Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try. Many times the hardest part of an accomplishment is not the countless hours studying, the practices attended, or even the new skills learned; instead, it is writing your name on a signup sheet, attending that very first practice, or deciding to give something new a try. This fall you will have many opportunities to add your name to a signup sheet.
Callie Comer from South Ripley took the risk to try something new by attending District Kickoff for the very first time. Callie says, “Kickoff led me to see many people in FFA that I already knew and was already friends with, but it also led me to make tons of new friends who I hoped to see at future contests and events. Kickoff was a great opportunity to meet new people from around my district. It was also a great way to kick off the FFA year!”
Stephanie Berenda from South Newton made the decision to attend her first soils practice. When I asked Stephanie about her soils judging experience she said, “Soils judging was my first competitive experience in FFA. I joined as a young member, and the high schoolers took me under their wing - not only during practice, but in school and other FFA activities. They encouraged me to become more active in FFA, ultimately growing my passion for FFA and agriculture.”
It can be a little frightening to sign up for that first overnight conference, but Jenna Lawler from Rushville added her name to the signup sheet. After attending SOAR Jenna said, “The opportunity to go to SOAR changed my perspective about our purpose in FFA and allowed me to make lifelong friendships.”
Clair Simpson from Southmont found her passion for Livestock Skill-a-Thon by not shying away from the first practice. She stated, “Livestock Skill-a-Thon is probably my favorite CDE. I love it because it gives me a chance to learn how to take better care of my livestock. It's a great opportunity to learn about all sides of meat production from feeding and medicating animals to the different meat cuts provided by our livestock. Skill-a-Thon gave me a new perspective on the livestock industry, and encouraged so much growth in me as an FFA member and agriculturalist.”
FFA members, over the next year, you will have the opportunity to reach countless accomplishments and make some amazing memories. Remember, every accomplishment starts with the simple decision to sign up.
So, go add your name to that signup sheet and let the adventure begin!
Blaine Wagner, Southern Region Vice President
