Buckle Up and Enjoy the Ride

While thinking about what to do for this blog I decided to look back through some older blogs. I stumbled upon a blog written by one of our current Assistant Directors of Indiana FFA, Mr. Clingan, who will be leaving to pursue greater ambitions in a few short weeks. His blog was titled “If These Walls Could Talk”. In his blog, he talked about all those who had lived in the State Officer House and then went on to further impact Indiana FFA and agriculture. Little did he know, his name would join the ranks of many who continue to impact this organization. 

After reading through his blog, I thought about how this house has been repaired, repainted, and most recently, received new carpet. There is history held within these 4 walls, but change still happens. As an organization, we have grown and adapted to a changing society and world. This house is 35 years old and has the potential to be the home to many teams to come. None of us know where our future may take us, all we can do is buckle up and enjoy the ride. 

If these walls could talk they wouldn’t speak about the success after we’ve left this organization, they would tell the story of the impact we have right now. Change can happen in an instant and there is nothing we can do to control our future, but we can control our present. Live in the moment and make strides to impact and better the lives of those around you. What would the walls of our ag classroom, where we work, or our home talk about? Would they talk about our success right now or all the opportunities we missed because we forgot to live in the moment? 

Unexpected change is a part of life whether it be new carpet in your house or a mentor and friend pursuing their dreams. These are the things we can’t always control, but we need to remember our why and reason for being a part of this organization. As our team says goodbye to Mr. Clingan this is something we are reminded of: 

No matter what may happen today, tomorrow, or a month from now continue to write your story.

With all the luck, 

Conner Keeslar, Northern Region Vice President

Memories from Yesterday. Moments from Today.

I have never been able to get enough adventure. Ever since I can remember, I have always been exploring the woods, swimming in the creek, and even going on “survival missions” with some of my best friends. These have been some of my greatest memories.

I still recall one time very well, and I don’t know if it was because it was so much fun, or if it’s because my mom feels the need to share it with pretty much every guest we have over. No matter the reason, this story still sticks with me. It was a beautiful summer day, and I decided I needed to head outside and enjoy all the beautiful weather. I ran into the woods, toward the creek, and found some fresh mud… if fresh mud is even a thing. I distinctly remember feeling the need to become a mud monster. I started to spread mud up and down my arms, legs, face, hair, and quickly I became the mud monster I was hoping to be.

Just as I was getting ready to leave, my older brother Caleb came running down to see what I was up to, and I told him my plan. He loved this idea! We both worked on making him a mud monster too. We both ended up having the time of our lives by simply playing in the mud. I remember when we were all finished, we headed up to the house, and told mom how we were mud monsters… Unfortunately, mud monsters weren’t allowed in the house. So after all our fun playing in the mud, we had to spray each other down with the hose. Caleb and I probably had a little too much fun spraying each other with the hose, but it made memories that will never end.

I often reminisce upon all the wonderful memories from my past, especially the ones where I got to spray my brother with a garden hose and not get in trouble. But then I have to ask myself a question “Are these moments not just as special as that one?” this one makes me think about how many great opportunities I have been given. The answer to the question I ask myself is yes, yes these moments are just as special. Every moment is a blessing, and how silly is it that sometimes we wish these memory-making moments away. 

Remember the stories that have gotten us through the tough times. remember the tough times that have given us stories. Remember that these moments can be memories in our future if we take time to reflect upon the moments we are given. And maybe we need to go outside and play in the mud as if we were children. Let’s discover what memories we can make in the moment.

Many blessings,

Caden Sixberry, State Treasurer