This past weekend at the Seeking Opportunities and Achieving Results Conference, I had the chance to reconnect with someone who means a lot to me- my friend, Danayah. It had been a long time since we’d seen each other, with my State Officer schedule keeping me constantly on the move. However, when I saw her walk into the conference, it felt like no time had passed at all.
I even shared about Danayah in my reflections at the conference. I shared the story of how I got to mentor her in Prepared Public Speaking and how much she taught me in return. I remember the hours we spent practicing together, working through nerves and fine-tuning every word in her speech. When competition day came, I didn’t take home the title, but she did. Seeing her succeed made every moment worth it. It reminded me that true success isn’t just about winning yourself, but about helping others shine too.
What made this reflection even more meaningful was knowing that before I ever wore this blue jacket with “Association” on the back, Danayah was there for me. She supported me, believed in me, and helped me grow when I was navigating the process of running. She’s been one of those people who quietly makes a difference, and seeing her again reminded me how important it is to appreciate those who lift us up along the way.
When she heard me mention her in my reflections, she was filled with emotion, and honestly, so was I. It was such a powerful reminder of why I do what I do in FFA: to build connections, serve others, and celebrate those who have shaped me along the way.
Reconnecting with Danayah at SOAR reminded me that no matter how busy life gets, it’s always worth taking the time to show up for the people who’ve shown up for you.
Keep showing up,
Erianna Vela
2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Northern Region Vice President
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