A Season of Thankfulness

Moments of reflection can help you find your little moments, passions, and new opportunities.

As Thanksgiving wraps up, and the first six months of my year of service has flown by, I have found myself in a state of reflection. The holiday seasons are a time where individuals reflect on what they are thankful for in the past year. 

If there is one thing my team and I have learned from the last six months, it has been the importance of reflecting. Because there are six officers, and we have officially served as State Officers for six months, I feel it is best to display 6 things that each of us are grateful for.

1. Building Connections

While traveling around the state, and even the country, there are so many opportunities to meet impactful people. My team and I are grateful for each member we meet on each new adventure, the inspiring individuals we connect with through various businesses, and even the state officers we have had the joys of meeting from across the nation. This time has been full of opportunities to make connections because it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.

2. A Passion for the Industry

While building connections, we have had the privilege to learn so many different motivations from individuals who work hard to revolutionize the agriculture industry. Seeing members with their Supervised Agricultural Experiences is one of the many eye opening ways we get to see the passion run through our organization. It’s not just seeing the projects come to life, but seeing individuals’ faces light up as they talk about their passions and knowing they have spent countless hours doing something they love so much in our industry. We are thankful for the opportunity to see members excited for the future of agriculture. 

3. Servant Leadership

Servant leadership; the joys of serving others without the desire to reap the rewards, but rather for the betterment of those to come. Throughout our year of service, we have the joy and opportunity to give back to an organization that provides so many opportunities to us. Our love for helping others is able to flourish throughout the year as we are able to inspire members, and show them our passion for the agriculture industry. 

4. Growth

The Kansas FFA Association is still experiencing growth, even after almost 100 years of being established! There are now 13,528 members wearing the blue jacket in Kansas! My team and I are beyond excited to see so many individuals and communities who support an organization that provides the future leaders of tomorrow. 

5. The Little Moments

Mother Teresa once said, “There are many people who can do big things, but there are very few people who will do the small things.” In life, it is truly the little moments that make the biggest difference. From jamming out to music on the way to a visit, to putting a smile on a member’s face. Our team has so many little moments we enjoy. How will you find your little moments?

6. 5 Best Friends

Being elected as a State Officer gives you five best friends you never knew you needed. They are there when you need a shoulder to lean on, or to help you celebrate each success. Running for state office is truly a life changing experience. Our team encourages each member to find their niche in FFA, and challenge themselves to run for State Office. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that truly makes the biggest impact. The blue jacket has given our team so many opportunities, and 5 new best friends is just an added bonus!

During this season, find what you are thankful for. Jot it down in your notebook, or even share with a friend. Moments of reflection can help you find your little moments, passions, and new opportunities. In this life, there is so much to be thankful for, find it, and embrace it.

Hayley Hines

State Vice President