Inspiration and Motivation at National FFA Convention #ICanWeWill17

This year was different from my previous experiences at convention. Not only was the word ‘Advisor’ printed under my name on my badge, but my role and perspective on the purpose of convention changed.

Although, I enjoyed the many events that I participated in at the National FFA Convention, I believed it was not actions that set this convention a part from others; instead, it was the thoughtful and inspiring words shared by speakers, advisors, students and many others in attendance.

I truly felt inspired and motivated throughout my three days spent at convention. Whether I had access to my phone or a piece of paper and pen, I recorded thoughts and words that I found enlightening and encouraging.

Below I have highlighted moments with quotes that stand out the most from each day I spent at convention.

Wednesday –

At the first session of convention my students and I were inspired and motivated for the next few days ahead. Not only were we introduced to the conventions theme (check it out here), but we were also introduced and tasked to think about FFA in the next 10 years by National FFA Advisor – Dr. Brown.

Dr. Brown shared, "We must change to reflect and represent modern day 21st century agriculture to create a new era in FFA." As a future agriculture educator, I could not agree more! I have this urge of wanting a classroom and students to be forward thinkers and career driven. The words shared by Dr. Brown motivated me to ensure that I create this in my future classroom. To rise to the new era of agriculture, agriculture educators are tasked to fill our classrooms with beakers, speakers and job seekers.

At the end, Dr. Brown made us pledge by chanting, ‘I can. We will.’ Overall, it was a pledge as an individual and group to put in efforts to contribute and advance agriculture education.

Thursday-

I was able to be a self-advocate for growth by tasking myself to engage in three teacher workshops Thursday afternoon. The workshops I was able to engage in were the following:

• Living to Serve Grant 101
• Ticket of Success
• Streamlining Chapter Promotion Through Social Media

If I could choose a favorite workshop for that day, I would have chosen the Ticket of Success. This workshop shared how teaching is challenging, but can be rewarding and exciting. The workshop presenters reminded us that we were not in this alone. They encouraged us to build relationships with students, administration and the local community to build support for the program and you. Unfortunately I did not record who stated this quote, but one of the presenters shared, "I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things." 

All of the workshops were very helpful and help me develop knowledge and skills that I plan to use in my future classroom.

Friday –

To end my last evening at convention, I put on my favorite pair of jeans and boots to enjoy my favorite sport --- RODEO.

The evening was full of cheering with excitement as cowboys showed their skill of riding broncos or bulls for 8 seconds. In addition, there were motivational moments. As weird as it sounds, I felt inspired and motived while attending the rodeo. As the excitement ended for the night, the announcer shared something that his father reminded him often. His father would say, “The wealthiest man is one who gives to others and provides to society’s needs.” He proceeded to thank the agricultural educators in the audience for giving time and effort to the individuals that wear the blue corduroy jackets. Although it is not the highest paying profession, he hopes we realize that we are preparing students to contribute and join in efforts of preserving and advancing the agriculture industry. If that contribution does not make you feel wealthy, he did not know what would. Essentially, his story and thoughtful words inspired me. To top it off, after he finished my one student turned to me and said, “Thank you Ms. Wasson for choosing to become an agriculture teacher, you are going to do amazing things. I know it.” I was speechless, but now I am thankful. I am thankful for awesome students that make me feel wealthy, but mostly the chance to continue to experience this wealth in my future.

Overall, the thoughtful and encouraging words made me realize that I can create an impact on my students and they will create an impact in the agricultural industry.

Be sure to connect and keep an eye out on social media to catch more quotes that I recorded throughout convention.