Living Untitled

Two of the Minnesota FFA State Officers had the opportunity to spend a week in Washington, D.C. working with state presidents and vice presidents from across the nation. We worked on developing the national delegate committees, which will meet in October at National Convention. We formed friendships for a lifetime of partnership and support. We spent time every day seeking personal growth and leadership improvement.

I am disrespectful. I am selfish. I am lazy. I don't care. I am a failure. I cannot lead.
Every day our generation faces misconceptions. We face beliefs that we are incapable of stepping up and controlling our own future, but also, the future of our country and even our world. What can we do to prove that we are different? To prove that we matter? To prove that we care enough to try to make a difference? Live through actions, not just thoughts and words. Let our actions tell the story of a generation who matters. Be unexpected.


We can live every day as an average person, not actively pursuing goals. We can boast of our accomplishments and take credit for team achievements. We can think only for ourselves and never work to assist others. We can refuse to stand up for what we believe in. OR, we can live each day with passion while actively pursuing our dreams. We can strive for humility and credit others for great success. We can live through service and try to help others. We can be the leaders of our generation who set the tone of refreshing change. Live unleashed.


Grab a piece of paper. Write down five acts of kindness. Give blood. Hold a door. Buy someone coffee. Recycle. Fill someone's parking meter. Look at your list of acts of kindness. We challenge you to do one act of kindness on your list every day. Live through actions of kindness and make your mark on the world. Be uncommon.

As we toured Washington D.C. we noticed that life around us is constantly in progress. The reflection pool by the Washington monument is under construction. Road construction throughout the city. People moving around the city in constant change and progression. Everything around us is never complete. Relationships are always evolving. Technology is being created. Being unfinished means change, and hopefully progress. Embrace being unfinished.


We came home with a refreshed perspective. We had delved into how we can live as people every day. We made great new friends and planned national convention delegate issues that will impact the future of FFA. We made the commitment to live through our actions and never our title. We challenge you to engage in this choice with us. LIVE UNTITLED.

Stationed beneath the rising sun and by the plow,

Hillary & Andrew

Discover the Rhythm!

Your favorite song comes over the speakers at a dance. That boss new Jason Aldean song is playing on the radio. "Don't Stop Believin'" starts as you are in the stands at a Journey concert. So you start to, what else, dance!The question is: Do you have rhythm?
Last week at the State Leadership Conference for Chapter Leaders 159 of us worked to Discover the Rhythm!
Here are the Top Ten Highlights from an outstanding week at Deep Portage:

1. The Arrival! Everyone arrived with high spirits and excitement for a fun-filled weeadventure and leadership!

2. Jammin’ Out Before Sessions! With our really boss music theme, music was constantly playing thanks to our amazing Rec Directors, Kirby Schmidt and Calli Jo Smith. Dancing before sessions started was completely necessary!

3. Sessions! Sessions were filled with fun

facts, new skills, and fun activities. Session topics included everything from Diversity and Followership to Agricultural Education and Breakout Sessions on Personal Growth.

4. Skits! Many of the sessions involved skits put on by our totally fantabulous campers. These skits were not only original, creative, and informative, but also extremely HILARIOUS!

5. Volleyball Tourney! The annual volleyball tournament began with intense rivalries and tough competition. All teams were ready to bump, set, and spike their way to victory. The air was filled with tension on the day of the Championship game between the Banjos and the Cowbells. The Banjos came out victorious, but somehow I find myself wanting more Cowbell…

6. Mail Time! Everyone loves getting mail, and we all loved them sing for it!

7. Team Challenges! The instrument themed teams were ready to roll for the obstacles set up by our amazing advisors to challenge the limits of teamwork. There were blood, sweat, and tears to the end for this challenging task, but fun was still had by all!

8. Service Projects! Everyone at SLCCL had a blast giving back to Deep Portage for all of their support doing service projects that included everything from painting benches to searching out invasive species.

9. Banquet! The banquet was tons of fun! From the amazing meal provided by Deep Portage to the Team Reflections given by the Banquet Committee (aka Boss Committee), the banquet was a huge success! Who could forget the skits? A lot of fun was poked at our Regional Presidents and State Officers this year. References to Travis M. falling out of his bed, Brad’s questionable driving skills, Katie M.’s love for her rabbits, and Katie E.’s fear of frogs were all highlighted among many others.

10. BATS! The bats at Deep Portage sure were...wait a second...the bats were the opposite of fun! How did that get on here?!

One thing’s for certain, by the end of the week we all left with new skills, great memories, and lifelong friends!

Thanks everyone for an amazing week!

Stationed by the Flag,

Chelsea :)