The Big Moments

The Big Moments

This past Monday, my team and I finished watching one of our favorite TV shows (before it was sadly taken off of Netflix).  At the conclusion of the final episode, each of the beloved main characters shared a big group hug as one of them said,

Taking part in our first team hug after the passing of slate at State Convention, 2017.

 "This, right here, this is why we can't fall out of each other's lives. We have to be here for the big moments. Just promise me, no matter what, we will always be there for the big moments.” After that line, I began to think about my team and I immediately applied the message.

The big moments are what make for the best memories, and this year our team has had many. Whether it was the first night we ever spent together as a team after our installation, the first time trying on our “Association” jackets, or the first time we got to interact with students during setup of the FFA Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, they have all definitely fallen into the category of “big moments” that we’ve been so grateful for. Today, those experiences (among many others) are a few of our favorite memories, not just because they were some of our “firsts”, but because we were all there to experience it. All seven of us together for each of those moments. That's what has caused our favorite memories to be so significant. We often think that a big moment is something monumental that happens to us in our lives, but really big moments are created when we are surrounded by those we love even if it is to experience and celebrate the smallest of things.

Following the statement of that line during the season finale, I began to appreciate my teammates even more. Not just because of who they are and the happy memories we've shared, but because we still have time left together to create more. Our year of service has been flying by and we have now been together for five months. Although that is sad to think about, it's now crucial more than ever that we are intentional about our time and never waste it so we can continue to be there for one another through each of our big moments, but more importantly, all of the moments.

Loving all of the moments,

Claire Baney

2017-2018 State President

Our first team picture after the announcement of slate at State Convention, 2017.

Slow Down and Enjoy the Little Things

It feels like it was just yesterday, when my teammates and I were elected to state office in June. Time has flown by since then and we have been going non stop on this Indiana FFA roller coaster of awesomeness. In all of the craziness of State Fair, the Farm Progress Show auction, Chapter visits, and conferences, I have been going full speed and have not taken much time to slow down and enjoy all the little things.

During the month of October, Cole, Mrs. Chaudion, Mr. Park, and I payed a visit to Mrs. Doris Hackman. Mrs. Hackman is the loveliest woman who lives in a farm house all by herself at the age of ninety-two years old. She is a long time supporter of the FFA, a wonderful cook (she makes delicious halloween cookies), and has she has wonderful stories to share. While sitting in her living room, Mrs. Hackman shared stories about how she met her husband, tips on freezing fruit, and, of course, her love for farming, FFA and agriculture. For once, a million thoughts weren’t running through my mind. In that moment I was able to sit in Mrs. Doris Hackman’s living room and enjoy these little moments. As I think back to that visit, I can’t help but be reminded of this I poem by Christy Martine that goes like this;

When your world moves too fast

and you lose yourself in the chaos,

introduce yourself

to each color of the sunset.

Reacquaint yourself with the earth

beneath your feet.

Thank the air that surrounds you

with every breath you take.

Find yourself in the appreciation of life.

Now as I’m sitting here writing this blog I’m taking it slow and soaking up the little things, like the warm soup in my orange speckled Halloween mug, the crisp orange leaves falling into my hammock, and the little minnow I just watched chase down a water bug. I can’t help but be so grateful for Mrs. Doris Hackman for teaching me how important it is to appreciate all of the little things in life.

Thankful and loving life,

Natalie Taylor

State Reporter

Fall Feelings

It can be so easy to think of life as a stagnant journey where we simply go through the motions. Wake up, go to school, go home, do more work, then finally of to bed to begin the next day’s cycle. However, when was the last time we took a step back to truly admire the beautiful work God has laid for us?

I often times find myself going through the motions, only to realize that I have exactly 227 days, 23 hours, 57 minutes, and 3 seconds left to enjoy life as I know it. One thing I do not take advantage of as much as I should is the Indiana FFA Leadership Center; especially in its full glory during the season of fall. There is no better place to spend my favorite season than in the middle of 110 acres of woods transforming into vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange. There is beauty all around me, yet I neglect stop for a second to realize it. Amidst this realization, I compiled a list of things I love about fall; discovered because I took time to step back and truly enjoy God’s creation.  

20 Things I Love About Fall

1. Campfires
2. Hot Apple Cider
3. Colorful leaves
4. Sweaters/sweatshirts
5. Halloween
6. Pumpkin spiced everything
7. Discounted Halloween candy
8. Smores
9. Football
10. Scarfs
11. Harvest
12. National Convention
13. Soils judging time
14. Perfect weather
15. Thanksgiving
16. Pie
17. Caramel apples
18. Hay rides
19. Festivals
20. Everything

Loving fall, 

Emily Kilmer

State Secretary 

What Great Things Can I Do?

As I went home from National Convention thoughts flooded my head. I had just experienced all the National officers retiring addresses, watched members be recognized for their proficiencies, and met other delegates that are doing such great things in their states. The question that went around my mind was: what great things can I do? This is an important question, and one that I was probably supposed to get out of the convention, but it made me feel empty. I do not mean to accuse anyone at National FFA for this feeling. I can only blame my mind for shifting the question of “What great things can I do” to  the very different question “What great things can I do to be recognized.” I know I am not alone in the search for recognition. Our minds seek after the approval of other people and in the days after convention I looked for meaningful things to do in order to receive recognition. Recognition is not bad, but it caused me to lose sight of something important: my team. In seeking the attention of others, I lost sight of the importance in the people around me. I remembered that I get to live with 6 of my best friends, that I get to take a year out of school and serve full time, and that I get to have countless opportunities to communicate important messages that high school students need to know. I remembered what my purpose is. Whether it is doing the dishes, making cake pops, or offering your help to others. If you are helping others you are doing something great. If you are making your community better you are doing something great. Awards are not as important as the growth and impact that come from your efforts. With a Thankful Heart, Cole Pearson  2017-2018 Treasurer