Support

“A leader’s future is shaped by the people closest to him or her.” This quote has been in stuck in my head for the last month. About a month ago I went to the Red Wing FFA lock in and did a workshop dealing with personal support systems and understanding how important and useful they are. I knew having a support system of friends, family, mentors, and others were important but it never really sunk in until recently.

Let’s ponder these questions and statements;
Who are the five wealthiest people in the world?
Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.
Who are five recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize?

The point of this is none of us remember who won all these things or who made the headlines in last week’s newspaper. By no means are these people second-rate achievers because they are some of the best in field. But awards fade. Applause die out. Achievements are forgotten.

Let’s ponder these questions and statements;
Name a couple of friends who have helped you out today or made your day
List a couple of teachers who have had an impact on you
Think of a few individuals who have made you feel appreciated
Designate a couple of people you enjoy spending time with.

I hope you found this set a bit easier than the first. These individuals have made a difference in your life. No, they are not the ones with the most awards or qualifications. They are simply the ones who care the most.

I’m the type of person who tends to isolate themselves in an independent manner and think that I can do it all, sometimes pushing away or not seeking help from the people I’m close too. I realized spending a week a home during spring break that my family has been an enormous part of my support system and has helped develop me into who I am today. It took me having conversations with teachers and mentors who I haven’t talked with in a while to see their impact they have had on me. It took a couple hard weeks of school, tests, adventures, and future decisions to see how I much I value my friends.

Our support system may not always be with us in person but if we appreciate what they do for us and who they are, we can ask ourselves; “What would they say in a time like this?” We can use past experience and our support system to help us go forth in all we do.

Your support system helps make you who you are. They are the individuals who care about you and who value you. Know that your support system is there to help you. Realize you may be in someone else’s support system as well. We as individuals cannot do it all; we need help and guidance sometime. That’s what your support system is for. As you go on pursuing your goals, making decisions, and living your life remember the people who have had an impact on your life and who support you.

Stationed by the emblem of Washington,
Tyler Warren

I Believe in Southwest Star Concept FFA

I recently kicked off the start of my personal banquet season. I headed to the Southwest Star Concept FFA chapter on Sunday, March 18th to celebrate their successes over the last year. My first impression of the chapter banquet was "Wow, what a great turn out." As I walked into the banquet hall, I took a seat at the row of tables with my fellow FFA members. The gymnasium has transformed into the setting for a delicious meal and a celebratory program.

The Retiring SSC FFA Officer Team

The chapter officers kicked off the evening with eloquently memorized opening ceremonies, a thoughtful welcome, and a heartfelt invocation. We then had a delicious meal, during which I had the chance to get to know the FFA members I was sitting by. I talked with Zach, Garrett, and Cody about the local strawberry farm, and I promised to go pick berries with them over the summer. I talked with Mary (Popcorn) and Brandon (Turkey) about the practices they will be doing for their upcoming Meats Evaluation competition. I learned that Jacob will be attending his first State FFA Convention this year to be awarded his State FFA Degree and compete in crops.

We continued through the program recognizing SSC FFA Foundation partners, CDE teams, State Degree recipients, and proficiency winners. We heard from a past SSC FFA member, Kim, about the opportunities she has seized since being involved in FFA. Finally the 2012-2013 SSC FFA officer team was announced.

Creed Speaker, Garrett Schumacher

The 2012-2013 SSC FFA Officers

Chapter banquets are a time to take pride in what we do as FFA members, and what our chapters achieve as a whole. I know the SSC FFA members are proud to be SSC FFA members, and that pride in what they do is something to admire.

I am proud to be an FFA member, wear my blue jacket, and share the joy I take in agriculture. What we do as agriculturalists is something to share, believe in, and take pride in. Do you take pride in what you do? If that answer isn't yes, why not? You are involved in agriculture that feeds and clothes the world. That is something to believe in!

Stationed beneath the rising sun,

Hillary Kletscher

Ahh, the power of You

Say cheese!

This past week, the state officers had the opportunity to visit First District Association in Litchfield. Fist District is a cheese making, whey making, milk selling machine! First District Association processes over 1.5 billion pounds of milk a year, producing over 45 million pounds of whey and lactose powders, 140 million pounds of cheese, and 190 million pounds of milk. There we learned the impact First District is playing in the food supply nationally and globally. First District makes their own cheese titled “Fieldgate Cheese,” sell milk to bottlers such as Kemps and Schroeder Milk, provide cheese products to Frito-Lay and Taco Bell, and whey and lactose products to numerous baby milk formula companies. Cheese blocks and barrels are also sold.

The facts and information gained that day really hit home for me in two ways. First, my family is a part of the First District Association Cooperative and sells their milk there. My supervised agriculture experience involves me working on our 140 cow dairy farm. Never had I realized the impact I had on First District and providing dairy products to consumers. The milk from my cows on my farm is utilized for so many different products; cheese, Kemps milk, Frito-Lay Cheetos, and more! My cows are providing products for consumers around the world and I have a stake in that. Never have I realized the impact my supervised agriculture experience has had. I grew up taking care of and milking the cows resulting in a wholesome product; milk.

Secondly, we as individuals have the chance to make an impact in the lives of others. It may first be a simple step of talking to someone or having an interest in something we are passionate about. We may think it’s just one person or just one thing, but we need to step back and look at the big picture. For instance, one person we inspire could take that inspiration and pass it on to numerous individuals. Within our FFA chapters, sports, and other groups we have the chance to make a difference and impact not only through words but actions.

Always remember the impact and difference you can make through everything you do and say, small or big.

Stationed by the emblem of Washington,

Tyler Warren