Week 9!

This past week, all of the officers were given the first two days off for rest and recovery. National Convention was awesome and a great experience, but wore us down a little bit as well. After almost five straight weeks of traveling without being home, I was finally able to head to Stephenville for a few days to see the family. The entire officer team has been very blessed to have the awesome opportunity to serve our state for a year; however it is enjoyable to take time off and visit the ones who helped bring us here. Monday through Wednesday I was able to stay in Stephenville, visit and hangout with my family, as well as meet up with some old high school buddies. After a few days of rest, relaxation, and recuperation, it was time to start back to work. Saturday, I was invited alongside Alli to attend Area III Greenhand Camp located at Caney Creek High School. Thursday Alli and I prepared material on what we would go over during the camp, and Friday we were able to meet and discuss exactly what we would present the following day. Saturday morning we were up early and headed to Conroe for the Greenhand Camp. It was awesome to see the turnout of students at an FFA activity on a Saturday. All the students present truly wanted to be at the camp and already had passion for the FFA. The majority of the greenhand students were freshman and this was their beginning impression on what the FFA was. I was able to sit through the Area III officer’s workshops and interact one-on-one with numerous members. After the workshop period was concluded we grabbed a quick lunch and prepared for our presentation. Alli and I delivered a presentation revolving around the camp’s theme, Transformers. We discussed transformation in our lives that we experienced through the FFA, and to get involved because there is so much more than just “meets the eye.” After we wrapped up our segment, we were able to listen to remarks from newly elected National FFA Officer, Randa Braune. The camp was concluded and after taking a few pictures, we hopped in the truck and headed back home. Once again seeing hundreds of young students that look up to you and the leadership and standards that you hold yourself to reminded me of my purpose for being an officer. “It’s all about them” is what I continue to tell myself towards our year of service. It’s about the over 63,000 members in the Texas FFA, the 1,300+ agriculture teachers that dedicate their lives and professions to the Texas FFA, the 9 other state officers on my team that join me in a year of service to the Texas FFA, the staff that works for this great organization, and of course the hundreds of volunteers and supporters that are involved in this organization as well. A third of our year as a state officer is almost up and I can honestly say that it has been everything I could have asked for and wanted so far, and some more. As we wrap up the week, our thoughts and prayers continue to go out towards Kooter, the Booker FFA, and the friends and family of him as well. We’re all pulling for you bud!!