I haven’t always loved the idea of destroying my heart with a drink full of caffeine. I was constantly told as a child to not drink them because they are simply, “bad for you.” But, the taste of a Grape Ghost in the morning can sometimes charge me up just enough to get through the day; I am sure that most can agree. Whether our energy drink of choice is an Alani, Ghost, or Celsius most of us use these beverages as a pick-me-up.
Before I was a caffeine enthusiast, I aquired my energy from using a color-coded calendar. By sophomore year of high school, I had so many responsibilities that you couldn’t possibly catch me enjoying a minute of free time in the comfort of my own house. Instead, I was going on a FFA trip, playing a tennis match, leading a club meeting, or hyping up the student section during Friday Night Lights. It was a blast. I was having the time of my life, until I wasn’t.
Soon, the contests grew strenuous, tennis practice became a chore, the club meetings lost their excitement, and the football games were exhausting. The colors in my once exciting calendar began to overwhelm me. My busy schedule had drained so much energy that I no longer enjoyed the activities I used to love. In the midst of my chaos, I never found the time to recharge. Until my high school graduation, I had spread myself so thin that my performance and health was lacking. Going into the uncertainty of state office or college, I anticipated nothing different. To my surprise, however, my change in direction also changed the way I lived.
Now, at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center, my Google Calendar looks a little different. Instead of competitions, games, extracurriculars, and the cheer block, I have chapter visits, conference preparation, training, and an occasional visit to Sam’s Club for groceries. I have the same amount of items on my schedule, but I don’t feel as mentally drained. Yes, I am now living out my dream of serving Indiana FFA and the over 14,000 members of our association, but there’s another reason for my lack of exhaustion. I learned how to recharge healthily.
An energy drink will only get you so far. Eventually, you’ll reach the point where I did. You’ll become tired, absent, and maybe lost. That’s why finding a way to recharge is so important. At the center, I take my time to read by the lake, listen to music, or hang out with my built-in family. I changed my mindset from working to live, and instead, I began living to serve. Acknowledging that I am tired and taking the steps to recharge has allowed me to do my best at every event on my color-coded calendar.
Don’t let a packed schedule and late nights take a toll on your ability to enjoy it. Find a way to recharge and make time for yourself . It may be reading or it might be spending time with those you love. It may be listening to music or it might be something completely different. No matter what it is, your ability to be present is too valuable to be wasted. Don’t rely on energy drinks to recharge you. Don’t allow yourself to become exhausted. Don’t run on empty.
With Purpose,
Hayden Stookey
2026-2027 Indiana FFA State President
