This is my last blog post as a Kansas FFA State Officer. And, to be honest, I have no idea what last thought I want to leave you with. This last blog was/ is a big deal in my mind for some reason. After a year of service to nearly 10,000 amazing members across Kansas surely I would have a quick message to write up and share that would make you all say “wow, that changed my life!” right?
But no. I don’t (except for my RA which you should all tune in to watch during state convention June 2-4.) However, what I do have is some memories to share. In no particular order, here are three “little” moments from this year-
1. During the week of National Convention, my teammate Abby and I visited Hays Kansas where we had the opportunity to visit with Ms. Cain as well as some of the awesome members of the Hays FFA Chapter. We were going to spend some time watching National Convention with them, have some popcorn, and experience the coolest watch party in lawn chairs. What we didn’t know was the activity that would happen beforehand. As Abby and I walked into the ag classroom, we were greeted by students laughing and heading into the classroom across the hallway. Gazing into the classroom, we see a chair, a towel, and cutting shears. Looking at each other, then back at the situation at hand, we ask Ms. Cain “hey! Do you need any help with the activity?” she (in short) then answers “actually, I didn’t know how to explain this over an email, but we are going to be cutting a student’s mullet off.” We then watched as Karli cut off her brother Kaleb’s mullet. This kick off to National Convention was a little moment that I will remember for a long time.
2. January 20th, 2021. Abby, Bailey and I went to Hugoton Kansas for the Hugoton Leadership Day. Now, if you were to ask me what the most fun part of that day was, it would be the yard games with Hugoton FFA members where we did leg wrestling, the A-frame, and listened to music. The best part of that was when it was time for yard games, members banded together like they had done it a thousand times. Before you knew it, music was playing, tailgates were down and the A-frames were ready to go. The memories from after the main day of workshops were unlike any other, but the “little” moment I hold from that day was before the games. Bailey, Abby and I all did rotations of workshops in different rooms from about 9am-2pm and saw each group of students twice. On the first go, we were learning each other’s names and just getting started. On the second round with the same students though, we were getting to know each other even better. There were laughs shared, stories told and lessons learned. The last group left my session and I began to pack up materials on the front table. Students were cleared out and I gathered my things. Beneath a bag of cotton balls I used in the workshop was a 3×5 index card that said my name on it. I flipped it over to see a note written by a student named Taylor letting me know how thankful she was to have us there and the impact we had made. With tears in my eyes, I found Taylor, gave her the biggest hug, and chatted. Taylor, you showed me and my teammates love and appreciation that day even in a small moment.
3. As our year of service is coming to a close, banquet season has begun and is in full swing! Our team has been lucky to travel the state and visit tons of chapters as we take part in celebrating the great things they have done through a unique year. A few nights ago, I was able to take part in Wabaunsee FFA’s celebration! We typically travel alone for banquets which is what I did for this one. I walked in and immediately saw a large cafeteria filled with smiling faces of community members, parents, FFA members and guests. I approached Mr. Davis (who is an amazing and super cool advisor by the way), and he told me where I would be sitting! I then became acquainted with a member named Cecelia and her wonderful parents. We sat and talked about how Cecelia would be going to K-State when she graduates (go cats!), where her parents are from, when she became an FFA member and what interests she has. Before too long though, the banquet was over and we were saying our goodbyes. I felt an odd sadness to be leaving Cecelia and her parents as they were so welcoming and friendly. What we didn’t talk about at the table that night was how nervous I was. We all have those thoughts of “What if we run out of things to talk about? What if they don’t even want to talk to me?!” What I didn’t expect was the genuine and absolute kindness, compassion and friendliness these three would offer me. By the end of the night, I didn’t want to leave and could have talked with them for hours. The warmth they showed me that night was unmatched. Cecelia, thank you for sharing your table as well as your truly unstoppable personality and determination with me.
All of these “little” moments and more throughout this year have built the best parts of my year. When we were first elected, I thought the “big” moments would be the best. Getting our first jackets, taking pictures with the big boy gavel, and planning out our retiring addresses. I was sorely mistaken, because while those moments hold a special place in my heart, it is the little moments that make all the difference. And, while I may not have a life-changing message to share with you all, these have been some of the unexpected life-changing moments I have been blessed to receive.
Kansas FFA- thank YOU for a year of unforgettable big and little moments, I am forever in debt to every single one of you.
Always be grateful for even the not-so-little moments,
Elizabeth