with about 150 in attendance, and from there, my teammates and I reconvened in Indianapolis after weeks apart. Mark Reardon, professional speech trainer and high school principal, helped us learn more about our upcoming National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO). We will be traveling in pairs to different regions of the United States presenting these week-long conferences to state officer teams this summer.
After a short stint in Hoosier country, I moved on to my next big adventure in Twin Falls, Idaho. Their state FFA convention was another great week of meeting FFA members, speaking to and facilitating groups of all sizes and ages, and seeing other beautiful features of our nation. Upon completing my time with the 1,300 in Twin Falls, I spent a couple extra days in Idaho to sight see with a ranching family before returning home again for a great week of fun, family, and friends.
Just before my departure for my next state FFA convention, I visited the Prairie Heights FFA Chapter in LaGrange, Indiana to attend their banquet with about 65 others. Then, I was off to the cold, natural wilderness of Alaska. In Fairbanks and surrounding areas, I experienced the diverse food, fiber, feed, fuel, and natural resources these FFA members and professionals cultivate. Their convention was like most others, though very personal. In fact, when I departed after six days, every one of the 94 students gave me a hug as I said goodbye, and I addressed each by name. It was a neat experience I won’t soon forget.
A few long flights through the night got me to Minneapolis, Minnesota for my fourth state FFA convention this past month of April. I gave a keynote address about living out your beliefs to the convention body of 3,428 FFA members, agricultural educators, and guests. Upon the completion of my three-day stay in Minnesota, I embarked on another adventure to Washington, DC.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency sponsors an essay competition on managing risks in agriculture. Of the hundreds of submissions, ten students receive a four-day trip to our nation’s capitol. There, we met with some congressmen—including Senate Republican Leader, Mitch McConnell, toured the city, met with Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Shafer, and other USDA staff, and we even got to tour the White House with two former National FFA Officers—current White House employees. While in the White House, we looked out to the south lawn as Marine One arrived and President Bush stepped onto his helicopter for Missouri. Wow!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Living in Sunlight
June 11, 2008
Love music?
Enjoy finding a singer who most don't know about, so you can hear him first?
Love FFA?
I know just the thing for you!
Traveling to Alaska, I never realized how much talent I would find - not just talent in agriculture, but musically. The first night in Alaska, I listened as an FFA member, Isaac Courson, played and sang, "Angel Answer." I could not believe the depth to the lyrics and unique sound of his voice. Following the performance, I asked Isaac if he had written that song. He humbly replied, "Yeah, a couple months ago. I love music." We spent a lot of time together, and I learned more and more about how Isaac is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter. Isaac inspired me again when he put together and performed a song about "standing for what you believe in" for my keynote less than 24 hours before I spoke to the convention body. Now, he has recorded his first album, "Living in Sunlight," and would love for you to check it out. Experience his music and to contact him via the links below. Find out more and support this young FFA member and future star as he uses his God-given talents in pursuit of his dreams!
http://www.myspace.com/isaaccourson
Love music?
Enjoy finding a singer who most don't know about, so you can hear him first?
Love FFA?
I know just the thing for you!
Traveling to Alaska, I never realized how much talent I would find - not just talent in agriculture, but musically. The first night in Alaska, I listened as an FFA member, Isaac Courson, played and sang, "Angel Answer." I could not believe the depth to the lyrics and unique sound of his voice. Following the performance, I asked Isaac if he had written that song. He humbly replied, "Yeah, a couple months ago. I love music." We spent a lot of time together, and I learned more and more about how Isaac is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter. Isaac inspired me again when he put together and performed a song about "standing for what you believe in" for my keynote less than 24 hours before I spoke to the convention body. Now, he has recorded his first album, "Living in Sunlight," and would love for you to check it out. Experience his music and to contact him via the links below. Find out more and support this young FFA member and future star as he uses his God-given talents in pursuit of his dreams!
http://www.myspace.com/isaaccourson
A Wave of FFA Experiences!
Risk Management Essay Trip
April 30 - May 4, 2008
Who knew an FFA member could win a trip to our nation's capital simply by composing their thoughts on managing their SAE risks? Well, I was in for a treat as I met up with the top ten winners selected by the United States Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency in Washington, D.C., based on their essays. Adam, Clayton, Eric K., Courtney, Eric P., Jeremy, James, Lacey, Amanda, Blaise and I enjoyed spending time together at monuments, meeting with congressmen and women, speaking with Secretary of Agriculture Shafer, touring the White House with former FFA members and past national FFA officers, and even took a walk around the city at around 10:00pm our last night together. It was a blast, and I cannot wait to see these new friends at convention this fall!
NLCSO Dress Rehearsal
May 4 - 17, 2008
Discover the Rhythm! This is the theme of our upcoming NLCSO conferences. We are so excited to meet the new state FFA officer teams, help them to grow and develop, and to build lasting relationships with those who will one day be in our shoes. Well, at Texas A & M, my partner, Zach, and I spent a week preparing for our four-day conference with 16 agricultural leadership students. We had so much fun as we spent time trying out our facilitation and teaching these college basketball stars, future businessmen and women, and even a few masters students. After spending some meaningful time with my teammates, we headed out - ready for the great days ahead with state FFA officers from all across the country!
Shenandoah FFA Banquet and Convention Preparation
May 17 - 20, 2008
It is not often we get to see old friends during our national FFA officer travels. When we do, though, we treasure every minute. Mr. Hickey, Ms. Warner and the talented members at the Shenandoah FFA Chapter welcomed me back to speak at their FFA banquet with more than 400 in attendance. My mom, sister and grandmother came up to visit, and I was overjoyed to see them and my other friends in Middletown! Shenandoah FFA, you all are not only successful and kind, you are inspirational. Thank You! After I said goodbye, I spent some time with the Indiana FFA state officers and other friends as I prepared for my fifth state FFA convention in New Jersey.
New Jersey FFA Convention
May 20 - 22, 2008
Some of the smaller conventions are also some of the most fun. I arrived in New Jersey to spend a little time with New Jersey FFA as they prepared for the coming event. While there, I even had the opportunity to teach some members how to play hacky. We had a blast! Even though I missed the final two sessions in the Garden State, I built some really strong relationships, and I cannot wait to see all of you from New Jersey again!
Home Time and State Convention Preparation
May 22 - 29, 2008
As an FFA member who also, "lives and works on a good farm," I was blessed with the chance to spend some time cutting, bailing, hauling, and stacking wheat-hay while back in Haubstadt, Indiana. (The photos were both taken in one of our wheat fields as I cut one afternoon just behind our farm and watched the sun set that evening)
Along with my dad, brothers, and mom, we knocked out this season of harvesting both round and square bales for our dairy and beef. While I was home, I also went to see "Iron Man" with my friends, watched my fourth-grade brother, Blake, win his baseball game, and I got ready for my next six weeks on the road. It was refreshing to see my family and friends, get my hands dirty, and start working on that incredible farmer's tan!
Connecticut FFA Convention
May 29 - June 2, 2008
After arriving and being picked up by state staff, I was able to go to two states I had never been in prior to now: Connecticut and Massachusetts. That's right! Mr. Natusch took me to his lake house, and he let me kayak for about an hour on a Massachusetts lake. It was great! I could really get a feel for the northeast before Tyler August, their state president, and I visited Storrs Regional for their banquet. The Connecticut state officers and I relaxed as we visited over the one day of preparation and one day of convention. After we parted, I ended up staying in Connecticut for an extra night due to mechanical flight issues. Then, I was 110 percent excited to visit the deep south for the first time ever!
Mississippi FFA Convention
June 2 - 4, 2008
Talk about value! Each and every minute in Mississippi there were things for these 500 members to experience. Actually, an hour after I arrived, I hosted a 165 student workshop, followed by a different workshop with over 100 students there, again! That evening I gave a keynote address, and throughout convention, if I wasn't at a dance, emceeing a talent show, auctioning items for Alumni, or eating Cajun food with FFA members, I was spending time with the current junior or senior state officer teams. It was an exciting, jam-packed convention that I was sad to leave. (Props to Aaron on his new office as Junior FFA President! Thanks for the call, buddy!)
Arkansas FFA Convention
June 4 - 7, 2008
Arkansas FFA members, advisors and others embraced me as one of their own. I felt at home though I was several states south of my Indiana home. This 1,200-member convention is held at their FFA Camp, and it brought me back to a more traditional FFA era - with BBQ's, cabins, a lake, and sleeping in bunk-beds! I felt more at home in Arkansas than I have in most states. Their hospitality, energy, enthusiasm, optimism, and understanding would astound you. Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be "Southern Hospitality," but never did I realize I would feel as if I was among old friends the very minute I arrived! I am grateful to have been chosen to spend some time in Arkansas as my final convention before my home, Boilermaker convention. It was likely the most energetic convention hall thus far... and it didn't stop there. After their convention was adjourned, two past state officers took me to an amusement park: Magic Springs. We had an absolute blast in Arkansas! Thanks, friends.
NLCSO Preparation at Zach's House
June 7 - Present
Now, I am at Zach's working on final preparations for NLCSO in Wyoming. We have ridden horses with Gerren, Zach's cousin, had a bon fire with the family, and have enjoyed catching up on our lives since we last parted in Texas. All of my teammates and I are so excited for our final conventions and for visiting with the new officers at our NLCSO's this June and July. State officers, see you soon!
Thank you for keeping up with the crazy schedule of national FFA office. It has truly, sincerely been the time of my life, and I cannot wait for what is just around the corner for the summer. I hope our paths cross soon enough!
Your friend,
Tyler
April 30 - May 4, 2008
Who knew an FFA member could win a trip to our nation's capital simply by composing their thoughts on managing their SAE risks? Well, I was in for a treat as I met up with the top ten winners selected by the United States Department of Agriculture's Risk Management Agency in Washington, D.C., based on their essays. Adam, Clayton, Eric K., Courtney, Eric P., Jeremy, James, Lacey, Amanda, Blaise and I enjoyed spending time together at monuments, meeting with congressmen and women, speaking with Secretary of Agriculture Shafer, touring the White House with former FFA members and past national FFA officers, and even took a walk around the city at around 10:00pm our last night together. It was a blast, and I cannot wait to see these new friends at convention this fall!
NLCSO Dress Rehearsal
May 4 - 17, 2008
Discover the Rhythm! This is the theme of our upcoming NLCSO conferences. We are so excited to meet the new state FFA officer teams, help them to grow and develop, and to build lasting relationships with those who will one day be in our shoes. Well, at Texas A & M, my partner, Zach, and I spent a week preparing for our four-day conference with 16 agricultural leadership students. We had so much fun as we spent time trying out our facilitation and teaching these college basketball stars, future businessmen and women, and even a few masters students. After spending some meaningful time with my teammates, we headed out - ready for the great days ahead with state FFA officers from all across the country!
Shenandoah FFA Banquet and Convention Preparation
May 17 - 20, 2008
It is not often we get to see old friends during our national FFA officer travels. When we do, though, we treasure every minute. Mr. Hickey, Ms. Warner and the talented members at the Shenandoah FFA Chapter welcomed me back to speak at their FFA banquet with more than 400 in attendance. My mom, sister and grandmother came up to visit, and I was overjoyed to see them and my other friends in Middletown! Shenandoah FFA, you all are not only successful and kind, you are inspirational. Thank You! After I said goodbye, I spent some time with the Indiana FFA state officers and other friends as I prepared for my fifth state FFA convention in New Jersey.
New Jersey FFA Convention
May 20 - 22, 2008
Some of the smaller conventions are also some of the most fun. I arrived in New Jersey to spend a little time with New Jersey FFA as they prepared for the coming event. While there, I even had the opportunity to teach some members how to play hacky. We had a blast! Even though I missed the final two sessions in the Garden State, I built some really strong relationships, and I cannot wait to see all of you from New Jersey again!
Home Time and State Convention Preparation
May 22 - 29, 2008
As an FFA member who also, "lives and works on a good farm," I was blessed with the chance to spend some time cutting, bailing, hauling, and stacking wheat-hay while back in Haubstadt, Indiana. (The photos were both taken in one of our wheat fields as I cut one afternoon just behind our farm and watched the sun set that evening)
Along with my dad, brothers, and mom, we knocked out this season of harvesting both round and square bales for our dairy and beef. While I was home, I also went to see "Iron Man" with my friends, watched my fourth-grade brother, Blake, win his baseball game, and I got ready for my next six weeks on the road. It was refreshing to see my family and friends, get my hands dirty, and start working on that incredible farmer's tan!
Connecticut FFA Convention
May 29 - June 2, 2008
After arriving and being picked up by state staff, I was able to go to two states I had never been in prior to now: Connecticut and Massachusetts. That's right! Mr. Natusch took me to his lake house, and he let me kayak for about an hour on a Massachusetts lake. It was great! I could really get a feel for the northeast before Tyler August, their state president, and I visited Storrs Regional for their banquet. The Connecticut state officers and I relaxed as we visited over the one day of preparation and one day of convention. After we parted, I ended up staying in Connecticut for an extra night due to mechanical flight issues. Then, I was 110 percent excited to visit the deep south for the first time ever!
Mississippi FFA Convention
June 2 - 4, 2008
Talk about value! Each and every minute in Mississippi there were things for these 500 members to experience. Actually, an hour after I arrived, I hosted a 165 student workshop, followed by a different workshop with over 100 students there, again! That evening I gave a keynote address, and throughout convention, if I wasn't at a dance, emceeing a talent show, auctioning items for Alumni, or eating Cajun food with FFA members, I was spending time with the current junior or senior state officer teams. It was an exciting, jam-packed convention that I was sad to leave. (Props to Aaron on his new office as Junior FFA President! Thanks for the call, buddy!)
Arkansas FFA Convention
June 4 - 7, 2008
Arkansas FFA members, advisors and others embraced me as one of their own. I felt at home though I was several states south of my Indiana home. This 1,200-member convention is held at their FFA Camp, and it brought me back to a more traditional FFA era - with BBQ's, cabins, a lake, and sleeping in bunk-beds! I felt more at home in Arkansas than I have in most states. Their hospitality, energy, enthusiasm, optimism, and understanding would astound you. Don't get me wrong, I knew there would be "Southern Hospitality," but never did I realize I would feel as if I was among old friends the very minute I arrived! I am grateful to have been chosen to spend some time in Arkansas as my final convention before my home, Boilermaker convention. It was likely the most energetic convention hall thus far... and it didn't stop there. After their convention was adjourned, two past state officers took me to an amusement park: Magic Springs. We had an absolute blast in Arkansas! Thanks, friends.
NLCSO Preparation at Zach's House
June 7 - Present
Now, I am at Zach's working on final preparations for NLCSO in Wyoming. We have ridden horses with Gerren, Zach's cousin, had a bon fire with the family, and have enjoyed catching up on our lives since we last parted in Texas. All of my teammates and I are so excited for our final conventions and for visiting with the new officers at our NLCSO's this June and July. State officers, see you soon!
Thank you for keeping up with the crazy schedule of national FFA office. It has truly, sincerely been the time of my life, and I cannot wait for what is just around the corner for the summer. I hope our paths cross soon enough!
Your friend,
Tyler
Minnesota FFA Convention
May 5, 2008
From the biggest state in the United States of America, to the biggest convention I've been to thus far...
I hopped on a plane from Fairbanks, Alaska at 1:30 a.m after being up since 5:00 a.m. the day before - can you say, "All nighter!" I couldn't sleep on that flight to Seattle as it was bumpy, and I arrived in Seattle, Washington at 6:00 a.m. I waited for my connection to Minneapolis, Minnesota until 9:30 a.m.. (It has now been over 25 hours since I last slept. Whoa!) After boarding and taking off, I was able to take a two hour nap in before landing in Minnesota. Upon landing, I was picked up and went to change into official FFA dress for the session that evening. After all the festivities of the talent show, a short concert by Michael Peterson (writer of "Three Wooden Crosses" and singer of "Cheat, Swear, Steal, and Lie"), we wrapped up the day, and I went to sleep at around 1:00 a.m.... 42 hours (excluding my two hour plane nap) since I last went to bed. Really!
Don't fret... Minnesota FFA was an amazing support and boost. The next day FFA members in my workshop, my teammate, Becky, who always has a smile on her face, the visiting past state officers, and others throughout convention were so energized that it was contagious! The convention sessions, state officer retiring addresses, and other events at the University of Minnesota were undeniably professional and smooth, and the members were excited!
We finished up the convention with an inspirational keynote by Bob Lenz, retirement of the current officer team, and the election of the new Minnesota FFA State Officers on the third day of convention. Seeing the passion and appreciation in the faces of the 2007-08 team upon retirement and excitement in the eyes of the newly elected drew a lump in my throat once again. Best of luck to both the past officer team and the new one!
After Minnesota is D.C. for the Risk Management Essay Trip, then Texas for NLCSO rehearsal.
Peace, my friends,
Tyler
From the biggest state in the United States of America, to the biggest convention I've been to thus far...
I hopped on a plane from Fairbanks, Alaska at 1:30 a.m after being up since 5:00 a.m. the day before - can you say, "All nighter!" I couldn't sleep on that flight to Seattle as it was bumpy, and I arrived in Seattle, Washington at 6:00 a.m. I waited for my connection to Minneapolis, Minnesota until 9:30 a.m.. (It has now been over 25 hours since I last slept. Whoa!) After boarding and taking off, I was able to take a two hour nap in before landing in Minnesota. Upon landing, I was picked up and went to change into official FFA dress for the session that evening. After all the festivities of the talent show, a short concert by Michael Peterson (writer of "Three Wooden Crosses" and singer of "Cheat, Swear, Steal, and Lie"), we wrapped up the day, and I went to sleep at around 1:00 a.m.... 42 hours (excluding my two hour plane nap) since I last went to bed. Really!
Don't fret... Minnesota FFA was an amazing support and boost. The next day FFA members in my workshop, my teammate, Becky, who always has a smile on her face, the visiting past state officers, and others throughout convention were so energized that it was contagious! The convention sessions, state officer retiring addresses, and other events at the University of Minnesota were undeniably professional and smooth, and the members were excited!
We finished up the convention with an inspirational keynote by Bob Lenz, retirement of the current officer team, and the election of the new Minnesota FFA State Officers on the third day of convention. Seeing the passion and appreciation in the faces of the 2007-08 team upon retirement and excitement in the eyes of the newly elected drew a lump in my throat once again. Best of luck to both the past officer team and the new one!
After Minnesota is D.C. for the Risk Management Essay Trip, then Texas for NLCSO rehearsal.
Peace, my friends,
Tyler
Last Frontier: Farm, Forest, Fish, Fantastic Members
May 4, 2008
Going to Alaska, O.K., I really don't know what to expect, but I have never been there before. I bet there will be a lot of mountains, trees, snow, fish, ice and maybe, just maybe I'll see a moose! What will the members be like? Surely they are just like us: fun, passionate, goofy, driven, and more. But there are surely little differences as well because they are so far away. Will they like me and my "lower 48" quirks? Though I am a little nervous, I AM SO PUMPED!
After a short stop in Anchorage, Alaska, I departed for Fairbanks - home of the 32nd Alaska FFA Convention. The day before convention was officially kicked off, I spent some time with the state FFA officers, Taylor, Hannah, Calib and Jennifer, and Mr. Werner (Alaska FFA Advisor) in preparation. Then, we traveled to Chena Hot Springs, a natural geo-thermal hot springs in a valley between the mountains. No sooner did I walk in the door, when two guys, Tyler and Ben, walked up and introduced themselves. They were excited to be there and were also pumped to meet me. Really? Cool! Ben, Tyler and I hung out quite a bit that night and the rest of the convention. That night, we also heard from Isaac Courson, guitarist and song-writer extraordinaire (who can be found on MySpace!) and several other talented FFA members in their talent show. I could not believe the talent in Isaac and the others. I was blown away.
The next morning, all of the FFA members participated in the Envirothon CDE. I met so many FFA members throughout the soil, forestry, water-quality, wildlife, and trail-management aspects of the event. I played soccer and football with several FFA members that afternoon while the others finished up their respective events, and I even learned how to hacky with the best of them. Julia, you and I still need to settle our 26-to-26 match! We finished up by touring an ice hotel... yes, a hotel made completely of ice. I'm talking even the drinking glasses, beds, chairs, and toilet too!
The rest of convention in Fairbanks after our trip to Chena Hot Springs was fantastic. We capped off the five-day trip with a banquet at the lodge beside Gold Dredge #8 (what used to be a machine that dug for gold in the river). We elected the new officer team, awarded the FFA members for their hard work, and then came the best part of the whole trip: the dance! Seriously, it was probably the best dance I have ever been to. The Alaskans and I did the Cupid Shuffle, Rocky Top, Cotton-Eyed Joe, and several others. They can dance, and it rocked! After a bitter-sweet goodbye - which, by the way, was priceless as I was blessed to personally, by name, say goodbye to each person - I left for the airport.
I cannot believe how much fun that was! Wow, those Alaskans know how to have a lot of fun, meet new people, dance their hearts out, and make an Indiana guy feel at home. O.K., there were a lot of mountains, trees, snow, fish, and ice, but the people are just like those in Idaho, Tennessee, Indiana, Delaware, California, and every other state I've been. Even though I only got to see the back half of a moose, I will definitely be going back to visit that one-of-a-kind state, with some outstanding members.
**Alaska FFA, join me! To the left, to the left, to the left, to the left. To the right, to the right, to the right, to the right. Now kick, now kick, now kick, now kick. Now walk it by yourself, now walk it by yourself...**
Going to Alaska, O.K., I really don't know what to expect, but I have never been there before. I bet there will be a lot of mountains, trees, snow, fish, ice and maybe, just maybe I'll see a moose! What will the members be like? Surely they are just like us: fun, passionate, goofy, driven, and more. But there are surely little differences as well because they are so far away. Will they like me and my "lower 48" quirks? Though I am a little nervous, I AM SO PUMPED!
After a short stop in Anchorage, Alaska, I departed for Fairbanks - home of the 32nd Alaska FFA Convention. The day before convention was officially kicked off, I spent some time with the state FFA officers, Taylor, Hannah, Calib and Jennifer, and Mr. Werner (Alaska FFA Advisor) in preparation. Then, we traveled to Chena Hot Springs, a natural geo-thermal hot springs in a valley between the mountains. No sooner did I walk in the door, when two guys, Tyler and Ben, walked up and introduced themselves. They were excited to be there and were also pumped to meet me. Really? Cool! Ben, Tyler and I hung out quite a bit that night and the rest of the convention. That night, we also heard from Isaac Courson, guitarist and song-writer extraordinaire (who can be found on MySpace!) and several other talented FFA members in their talent show. I could not believe the talent in Isaac and the others. I was blown away.
The next morning, all of the FFA members participated in the Envirothon CDE. I met so many FFA members throughout the soil, forestry, water-quality, wildlife, and trail-management aspects of the event. I played soccer and football with several FFA members that afternoon while the others finished up their respective events, and I even learned how to hacky with the best of them. Julia, you and I still need to settle our 26-to-26 match! We finished up by touring an ice hotel... yes, a hotel made completely of ice. I'm talking even the drinking glasses, beds, chairs, and toilet too!
The rest of convention in Fairbanks after our trip to Chena Hot Springs was fantastic. We capped off the five-day trip with a banquet at the lodge beside Gold Dredge #8 (what used to be a machine that dug for gold in the river). We elected the new officer team, awarded the FFA members for their hard work, and then came the best part of the whole trip: the dance! Seriously, it was probably the best dance I have ever been to. The Alaskans and I did the Cupid Shuffle, Rocky Top, Cotton-Eyed Joe, and several others. They can dance, and it rocked! After a bitter-sweet goodbye - which, by the way, was priceless as I was blessed to personally, by name, say goodbye to each person - I left for the airport.
I cannot believe how much fun that was! Wow, those Alaskans know how to have a lot of fun, meet new people, dance their hearts out, and make an Indiana guy feel at home. O.K., there were a lot of mountains, trees, snow, fish, and ice, but the people are just like those in Idaho, Tennessee, Indiana, Delaware, California, and every other state I've been. Even though I only got to see the back half of a moose, I will definitely be going back to visit that one-of-a-kind state, with some outstanding members.
**Alaska FFA, join me! To the left, to the left, to the left, to the left. To the right, to the right, to the right, to the right. Now kick, now kick, now kick, now kick. Now walk it by yourself, now walk it by yourself...**
Moments
April 22, 2008
My teammates and I are half-way through National FFA Office, and I cannot believe how many of the greatest moments of the year can all happen in such short succession.
Have you ever had a moment that just made you stop and think about how little things, things you may see as minor or not even recall, mean so much to others? Last night I had the opportunity to visit friends and celebrate a year's achievements at the 2008 Prairie Heights FFA Banquet in my home state, and I had several of these "moments."
After some great time at home with my family and friends, I hopped on a plane and headed to northwestern Indiana to visit a 3-star FFA Chapter. I arrived in Fort Wayne and was picked up by Mrs. Noll, the FFA Chapter advisor's, Mr. Noll, wife. We went to the home and farm of Prairie Heights FFA member and state officer candidate, Laura Stockwell - where I would later spend the evening. As I met Laura's father, he jokingly said, "You're the one my son, Kyle, beat in that proficiency award at state your senior year." I said, "Yeah, I completely forgot about that!" Huh... I never really thought much about it.
Laura and I then sent out for the high school. When we arrived, I was greeted by several FFA members. Many of these members I had met before, and each one remembered last time we spoke. Wow! Whether we had chatted at the national FFA convention, shared lunch at state dairy evaluation, or had participated in activities at Jr. High FFA Day when I was a state FFA officer, we excitedly recounted a number of events and times spent together. I had forgotten about some of those great times...
Following an amazing meal provided by family of the FFA members, we made our way into the auditorium for the awards presentation. We watched as dozens of members were recognized for their efforts. Then Blake Stowers, Indiana FFA State Secretary, and I spoke about how failure is motivation, inspiration, and is a teaching tool. We finished up our keynote together, and the officer team closed out the meeting.
Now, anyone who has been to a couple of FFA meetings knows that some of the most fun of the night happens when you're talking and goofing off afterward. Tonight was no exception! Mr. Buchanan, Indiana FFA Foundation Director; Blake; chapter members - Emmy, Laney, Kelly, Laura, Dave and I took a tour of their school farm. Then, we toured the agricultural building, where they reminded me of a drawing of an FFA jacket I made. The now own it! I hadn't seen that drawing in over a year!
As we finished up our conversations, Mr. Noll, mentioned something to me that meant so much. He said that he really admired what I did on stage after I was elected this past fall. I pointed up to God after I made my way onto the convention stage to give appreciation for this blessing, this opportunity. He said that my small, five-second action, meant a lot to him.
The series of events the eve of our half-way point made me step back and think about how the smallest things in our eyes can be deeply profound in the eyes of another. The Foundation for a Better Life sent this quote to me in an e-mail. "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito."
Whether you draw a picture for someone, lose to a fellow member in proficiency, or give appreciation and recognition where it is due, each of us have innumerable moments that have a serious influence on others. While we love to think we are on our toes and will remain vigilant in our effort to positively focus our efforts, most of our "moments" will happen when we are simply being ourselves.
Never underestimate your ability to, consciously or otherwise, influence another.
My teammates and I are half-way through National FFA Office, and I cannot believe how many of the greatest moments of the year can all happen in such short succession.
Have you ever had a moment that just made you stop and think about how little things, things you may see as minor or not even recall, mean so much to others? Last night I had the opportunity to visit friends and celebrate a year's achievements at the 2008 Prairie Heights FFA Banquet in my home state, and I had several of these "moments."
After some great time at home with my family and friends, I hopped on a plane and headed to northwestern Indiana to visit a 3-star FFA Chapter. I arrived in Fort Wayne and was picked up by Mrs. Noll, the FFA Chapter advisor's, Mr. Noll, wife. We went to the home and farm of Prairie Heights FFA member and state officer candidate, Laura Stockwell - where I would later spend the evening. As I met Laura's father, he jokingly said, "You're the one my son, Kyle, beat in that proficiency award at state your senior year." I said, "Yeah, I completely forgot about that!" Huh... I never really thought much about it.
Laura and I then sent out for the high school. When we arrived, I was greeted by several FFA members. Many of these members I had met before, and each one remembered last time we spoke. Wow! Whether we had chatted at the national FFA convention, shared lunch at state dairy evaluation, or had participated in activities at Jr. High FFA Day when I was a state FFA officer, we excitedly recounted a number of events and times spent together. I had forgotten about some of those great times...
Following an amazing meal provided by family of the FFA members, we made our way into the auditorium for the awards presentation. We watched as dozens of members were recognized for their efforts. Then Blake Stowers, Indiana FFA State Secretary, and I spoke about how failure is motivation, inspiration, and is a teaching tool. We finished up our keynote together, and the officer team closed out the meeting.
Now, anyone who has been to a couple of FFA meetings knows that some of the most fun of the night happens when you're talking and goofing off afterward. Tonight was no exception! Mr. Buchanan, Indiana FFA Foundation Director; Blake; chapter members - Emmy, Laney, Kelly, Laura, Dave and I took a tour of their school farm. Then, we toured the agricultural building, where they reminded me of a drawing of an FFA jacket I made. The now own it! I hadn't seen that drawing in over a year!
As we finished up our conversations, Mr. Noll, mentioned something to me that meant so much. He said that he really admired what I did on stage after I was elected this past fall. I pointed up to God after I made my way onto the convention stage to give appreciation for this blessing, this opportunity. He said that my small, five-second action, meant a lot to him.
The series of events the eve of our half-way point made me step back and think about how the smallest things in our eyes can be deeply profound in the eyes of another. The Foundation for a Better Life sent this quote to me in an e-mail. "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito."
Whether you draw a picture for someone, lose to a fellow member in proficiency, or give appreciation and recognition where it is due, each of us have innumerable moments that have a serious influence on others. While we love to think we are on our toes and will remain vigilant in our effort to positively focus our efforts, most of our "moments" will happen when we are simply being ourselves.
Never underestimate your ability to, consciously or otherwise, influence another.
On the road again. Just can't wait...
April 20, 2008
I have some catching up to do!
Because a lot has happened since my last blog, I will break down the events of the past month as we go. Cool?
March 17:
After our team met up in Indianapolis for the Blue Catalog (FFA clothing and merchandise) photo shoot, Zach and I headed out for Partnership Tours in North Carolina, Georgia and Missouri. We met with companies like Bayer, Syngenta, UPS, Purina, NAPA, national corn and soybean boards, and way more! Brady also popped in on a couple of visits in Georgia along with Caroline Black, a state FFA officer. The sign Zach and I are standing beside is at one of North America's largest trailer companies... that began as a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program!
March 23:
Finishing out our week-long, three-state partnership tour, I was ready to fly out to Presque Isle, Maine to visit with collegiate FFA at the University of Maine Presque Isle, alumni, high schools and businesses. I spent six days in Maine, one hour in Canada, went snow-shoeing, rode snow-mobiles, had Moxie with an FFA Chapter (below), and learned all about agriculture in this northeastern state.
March 27:
Tennessee State FFA Convention, yeah, it pretty much rocked! I had the opportunity to spend an entire week in Gatlinburg, Tenn., with Mr.Gass, Mr. Cole, the current state FFA officers, and the state officer candidates. Now, I get to see my new friends, your fellow members, the 2008-2009 Tennessee FFA Officers in June for NLCSO. The amazing members, CDEs, workshops, and energy there made it one of the most memorable experiences yet. Thank you, Tenn. FFA members, for an amazing stay in the south!
April 3:
It is always great to go back to my home state, and this was no exception. Crothersville FFA celebrated its 20th year with Mrs. Maxie (below), and because of the legacy of excellence in this mighty chapter, almost all of the previous 20 chapter presidents were in attendance! I also had the opportunity to spend some time with my state officer teammate, Laura Bradford (below) and her family.
April 4:
Wow. It is hard to believe that NLCSOs (regional conferences for state officer teams) are already being planned and practiced for! We came together in Indianapolis to work with Mark Reardon on our facilitation skills and learn our curriculum for NLCSOs. It was a great week of work, fun, and hanging out with my amazing teammates!
April 9:
State FFA Convention number two: Idaho! The state officer team, state staff and members were as welcoming as ever for Mr. Bledsoe (National FFA Staff) and I. Valerie Pantone, a now past state officer, graciously let me spend a couple of days with her and her family in Idaho before I left for home. The photo below is of past state FFA officers from ID and one from MT when they took me to Shoshone Falls. Also, I'd like to do a quick shout-out to some members I met last week: Josh, Colton, Elliot, Cody, Stephen, Kelsey, Tyler, Trent, Jordan, JT, Lorraine, Ryan, Samantha, Ray, Shawn, Nathan, Brittany, Paxti, Mike, Ott, Alex, Dustin, McCaden, Rhett, Taylor, Matthew, Sean, Jimmy and Evan. I'd love to hear from you!
April 15:
I have been spending time at home with my family, friends and on the farm for a few days. The photo below is of our cat that had kittens only a few hours after that photo was taken!
I'll be leaving on Monday for the next events. I believe this catches us up on travels, and I cannot wait to share more about representing you and FFA this year.
Take care, friends!
Tyler
I have some catching up to do!
Because a lot has happened since my last blog, I will break down the events of the past month as we go. Cool?
March 17:
After our team met up in Indianapolis for the Blue Catalog (FFA clothing and merchandise) photo shoot, Zach and I headed out for Partnership Tours in North Carolina, Georgia and Missouri. We met with companies like Bayer, Syngenta, UPS, Purina, NAPA, national corn and soybean boards, and way more! Brady also popped in on a couple of visits in Georgia along with Caroline Black, a state FFA officer. The sign Zach and I are standing beside is at one of North America's largest trailer companies... that began as a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program!
March 23:
Finishing out our week-long, three-state partnership tour, I was ready to fly out to Presque Isle, Maine to visit with collegiate FFA at the University of Maine Presque Isle, alumni, high schools and businesses. I spent six days in Maine, one hour in Canada, went snow-shoeing, rode snow-mobiles, had Moxie with an FFA Chapter (below), and learned all about agriculture in this northeastern state.
March 27:
Tennessee State FFA Convention, yeah, it pretty much rocked! I had the opportunity to spend an entire week in Gatlinburg, Tenn., with Mr.Gass, Mr. Cole, the current state FFA officers, and the state officer candidates. Now, I get to see my new friends, your fellow members, the 2008-2009 Tennessee FFA Officers in June for NLCSO. The amazing members, CDEs, workshops, and energy there made it one of the most memorable experiences yet. Thank you, Tenn. FFA members, for an amazing stay in the south!
April 3:
It is always great to go back to my home state, and this was no exception. Crothersville FFA celebrated its 20th year with Mrs. Maxie (below), and because of the legacy of excellence in this mighty chapter, almost all of the previous 20 chapter presidents were in attendance! I also had the opportunity to spend some time with my state officer teammate, Laura Bradford (below) and her family.
April 4:
Wow. It is hard to believe that NLCSOs (regional conferences for state officer teams) are already being planned and practiced for! We came together in Indianapolis to work with Mark Reardon on our facilitation skills and learn our curriculum for NLCSOs. It was a great week of work, fun, and hanging out with my amazing teammates!
April 9:
State FFA Convention number two: Idaho! The state officer team, state staff and members were as welcoming as ever for Mr. Bledsoe (National FFA Staff) and I. Valerie Pantone, a now past state officer, graciously let me spend a couple of days with her and her family in Idaho before I left for home. The photo below is of past state FFA officers from ID and one from MT when they took me to Shoshone Falls. Also, I'd like to do a quick shout-out to some members I met last week: Josh, Colton, Elliot, Cody, Stephen, Kelsey, Tyler, Trent, Jordan, JT, Lorraine, Ryan, Samantha, Ray, Shawn, Nathan, Brittany, Paxti, Mike, Ott, Alex, Dustin, McCaden, Rhett, Taylor, Matthew, Sean, Jimmy and Evan. I'd love to hear from you!
April 15:
I have been spending time at home with my family, friends and on the farm for a few days. The photo below is of our cat that had kittens only a few hours after that photo was taken!
I'll be leaving on Monday for the next events. I believe this catches us up on travels, and I cannot wait to share more about representing you and FFA this year.
Take care, friends!
Tyler
FFA, the National Way
March 13, 2008
Here we go again!
Last week, I was blessed to spend a week at home. I worked on the farm, got together with friends, went indoor rock-climbing, visited my home chapter during FFA Tractor Day (where there were 34 tractors in the school parking lot), and spent some great time with family. After also catching up on some FFA-related contacts and preparation, I headed for Washington, D.C., to meet my teammates to kick off National Agricultural Week. We visited the Environmental Protection Agency, American Farm Bureau Federation, United States Department of Agriculture, Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, Senator Richard Lugar, and more! After only four days in our nation's capitol, Morgan, Kari, and I flew back to Indiana, only this time we went to my house in Haubstadt.
We will be here in this small, German community until Friday evening, and then we'll head to Indianapolis to take photos for the FFA Merchandizing Catalog. Have a great weekend!
Here we go again!
Last week, I was blessed to spend a week at home. I worked on the farm, got together with friends, went indoor rock-climbing, visited my home chapter during FFA Tractor Day (where there were 34 tractors in the school parking lot), and spent some great time with family. After also catching up on some FFA-related contacts and preparation, I headed for Washington, D.C., to meet my teammates to kick off National Agricultural Week. We visited the Environmental Protection Agency, American Farm Bureau Federation, United States Department of Agriculture, Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer, Senator Richard Lugar, and more! After only four days in our nation's capitol, Morgan, Kari, and I flew back to Indiana, only this time we went to my house in Haubstadt.
We will be here in this small, German community until Friday evening, and then we'll head to Indianapolis to take photos for the FFA Merchandizing Catalog. Have a great weekend!
Minnesota, Japan, and FFA Week in Virginia
March 6, 2008
Really, it has actually been 131 days since my teammates and I were elected to office in October?
Wow! Time has passed so quickly. It seems as if only yesterday we were on stage, then we were in training, then touring California, then in Delaware, and now we are over one third through the year. What all has happened since our trip to "The First State"?
After returning from Delaware in early January, our team headed to Minnesota to meet with Cargill and Corporate Vice President, Jerry Rose. Mr. Rose is serving as the current Chair of the Sponsors' Board. While with Cargill, we visited their headquarters, met with staff and executives, and had some fun in NASCAR simulations with Mr. Rose himself! After finishing our Cargill tours and meetings, Becky and I stayed in Minnesota for more visits, while our teammates headed out to other states.
Becky and I visited several businesses that either currently support FFA or are interested in supporting the nation's largest youth organization. We had an absolute blast touring the state, visiting businesses, and even met some of the Minnesota State FFA Officers! After our week came to a close, we headed back to Indianapolis, Indiana for Ag Ed In-Service and the National FFA Board of Directors Meeting.
Jumping ahead to just after our meetings in Indy, we were off to the land of the rising sun: JAPAN! The trip was great; we ate sea urchin, octopus, squid, eel, and more 'great' stuff. We spent the weekend with our very own host families, toured some amazing sites, visited with businesses (Toyota, Mitsui, Yanmar, etc.), sang karaoke with some locals, and had a great time doing it all. After our ten days were up in Japan, we headed back, on a twelve hour flight, to the United States.
After returning, some of my family came up to visit me in Indianapolis as I prepared for National FFA Week in Virginia. As I departed my Hoosier state for Virginia, I said good bye to my family and hello to friends and fellow FFA members in "The Commonwealth."
During FFA Week, I visited quite a few chapters, met with Southern States Cooperative, visited Virginia Tech, saw some awesome historical FFA markers, spoke with a past national officer from 1943, and really enjoyed the company of some inspirational FFA members. It was awesome to see how alive and rich the traditions of Virginia FFA are and continue to be.
So... now that we've basically caught up to today, what's next?
I'll head to Washington, D.C. on Sunday after spending Saturday with Marysville FFA in Ohio. Then, I'll be on the road for quite some time. Check back in to see how D.C. and Marysville went, and find out what is next!
Your fellow FFA member,
Tyler
Nate and Dan (MN State FFA Officers) and I in Minnesota
Dinner with my Japanese host family... yum!
My host-brother, Shogo, and I
My entire host family and four family-friends
The Atomic Bomb Dome (In Hiroshima where the first atomic bomb was dropped)
Japanese gate
An FFA Chapter and I touring Jamestown, Virginia
Amy, VA State FFA Officer, and I peeking into Henry C. Groseclose's classroom. Really!
Really, it has actually been 131 days since my teammates and I were elected to office in October?
Wow! Time has passed so quickly. It seems as if only yesterday we were on stage, then we were in training, then touring California, then in Delaware, and now we are over one third through the year. What all has happened since our trip to "The First State"?
After returning from Delaware in early January, our team headed to Minnesota to meet with Cargill and Corporate Vice President, Jerry Rose. Mr. Rose is serving as the current Chair of the Sponsors' Board. While with Cargill, we visited their headquarters, met with staff and executives, and had some fun in NASCAR simulations with Mr. Rose himself! After finishing our Cargill tours and meetings, Becky and I stayed in Minnesota for more visits, while our teammates headed out to other states.
Becky and I visited several businesses that either currently support FFA or are interested in supporting the nation's largest youth organization. We had an absolute blast touring the state, visiting businesses, and even met some of the Minnesota State FFA Officers! After our week came to a close, we headed back to Indianapolis, Indiana for Ag Ed In-Service and the National FFA Board of Directors Meeting.
Jumping ahead to just after our meetings in Indy, we were off to the land of the rising sun: JAPAN! The trip was great; we ate sea urchin, octopus, squid, eel, and more 'great' stuff. We spent the weekend with our very own host families, toured some amazing sites, visited with businesses (Toyota, Mitsui, Yanmar, etc.), sang karaoke with some locals, and had a great time doing it all. After our ten days were up in Japan, we headed back, on a twelve hour flight, to the United States.
After returning, some of my family came up to visit me in Indianapolis as I prepared for National FFA Week in Virginia. As I departed my Hoosier state for Virginia, I said good bye to my family and hello to friends and fellow FFA members in "The Commonwealth."
During FFA Week, I visited quite a few chapters, met with Southern States Cooperative, visited Virginia Tech, saw some awesome historical FFA markers, spoke with a past national officer from 1943, and really enjoyed the company of some inspirational FFA members. It was awesome to see how alive and rich the traditions of Virginia FFA are and continue to be.
So... now that we've basically caught up to today, what's next?
I'll head to Washington, D.C. on Sunday after spending Saturday with Marysville FFA in Ohio. Then, I'll be on the road for quite some time. Check back in to see how D.C. and Marysville went, and find out what is next!
Your fellow FFA member,
Tyler
Nate and Dan (MN State FFA Officers) and I in Minnesota
Dinner with my Japanese host family... yum!
My host-brother, Shogo, and I
My entire host family and four family-friends
The Atomic Bomb Dome (In Hiroshima where the first atomic bomb was dropped)
Japanese gate
An FFA Chapter and I touring Jamestown, Virginia
Amy, VA State FFA Officer, and I peeking into Henry C. Groseclose's classroom. Really!
The First, Original State
After weeks of training and preparation in December, our work had finally paid off!
Delaware is known as, "The First State," because it was the first to state in our country; not only was it the original state, it was the first state we had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with FFA Chapters and members!
Before we traveled to Delaware, we stopped in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to meet up with Justin, Sara, and Amanda (the DE State FFA Officers) and Mr. Cole (the DE State Executive Secretary) and to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall... as well as to eat an authentic Philly Cheese Steak! Then, we went to Dr. Hutchison's, the State FFA Advisor, house to enjoy a meal Tyler and Caroline Hutchison (Dr. Hutchison's children) and the rest of their family and friends.
Friday was our first FFA Chapter visit at Caesar Rodney. Other chapters we visited between January 4 and 10 were: Polytech, Lake Forest, Sussex Central, Milford, Woodbridge (where I met Isaac, an absolutely amazing carpenter), Cape Henlopen, Smyrna (home of the bull-rider and FFA member, Codie), Middletown, Newark, Networks, Glasgow and McKean. Wow! Each FFA Chapter had so many really neat and different aspects to offer its students, and it was amazing to see first hand.
While in Delaware, we also had the chance to visit Dover Downs NASCAR Track and Harness Racing, enjoy dinner with Governor Minner in her mansion, meet Secretary of Education Woodruff and Secretary of Agriculture Scuse, visit Delaware State, Delaware Tech, and University of Delaware, and even meet with officials at DuPont.
Because there were too many things to put into this blog, I'll sum up my experiences in Delaware with a quote from Dr. Randolph Guschi, Director for the Center for Collaborative Research and Education at DuPont. "Have you ever heard of an organization that has learning by doing as its philosophy? That is exactly what the FFA is all about."
Seeing FFA members and agricultural educators in action on the east coast has been an experience - one I'll never forget. They are learning by doing; from extremely diverse Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) to school farms, and from student motivation to proven community support, this association and these chapters no what it is to be a member of the greatest youth organization: FFA.
Delaware is known as, "The First State," because it was the first to state in our country; not only was it the original state, it was the first state we had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with FFA Chapters and members!
Before we traveled to Delaware, we stopped in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to meet up with Justin, Sara, and Amanda (the DE State FFA Officers) and Mr. Cole (the DE State Executive Secretary) and to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall... as well as to eat an authentic Philly Cheese Steak! Then, we went to Dr. Hutchison's, the State FFA Advisor, house to enjoy a meal Tyler and Caroline Hutchison (Dr. Hutchison's children) and the rest of their family and friends.
Friday was our first FFA Chapter visit at Caesar Rodney. Other chapters we visited between January 4 and 10 were: Polytech, Lake Forest, Sussex Central, Milford, Woodbridge (where I met Isaac, an absolutely amazing carpenter), Cape Henlopen, Smyrna (home of the bull-rider and FFA member, Codie), Middletown, Newark, Networks, Glasgow and McKean. Wow! Each FFA Chapter had so many really neat and different aspects to offer its students, and it was amazing to see first hand.
While in Delaware, we also had the chance to visit Dover Downs NASCAR Track and Harness Racing, enjoy dinner with Governor Minner in her mansion, meet Secretary of Education Woodruff and Secretary of Agriculture Scuse, visit Delaware State, Delaware Tech, and University of Delaware, and even meet with officials at DuPont.
Because there were too many things to put into this blog, I'll sum up my experiences in Delaware with a quote from Dr. Randolph Guschi, Director for the Center for Collaborative Research and Education at DuPont. "Have you ever heard of an organization that has learning by doing as its philosophy? That is exactly what the FFA is all about."
Seeing FFA members and agricultural educators in action on the east coast has been an experience - one I'll never forget. They are learning by doing; from extremely diverse Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) to school farms, and from student motivation to proven community support, this association and these chapters no what it is to be a member of the greatest youth organization: FFA.
California: Year of Advocacy
Agriculture continues to amaze me.
December 2 through the 6, our team, Mr. Josh Bledsoe (National FFA Staff), and past national FFA officer, James Garner, toured the west coast state of California. Our goal was to get a feel for the diverse, exciting agricultural industry. After soaking in limitless knowledge and practices, we would be prepared for our year of advocacy.
In "The Golden State," we visited a number of operations, people, and attractions, including: Harris Beef Feedlot and Processing Plant, World Wide Sires, Full Belly Farms, Costa Farms, Sunkist Packing, Monrovia Nurseries, Bill Ferry Ranches, the California FFA Center and state FFA officers, the Galt FFA Chapter, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean. Amongst these were artichokes, oranges, cattle, organic foods, hogs, chickens, flowers, and cauliflower. We even visited Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office. One of my favorite days, however, dealt specifically with dairy and beef cattle.
Harris Ranch Beef Company ranks among the top ten largest feedlots in the United States. We spent the morning driving to see the cattle, wash station, and feed mixers, and we still didn't see it all! Here are some seriously staggering statistics:
275,000 - cattle through the feedlot annually
122,000 - record head count April 2007
1,300 - head count in largest pen
700 - acreage specific to feedlot
230 - employees
75 - partners in CA
4 - inches (high end) of total yearly precipitation
15 - mileage of feed bunk
5 - mileage of perimeter chain-link fencing
4,000 - pounds of feed produced per minute
23,000 - acres of cropland
32 - different crops grown on that land
40,000,000 - dollars needed to pay feed bill each year
Another cattle-related company we visited was World Wide Sires. Select Sires and Advanced Genetics are two divisions of this semen company which spans in sales to 70 countries. Getting the facts on which countries prefer certain breeds and what is new in the market was intriguing, and their organization's philosophy is remarkable. Essentially, they discussed agriculture being an easy way to make friends and form bonds globally because everyone needs agriculture, and that as long as their company has integrity, they cannot go wrong.
While we were discussing the industry with CEO, John Schouten and Area Director of Marketing and past state FFA officer, Brian Albertoni, a surprise visitor gave a few inspirational remarks. President of the United States Holstein Association, Doug Maddox, stated, "You're working with probably the greatest organization that young people can belong to." Wow!
Those were only two of the many experiences that December week in California. Experiences were amazing, but they went deeply beyond produce leaves, business cards and California sights. Discussing agricultural issues and advancements each day, I realized how much there is to be learned concerning our food, fiber, and natural resources industries. The opportunities in agriculture directly reflect those in the National FFA Organization.
FFA is students, livestock, land, and equipment; it's science, business, and technology. FFA is preparing students with transferrable skills necessary for putting classroom agricultural instruction into real life situations. Agricultural education teaches how to select and develop the right minds and bodies to sustain the next generation. Students learn how to create, select, and evaluate the right type of bag that will get produce from California to New York at the same quality and freshness as the California locals get it. We also are beginning to understand the logistical analysis of keeping semis full and on track in order to get fresh food on shelves. Agricultural education and FFA are together empowering young people with the passion and knowledge to go forth and feed the world.
That west coast trip was one of the most eye-opening weeks I have yet to experience. The industry continues to amaze me! While this southern Indiana boy pondered the differences in agriculture between states, the men and women share the exact same passion. Whether you are in California or your own state, keep your eyes open. Weathermen, scientists, environmentalists, researchers, packers, businessmen, parents, leaders, community advocates, accountants, salesmen, consultants, food processors, and risk-takers: these are our American agriculturalist.
(Check out Zach's blog for following travels in California or other national officer blogs for other trip information...)
December 2 through the 6, our team, Mr. Josh Bledsoe (National FFA Staff), and past national FFA officer, James Garner, toured the west coast state of California. Our goal was to get a feel for the diverse, exciting agricultural industry. After soaking in limitless knowledge and practices, we would be prepared for our year of advocacy.
In "The Golden State," we visited a number of operations, people, and attractions, including: Harris Beef Feedlot and Processing Plant, World Wide Sires, Full Belly Farms, Costa Farms, Sunkist Packing, Monrovia Nurseries, Bill Ferry Ranches, the California FFA Center and state FFA officers, the Galt FFA Chapter, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean. Amongst these were artichokes, oranges, cattle, organic foods, hogs, chickens, flowers, and cauliflower. We even visited Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's office. One of my favorite days, however, dealt specifically with dairy and beef cattle.
Harris Ranch Beef Company ranks among the top ten largest feedlots in the United States. We spent the morning driving to see the cattle, wash station, and feed mixers, and we still didn't see it all! Here are some seriously staggering statistics:
275,000 - cattle through the feedlot annually
122,000 - record head count April 2007
1,300 - head count in largest pen
700 - acreage specific to feedlot
230 - employees
75 - partners in CA
4 - inches (high end) of total yearly precipitation
15 - mileage of feed bunk
5 - mileage of perimeter chain-link fencing
4,000 - pounds of feed produced per minute
23,000 - acres of cropland
32 - different crops grown on that land
40,000,000 - dollars needed to pay feed bill each year
Another cattle-related company we visited was World Wide Sires. Select Sires and Advanced Genetics are two divisions of this semen company which spans in sales to 70 countries. Getting the facts on which countries prefer certain breeds and what is new in the market was intriguing, and their organization's philosophy is remarkable. Essentially, they discussed agriculture being an easy way to make friends and form bonds globally because everyone needs agriculture, and that as long as their company has integrity, they cannot go wrong.
While we were discussing the industry with CEO, John Schouten and Area Director of Marketing and past state FFA officer, Brian Albertoni, a surprise visitor gave a few inspirational remarks. President of the United States Holstein Association, Doug Maddox, stated, "You're working with probably the greatest organization that young people can belong to." Wow!
Those were only two of the many experiences that December week in California. Experiences were amazing, but they went deeply beyond produce leaves, business cards and California sights. Discussing agricultural issues and advancements each day, I realized how much there is to be learned concerning our food, fiber, and natural resources industries. The opportunities in agriculture directly reflect those in the National FFA Organization.
FFA is students, livestock, land, and equipment; it's science, business, and technology. FFA is preparing students with transferrable skills necessary for putting classroom agricultural instruction into real life situations. Agricultural education teaches how to select and develop the right minds and bodies to sustain the next generation. Students learn how to create, select, and evaluate the right type of bag that will get produce from California to New York at the same quality and freshness as the California locals get it. We also are beginning to understand the logistical analysis of keeping semis full and on track in order to get fresh food on shelves. Agricultural education and FFA are together empowering young people with the passion and knowledge to go forth and feed the world.
That west coast trip was one of the most eye-opening weeks I have yet to experience. The industry continues to amaze me! While this southern Indiana boy pondered the differences in agriculture between states, the men and women share the exact same passion. Whether you are in California or your own state, keep your eyes open. Weathermen, scientists, environmentalists, researchers, packers, businessmen, parents, leaders, community advocates, accountants, salesmen, consultants, food processors, and risk-takers: these are our American agriculturalist.
(Check out Zach's blog for following travels in California or other national officer blogs for other trip information...)
At a Glance-Nov/Dec
Speeches and training and travel, oh my! Since election to National FFA Office on October 27, 2007, my teammates and I are becoming ever more equipped to serve the 500,823 FFA members and countless others involved in our organization. So, where does the corn-gold brick road of FFA training take national officers?
November 25 through 30 was spent in Indianapolis, Indiana with National FFA Staff. Each team in the organization spoke with us about their area of focus, from convention and awards to membership and merchandising. The highlights of the week included a surprise dinner with Dr. Larry Case, FFA CEO, National FFA Advisor, and icon to a half million students, and presenting Lt. Governor Becky Skillman with her Honorary American FFA Degree. Putting our training on pause, we headed out for our next week of adventures in California.
After landing in San Francisco, we headed to several popular tourist sights, ate some fresh seafood, and previewed our touring agenda. We visited many agricultural operations, businesses, and advocates, including: Harris Ranch Beef Company and Processing plant, World Wide Sires, Monrovia Nursery, and even Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office. We met with CEOs, Directors, and general laborers to get a feel for the scope of American agriculture and its diversity. Bidding farewell to "The Golden State," we boarded the plane to return to Indy.
On Saturday, December 7, the day after our return, we began training in writing and facilitating workshops and writing and delivering keynote speeches. These workshops will be presented to groups ranging in size from 10 to 300; the speeches will be delivered at state conventions to groups of 300 to 15,000, and both will be presented throughout the year. After preparing our workshops and speeches, we traveled to Lebanon, Hamilton Southeastern and Eastern Hancock to see members and receive feedback. Also, during those two weeks, we went to a Pacers game where we received our own, personalized jerseys from the manager of Conseco Fieldhouse. On December 20, we had finally finished our training, and we each headed to our homes to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
November 25 through 30 was spent in Indianapolis, Indiana with National FFA Staff. Each team in the organization spoke with us about their area of focus, from convention and awards to membership and merchandising. The highlights of the week included a surprise dinner with Dr. Larry Case, FFA CEO, National FFA Advisor, and icon to a half million students, and presenting Lt. Governor Becky Skillman with her Honorary American FFA Degree. Putting our training on pause, we headed out for our next week of adventures in California.
After landing in San Francisco, we headed to several popular tourist sights, ate some fresh seafood, and previewed our touring agenda. We visited many agricultural operations, businesses, and advocates, including: Harris Ranch Beef Company and Processing plant, World Wide Sires, Monrovia Nursery, and even Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's office. We met with CEOs, Directors, and general laborers to get a feel for the scope of American agriculture and its diversity. Bidding farewell to "The Golden State," we boarded the plane to return to Indy.
On Saturday, December 7, the day after our return, we began training in writing and facilitating workshops and writing and delivering keynote speeches. These workshops will be presented to groups ranging in size from 10 to 300; the speeches will be delivered at state conventions to groups of 300 to 15,000, and both will be presented throughout the year. After preparing our workshops and speeches, we traveled to Lebanon, Hamilton Southeastern and Eastern Hancock to see members and receive feedback. Also, during those two weeks, we went to a Pacers game where we received our own, personalized jerseys from the manager of Conseco Fieldhouse. On December 20, we had finally finished our training, and we each headed to our homes to celebrate the holidays with family and friends.
Take Convention When You Go
November 8, 2007
Reminisce. You are back in Conseco Fieldhouse moments before an intense, electrifying session at the National FFA Convention. You can feel your fellow FFA member's corduroy sleeves rub against yours as you stand and cheer the arrival of the National FFA Officer Team, opening ceremonies, FFA members who will be awarded, and some phenomenal speakers. The music is powerful, forcing you to move to the beat, and the lights are zooming by. Although you and your friends are yelling and singing along, you can't hear them, let alone hear yourself. It's overwhelming; it's uplifting; it's national FFA convention! But don't stop there. Then, the moment you've been waiting for; the music softens a little, and a voice comes over the speakers while the screen lights up. Countdown to Showtime: 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1!
Now, it's been a few weeks since the 80th National FFA Convention, but that doesn't mean we have forgotten the feeling and excitement of the largest gathering of the National FFA Organization. As I think back to experiences at national FFA conventions, both the most recent convention and those before, I can recall certain feelings I take with me when I leave the convention hall to return home... but what happens to that excitement, passion, and drive once I'm back at school the following week? When emotions are that distinct, how do they disappear so quickly?
If you could describe the feeling you get at convention, which words would you choose? Would you consider words like "fun," "energy," "loud," "speakers," "motivating," "impacting," or maybe even "tiring"? Those are good words, but I think I would choose the words, "Living in fullness".
Whenever I'm with other FFA members at conferences or schools, and especially at the national FFA convention, I feel like I can truly be me, Tyler Tenbarge: a fun-loving, outgoing, energetic, "the glass is half-full" type of FFA member. Don't get me wrong; I am like that everywhere, but at convention it's amplified. I walk up to other FFA members in their blue jackets just to say, "Hey," or maybe to find out where we have met before. There is a "bond" when we can all gather that is strong, deep, and extremely powerful. After our experiences together are finished and we head for home, where does that powerful bond go?
Author Marianne Williamson writes, "In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it." As FFA members we realize the challenges, both large and small, facing our communities, state, nation, and even our world. We work hard in our own towns and areas, but when we can all gather under our one purpose, our one mission, we become exponentially more empowered; it is through this empowering that we derive the same influence that has been implemented by our organization throughout the years.
Making a positive difference is the National FFA Organization's mission. As FFA members, we strive to make sure that positive difference begins with us and gathering together gives us strength. Although we may feel more powerful while at an FFA event, our real, lasting impact will happen over time in our own communities, "From Alaska to Puerto Rico and from Maine to Hawaii." It is through the empowerment we experience at national convention that we can make a brighter future for our home communities.
Let's not let that spark, that powerful bond that is magnified at national FFA convention begin to weaken. Our communities, our schools, and our fellow FFA members need us to show them our passion for the FFA. We have the power and ability to use our own spark to light the way for others. The next time you leave an FFA conference, event, or even convention; don't leave your passion and bond with other FFA members behind. Carry your passion for the FFA with you every single day, and show it everywhere you go!
Your fellow FFA member,
Tyler
Reminisce. You are back in Conseco Fieldhouse moments before an intense, electrifying session at the National FFA Convention. You can feel your fellow FFA member's corduroy sleeves rub against yours as you stand and cheer the arrival of the National FFA Officer Team, opening ceremonies, FFA members who will be awarded, and some phenomenal speakers. The music is powerful, forcing you to move to the beat, and the lights are zooming by. Although you and your friends are yelling and singing along, you can't hear them, let alone hear yourself. It's overwhelming; it's uplifting; it's national FFA convention! But don't stop there. Then, the moment you've been waiting for; the music softens a little, and a voice comes over the speakers while the screen lights up. Countdown to Showtime: 10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1!
Now, it's been a few weeks since the 80th National FFA Convention, but that doesn't mean we have forgotten the feeling and excitement of the largest gathering of the National FFA Organization. As I think back to experiences at national FFA conventions, both the most recent convention and those before, I can recall certain feelings I take with me when I leave the convention hall to return home... but what happens to that excitement, passion, and drive once I'm back at school the following week? When emotions are that distinct, how do they disappear so quickly?
If you could describe the feeling you get at convention, which words would you choose? Would you consider words like "fun," "energy," "loud," "speakers," "motivating," "impacting," or maybe even "tiring"? Those are good words, but I think I would choose the words, "Living in fullness".
Whenever I'm with other FFA members at conferences or schools, and especially at the national FFA convention, I feel like I can truly be me, Tyler Tenbarge: a fun-loving, outgoing, energetic, "the glass is half-full" type of FFA member. Don't get me wrong; I am like that everywhere, but at convention it's amplified. I walk up to other FFA members in their blue jackets just to say, "Hey," or maybe to find out where we have met before. There is a "bond" when we can all gather that is strong, deep, and extremely powerful. After our experiences together are finished and we head for home, where does that powerful bond go?
Author Marianne Williamson writes, "In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it." As FFA members we realize the challenges, both large and small, facing our communities, state, nation, and even our world. We work hard in our own towns and areas, but when we can all gather under our one purpose, our one mission, we become exponentially more empowered; it is through this empowering that we derive the same influence that has been implemented by our organization throughout the years.
Making a positive difference is the National FFA Organization's mission. As FFA members, we strive to make sure that positive difference begins with us and gathering together gives us strength. Although we may feel more powerful while at an FFA event, our real, lasting impact will happen over time in our own communities, "From Alaska to Puerto Rico and from Maine to Hawaii." It is through the empowerment we experience at national convention that we can make a brighter future for our home communities.
Let's not let that spark, that powerful bond that is magnified at national FFA convention begin to weaken. Our communities, our schools, and our fellow FFA members need us to show them our passion for the FFA. We have the power and ability to use our own spark to light the way for others. The next time you leave an FFA conference, event, or even convention; don't leave your passion and bond with other FFA members behind. Carry your passion for the FFA with you every single day, and show it everywhere you go!
Your fellow FFA member,
Tyler
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