Life is What You Make of It

Canceled. The reoccurring word that we all continue to hear. It is an end to a season we had put so much work into, all the time we had put into extracurricular activities is thrown away, and for graduating seniors there last month of high school is ripped away from them. Truly a devastating time but life is what you make of it.

As the challenges of life come and go this friend of mine has always radiated positivity and has a smile to share. The challenges she has faced are ones that many could not endure, however, she chooses to make the most of it. The story starts on a dairy farm, milking 90 cows with her husband. Dedication and hard work day in and day out to stay in competition with the falling milk prices was their daily life. Life was simple and sweet, but tragedy struck when her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Fighting it not once but twice brought challenges to the family. Through this hardship, my friend remained strong and still radiated positivity to others. As they laid her husband to rest, my friend chose to make the most of life. At that moment she could have chosen to give up but instead, she chose to live life to the fullest. Now raising her four children, starting her own business, and entering the beef industry she is an inspiration to me. Every day she chooses to make the most of the life she was given.

So how can we do the same and chose joy? What will you do to make the most of your life? For me, I will choose to walk through each day with a smile.

Aspire to Inspire,

Shelby Westhoff

Northeast State Vice-President

Finding your Place in FFA

I started the school year just like anybody else but for me there were some new things to get used to, and in all honesty it was a rocky start. My parents made a last minute decision to move and for me that meant transferring schools for my senior year. As one would imagine, it was bit overwhelming. New friends, new teachers, and getting involved all seemed difficult. I’ve never been the athletic type, and I haven’t been interested much in performing, but I knew I wanted to be involved in an extracurricular. Being at a new school forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and explore many different options. None seemed to pique my interest. It wasn’t until the day my agriculture teacher excitedly offered officer applications to anyone with enough courage to apply. I felt nervous and excited for the opportunity. I took the chance, and amazingly was elected chapter Reporter, which was a wonderful feeling. Being immersed in the FFA world is something new for me yet it is hard now to see myself anywhere else.

Soon after the officer team was established, we were welcomed with a dinner specially hosted for us. This was no average welcome dinner. It was our groundbreaking debut. My new officer team and I were fortunate enough to meet Mr. Mike Naig, the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. He not only made an appearance at our dinner, he held up my first official FFA jacket as I slipped my arms through that stiff blue corduroy for the first time. A feeling only an FFA member understands. It was heartwarming to see the amount of support from our community that night. The profits from the dinner aided in our trip to Indiana and the 92nd National FFA Convention.

My advisor offered me a seat to National Convention and I gladly accepted. Coming from a low-income family made me extremely indecisive as to whether the trip was worth it or not, but I knew I would regret it if I didn’t take the opportunity. After an entirety of begging, I was given permission from my parents to attend. National FFA Convention was totally worth-while – the begging paid off. The trip was filled with so many new experiences, that I was completely in awe. Something as simple as wearing a rain poncho was new to me. Sadly, I forgot the poncho in the car and haven’t seen it since.

Since then, our Chapter has been highly active, from our lock in winter conference to partnering with Morningside College to create meals for Feed the Farmer, and even competing in CDE competitions. Our Chapter has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. As I reflect on my senior year and look forward to the future, I’m excited to see how Sioux City FFA will grow. I’m proud to say I contributed to the development of Sioux City FFA. All these experiences will stay with me in my following years at college, and into life. FFA has brought me so many opportunities that I otherwise may have never come across. I have grown as an individual and, believe it or not, the highlight of my entire high school career has got to be my decision to join the FFA.

In Blue and Gold,

Valerie Rosales

Sioux City FFA

Chapter Reporter

National FFA Week: A Look Back

Almost a year ago, I was elected to state office. Since then, I've been all over the state visiting different places and chatting with members. There have been so many experiences that I will remember forever. FFA week, however, will always be near and dear to my heart.

I started FFA week off with the Muscatine FFA chapter. I got to watch them compete at the human table and stack cups in teams. Watching those members work as a team was incredibly rewarding.

Wednesday I spent time in Nashua Plainfield FFA. We ate pancakes and got to untie our human knot. Seeing them encourage each other in a competition inspired me.

Thursday I was with Clear Lake. We spent the whole afternoon with middle school students. Their excitement over being in the ag room reminded me of the first time I walked into mine.

Friday I was at West Marshall. Those students played Jenga, competed, and had an all school assembly. The sound of those students laughing is something I'll never forget.

State office has given me the best year of my life. Sure, I've had hard days. But the members I spend time with are always worth it. The members I've spent time with this year have taught me so much and I will forever be grateful for the smiling faces I'm greeted with each time I walk into a chapter. Iowa FFA, thank you for your kindness, positivity, and inspiring stories. Thank you for the best year and the memories I'll never forget. I'm so proud of the members I've seen this year, and I can't wait to see where you all take the FFA.

Run With Your Challenges,

Natalie Jefson

2019-2020 State Secretary