What is your favorite part of the National FFA Convention and Expo?

Lexi-
When I have attended National FFA Convention in the past, my favorite part has been going to the rodeo or concert one night. This gave me a chance to meet other FFA members from around the United States in a laid-back setting. Energy is always high, and everyone seems to be having fun. It also gave me a chance to spend time with everyone from my chapter. Since the convention is towards the beginning of the year, I was able to get to know first-year members who traveled with us during this time. Moments like these are the ones I will remember forever from my time attending three National Conventions in high school. National Convention has so many amazing aspects that it is hard to pick just one part!

Jodie-
When I was a freshman in high school, I had the opportunity to attend the National convention in Kentucky. During my senior year of high school, I had the opportunity to go to nationals again, but this time it was in Indiana. FFA members from across the country all come together and when you are in the sessions, at the career fair, just walking down the streets, there is an energy like none other. My favorite part of convention was seeing all of the blue jackets. There was even a chapter in Missouri that had the same name as my home chapter! National convention is such an amazing thing to experience and be a part of, and if you are ever offered the opportunity to go, I would definitely recommend it!

Jake-
I had the amazing opportunity to attend National Convention in Indianapolis and Louisville. Though there are differences and similarities amongst each, one thing stuck out to me more than anything about National Convention in both cities. Yes, the trade show and sessions are amazing, but still, something stuck out to me. That thing is the FFA members that attend. From coast to coast, coming from countless backgrounds, this is what makes convention so special. A moment that is still ingrained in my mind is the sight of jackets from countless states walking around. I have a challenge for those going this year. Find an individual from each state, make a list and add them on a social media platform. By doing this, not only do you get to meet people, but you now have a connection in each state. You never know when you may run across that person again or be in their neck of the woods!

Cole -
I had the opportunity to attend national convention my sophomore and senior year, because of this I was lucky enough to visit both convention sites. I’d have to say while I can never get enough of the conversations you have with new friends you make, my all time favorite thing to do was to make it a goal to have a conversation with one member from every state! I found that the best way to do this was to go to the section of nationals where every state has a display, this way I not only got to meet these people but I got to see just what made their state so unique. I remember my sophomore year I was running out of hope of meeting every state but just before convention ended I saw a glimmer of hope by seeing a jacket with the last state I needed: Alaska. This journey made my national convention experience so rewarding because I not only felt accomplished for finding each state but making meaningful connections while doing it!

Lane-
Unlike all of my teammates, I have never been to the National FFA Convention. I have always wanted to go but due to athletic events, I wasn’t able to attend. My perspective for this will be one from the outside looking in from my years of wanting to attend convention. The most impressive thing to me is that there are so many blue jackets that fill the streets of Indianapolis. Having FFA members from across the nation shows that the organization is thriving and growing rapidly. It also shows how these members have a passion for agriculture with the drive and determination to make a difference.

Laken-
I was fortunate enough to experience National FFA Convention both in Louisville and Kentucky. Though both conventions were different, the atmosphere of Convention is always the same. There is no way to describe the feeling of being surrounded by 60,000+ people all dressed in the Blue Jacket. Instead of being back home where FFA is really only taken seriously by those involved, you’re surrounded by people who all share the same passion for leadership and agriculture. I have always loved going around the Expo, gathering signatures from different states and making friends. I also love sitting in sessions as they open with a laser show. The music is loud, the energy is high, and you know you are about to experience an FFA event like never before.

Chandler-
Being able to both attend and compete at Nationals is something that has highlighted my FFA career. The amount of passion, leadership, and love under one roof is breathtaking. What I would recommend to people going to National Convention is be up for anything. In my opinion, if you go with a mentality strictly of “ I’m going to do this, and then this.” then you’ll miss some of the great stuff. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and broaden your horizons. If you meet a member from another state, go hang out with them! Explore the career show, sit in on some sessions, dance, sing, and talk to people from all over. This convention is an opportunity like none other. It’s an adventure. If you’re competing, good luck! If you’re attending, safe travels!

Gwen-
I have always loved National Convention, and have also been given the amazing opportunity to experience it both in Louisville and Indianapolis! Though experiencing the sea of blue on FFA Way in Indianapolis is a sight that will take your breath away. Some of my favorite convention activities are of course the Expo and everything it has to offer. I have also loved the tours my chapter would go on, as we would always try and explore a different part of the agriculture industry. I have seen Thoroughbred horse farms in Kentucky to Fairlife Dairy in Indiana. Also given the chance at convention you can come home and say you met someone from every state! Not many people can say that! Convention is just one of the most life changing experiences I have ever been a part of. The people and the experiences you have here will stay with you for the rest of your life! Safe travels, and happy National FFA Convention.

CD-
At the FFA National Convention, I love to walk through the trade show, seeing the new equipment and ag technology along with speaking with the vendors. Two years ago I remember seeing the new Atonmus tractor by Case IH. the future of farming is here and GPS is another tool for producers to use. I also enjoy to walk through the college booths, all over the country there are some great schools and I enjoy to see what each of them have to bring to the national level and compare to other programs all around the country. Just remember there is “Just One’ national FFA Convention Expo and it is a great time.

Have Fun at Convention,

2018-2019 Iowa FFA State Officer Team

Definitions

Every day we put definitions and labels on various things. Whether they may be on words, projects, people, or anything we see during a day’s time. Merriam Webster states that a definition is, “the action or the power of describing, explaining, or making clear.” Though we may think of this when we hear the word definition, I think a much different approach can be taken.

2015, my sophomore year of high school, football season was in full swing, my team, The North Tama Redhawks were in another “rebuilding” season. The last game of the year was on a perfect football weather night, one I will never forget. As we take the field, I march out ready to play just one more game, before focusing on basketball. I line up behind the center, the play starts, I get the ball and run into the teeth of the defense. As I am getting tackled, my leg is pinned under me. In that moment I knew something wasn’t right. I get carried off the field and await the diagnosis. A sprained ACL is what the MRI showed, no physical activity for three months. This was an issue because the basketball season started in only a month. What was I going to do?

At this moment there was a decision to be made. Would I let this setback hinder me? Or would I make the best of the situation? The decision was mine.

Fast forward three years, Freshman year of college at the great Iowa State University, (go clones), it is my first test as a college student, biology 211. I go into this with high hopes, I had studied hard and had an alright understanding of the topics, but as I start taking the test I soon realize I had not studied enough. Let me just say my grade reflected this and was a little rough.

I had another decision to make, my first test at college had been a failure. Would I let this define my college career, or would I make the most of this experience and learn what I need to do to be successful?

Many times in our lives we go through hardships and challenges. I am a firm believer that the decisions that follow these events are what define us as a person. How will you define yourself after going through times like these? Will you allow it to consume you or will you prosper?

Think back to the different approach I referenced at the beginning of this, that approach is how we define ourselves. What actions do we take to be successful? Are we taking any steps to do just that or are we complacent? I challenge all of those who read this to be intentional. After one of the hardest moments in my life, a great mentor said something to me that I will never forget, “Do not let this define you as a person, instead, let it be the direction that will allow you to prosper in the next segment of your life.”

Today remember, we all go through times of despair, times of difficulties, but how we react to these is what defines us. How will you define yourself??

God Bless,

Jake Hlas

Northeast State Vice-President

Don't Stop

In 8th grade my parents wanted me to get involved in athletics. Pella is well known for its success in football, so they suggested I try out. In a matter of days, I was standing on a grass field with a brand new pair of cleats and a set of shoulder pads too big for me.

A couple weeks into the season, we were practicing and I was getting the absolute snot tackled out of me. I managed to drag myself back to the sidelines to get a drink after a drill. My coach yanked the dirt clod from the front of my helmet and stared at me. “You’re stopping,” is what he said. I asked what he meant.

“You stop mid play because you know the tackle is coming. Instead of continuing to run, you stop to brace yourself. You want to quit getting destroyed out there?”

I viciously nodded yes.

“Then don’t stop.” He then promptly shoved me back on to the field for more drills.

He was right. I found if I met my opponent halfway I’d stay on my feet and get less hurt. Now did this magically transform my football career? No, but it did give me a unique perspective.

The older I get, the more I wonder about this principle of running at problems. How often are we told to stop and wait, to let things “blow over”? I wonder, does that really make us better off? Or does it more harm than good?

Let me put it to you another way, earlier this fall, I was able to go home for a day to help around the farm. The day before I arrived, my dad had cut down a large oak that had died earlier that spring. When the tree was cut, it fell into the branches of another tree, leaving it entangled. When I came home the next day, my dad told me to go get our Farmall M to move it.

The only way to get the tree loose was to shift its trunk in line with the path we had already cleared. This meant before I could drag the tree free, I first had to pilot the M onto a steep creek embankment to get the tree into position.

After tugging on the tree, the M idled noisily as my dad unsecured the chain, the tractors nose pointed straight at the water. Meanwhile, I was planning how exactly I was going to get out of this tight spot. Rolling forward was a no go, a tweaked front end meant steering was a struggle, on top of dad lending plenty of advice, I had a thousand thoughts running through my head. That is until the tractor's brakes gave up. I pumped them frantically to no avail as I hurdled forward. In a moment of panic, I dumped the clutch of the tractor and throttled up, sending the tractor in reverse. My dad jumped clear and hollered, “Don’t you stop!” Threading the needle between two trees and charging up the hill, the M and I found ourselves resting on the flat ground of our pasture, safe and sound.

In life what I’ve found is that there will always be something preventing us from doing the things we want. Regardless if it's an inevitable tackle that sets us off course or something we’re stuck in, it’s easy for these situations to rule over our lives. Often times it feels like admitting defeat and “waiting out the storm” seem like the only options left. Here’s the thing, if everyone did this then I have a hard time believing the West would have been won, the US would be the first to the moon, and literal mountains would be moved.

Today I challenge you, instead of wallowing in what’s going wrong in your life, choose to fight it. Stand up to it. Because your “it” can be beaten. Run right at and tackle your situation. Get yourself in gear, the time for doubt is over. Have a little Faith, and when you start moving again: Don’t Stop.

Go Get Em,

Chandler Jahner

South Central State Vice-President

What is it like to be the parent of an FFA member.

Cole’s Parents: I was totally unprepared for what it meant to be the parent of a state officer. I had no clue how busy he would be, but also how fulfilled he would be. He has learned things I could have never taught him, having experiences I never dreamed he would have! Sometimes on his journeys, I find myself having to remind him to eat right and get enough sleep. I always knew Cole loved helping others, and now I know why he had such a passion for FFA. Something I have heard him say a lot over this year is the word “Service.” This is truly what FFA is about. I recently got the opportunity to watch a small event and this is when I realized just how much he has learned through FFA. This event was very well organized, and the thing is, it was mostly student lead. It is so awesome to see what FFA can offer to young people! At the end of the day, I can really tell how much he loves serving the NW district and the state.

Chandler’s Parents: I was recently asked a question very similar to this at the state fair. I told the gentleman that asked the question that it’s a learning experience and an adventure for all of us. Through FFA we have watched our children’s highest highs and lowest lows but have always tried to instill a sense of accomplishment and integrity. We’ve watched a very shy quiet boy grow into a well-spoken, polite, young man that through hard work and diligence is enjoying his time as a state officer. We have watched our daughter flourish through FFA by helping organize and execute well-planned events. Both of our children have excelled as leaders and we contribute a lot of their success from having the honor to belong to the FFA organization and proudly wear the blue corduroy jacket!

Lexi’s Parents: Our role as an FFA parent has definitely changed over the course of the last 4 years. When Lexi was a freshman she could not join FFA because of her class schedule, so when sophomore year came around she began to go to meetings, participate in judging events, attended conventions, and various other activities. Our job was to make sure she was up on time to catch the bus, make sure her OD was cleaned and ironed, and keep an endless supply of black pantyhose on hand! When she was elected to her chapter and district officer position we were very proud of her determination, commitment, and passion for FFA. I still did not have an understanding of what Lexi saw in this organization until I attended state convention with her last Spring. All along I knew that she loved FFA, enjoyed going to competitions and conventions, making new friends and connections all over the state and nation, but still thought it was just another activity she was involved in. Then at convention I got it. She had been involved in an organization with others who were exactly who she was: determined, hard-working, intelligent, passionate, responsible, caring, and had good values. FFA is where Lexi belongs. We are so thankful to this organization and who and what it has brought to her life and ours. It's truly a blessing.

Lane's Parents: The FFA Organization has been an eye-opening experience for me as a parent. FFA isn’t just for kids or young adults who have grown up on a farm or around livestock. This organization has allowed us to see amazing changes in our son. He has been taught about leadership, responsibility, volunteerism and personal growth. We have watched him grow in his role as a leader and take on the responsibility of a State Officer. Lane has been given the opportunity to see every corner of the state of Iowa where he’s met amazing people. He’s traveled to Kansas to work on recovery efforts from devastating fires and visited Washington DC. The leadership training in DC exposed him to other youth that is passionate about agriculture and real word issues. His officer duties and training changed his college and career direction and have led him to towards a path to be successful in life. FFA has been life-changing for our son and for our family and we are forever grateful for the opportunities he has been able to experience.

Gwen’s Parents: It was a new school year and my daughter was a freshman; I was excited for all the possibilities that were ahead in her high school career. I’ve always encouraged my kids to be involved, be active, and give back to their community so it was no surprise when Gwen began joining different activities. I was surprised, though, when she said she wanted to join FFA. Growing up, I was a 4-Her, and so was Gwen; I didn’t really know much about FFA and what it had to offer, but I soon learned. I remember attending new member night and watching the opening ceremonies; I was impressed by the number of kids involved, the organization of the meeting and the official dress. I couldn’t believe these kids were running an official meeting and doing it well. That night I got a brief overview of what the upcoming year would look like; fruit sales, running a petting zoo, district competition, and a fish fry to name a few. I could see the learning and growth opportunities and I was ready to be a supportive involved parent with this new endeavor but I really had no idea the impact this organization would have on my daughter. I felt the full power of that impact when I watched Gwen, in her official dress, recite the FFA Creed. I could hear her enthusiasm, I could see how much she loved this group of young adults and I could feel her passion. From there on out, I just sat back and enjoyed the ride of being an FFA parent and watched my child find her calling. If you are given the opportunity, you should do the same. Listen when they tell you the history of FFA, the symbolism of the corduroy jacket, what the blue and gold stand for and what a greenhand is. Encourage them to compete at district competition and run for chapter office. Relax when they tell you they get to travel to National Convention. Be supportive when they run for district office and state office. Rejoice when they earn their Iowa Degree. Try to learn all the acronyms they throw at you. Watch in awe as your child changes and be a proud FFA parent. I have been fortunate enough to watch my daughter grow in FFA over the years. She has made life-long friends who are like-minded and goal oriented. She has found passion and purpose, has gained valuable skills and has networked with professionals in the field she wants to pursue. As a parent, I couldn’t ask for more.

Jake's Parents: Having a son in FFA has been an experience, to say the least! Everything from picking them up at the school late at night when the bus returns from a conference as a freshman, to driving to Ames and hearing their name announced to lead the state as a state officer. FFA has had a significant impact not only on Jake's life but also my husband's and my own. We have been able to see the growth and development of lifelong skills that any employer would be ecstatic to have. As a parent, we miss seeing him, and I would love to be traveling with him, but we already embarrass him enough! We try to remember that we raised him to be independent, and so we should not be surprised that he has grown into a strong, self-sufficient adult. I’m so excited to see all of the opportunities he has been given and to see him be a strong leader for such a great organization. Every parent strives to see their children succeed, FFA has given not only Jake, but millions of students all over this country a pathway to be successful. I will always cherish the experiences and skills that he has gained through FFA! PROUD FFA MAMA.

Laken's Parents: Being the parent of an FFA member is both stressful and rewarding. Stressful because she is always on the road but I know she is surrounded by a great group of kids that look out for each other at all times. The rewarding side is seeing all of her accomplishments and how proud of her position she is. There are no words of beyond proud but that's how we feel every day. FFA has not only been a positive role in her life but has taught us a lot of things too.

CD's Parents: Being the parents of an FFA member is truly an honor. We enjoy seeing all that the FFA has to offer our boys and all of its members. From showing livestock to competing in contests, we find ourselves looking forward to the next activity. Watching the members grow from Greenhands to the leaders of tomorrow makes us very proud to be the parents of an FFA member.

Jodie's Parents: There is so much that comes to mind to be a parent of an FFA young adult.  We can’t call them kids because they surpass that level.  They are young adults making a difference in others’ lives.  Some will participate in every event they can while others may not which is ok.  One thing is for sure each one of them has a very unique talent they bring to the table.   These young adults step outside of their comfort zone only to find a new voice and learn how to use that voice for the good.  They come from all walks of life. As parents, you always want to see your child succeed and enjoy what they are doing.  FFA has allowed them to grow and develop skills they have that can be used in everyday life.  It is my opinion that every kid in high school should be required to take an Ag class.  Teach them about where their food comes from and how it’s grown. It gives them the chance to think for themselves.  FFA has also shown kids how to give back along with team building skills.  It teaches them how to give a firm handshake while looking someone in the eye.  They are taught responsibility which is shown threw SAE projects. I have had the pleasure of sitting in the audience at state convention.  Every time I hear about how many hours an FFA student puts in and what they achieved still blows my mind.  These are 14 to 18-year-old young adults that are doing things that most adults haven’t done.  They already have their own herds and growing a business ground up.  Don’t get me wrong I know parents have had a hand in helping them but the determination and eagerness to succeed are what makes them unique.  FFA fuels their drive.  Leadership skills are developed and applied to life’s everyday tasks. To be a parent of an FFA young adult has truly been an honor.  My daughter never seizes to amaze me.  She has grown so much as a person but as a leader for tomorrow.  They put in countless hours without asking for much in return.  They are respectful of others and are driven.  They set the goals high not only to achieve that goal but exceed it.  Whatever their dreams are, I have no doubt in my mind they will reach it.  Tomorrow's leaders are shaped from a great organization and will continue to do so for many years to come. FFA is just an extension of our personal family.  The memories will last forever and so will the friends we meet on the way. 

To the Future of Agriculture,

The Parents of the 2018-2019

Iowa FFA State Officer Team

Growth

“Don’t go through life, grow through life.” - Eric Butterworth

I want you to think for a second, about a tree. In the beginning, a seed first pushes through the soil and out pops a small sprout. No one knows where this sprouting will go next, but we have hopes that it will grow into the tallest tree possible. As the sprout grows into a sapling, it will spread its branches out into different directions, and eventually grow into a tree. This tree has hundreds of branches, but only one branch stretches above the rest.

Why is this important? People are a lot like trees. You see from the moment we are born, people have hopes for us, they want us to grow into a doctor or lawyer or to follow the family business. They have one start to finish a plan for the way your life should play out. Good grades in school, college, internships, jobs, getting married, having kids of your own… But if we all follow this set plan, then our branches would never divide. We would grow straight upward from start to finish with no exploration of who we are. Our tree of life would end up looking like a telephone pole.

In life, we must take in every opportunity we can. Sure, sometimes those branches of life will end shortly, but we have to take that risk if we ever want to reach our full potential. How will you know if you were destined to become a world-renowned speaker if you never step up to the microphone? Who knows if your ideas are great if they never get voiced? How do you know if you were meant to be a redwood if you tie off your roots like a bonsai?

Take every opportunity you have in life, because you never know when those moments will define you, and you never know when those moments could be your last. This is a message that hits me close to home. A little over a year ago, a shining young student from my school passed away far before his time was up… He was headed into his senior year, one of the most memorable years in our lives and he would never get to experience it. Without going too much into detail, our community was shaken beyond repair, this death struck all of us… For this student continued to bring people together, even after death.

In the end, you never know where your story is headed, and you never know when your time is up, so make the most of the opportunities you are given before you look back and realized you missed your chance. For our tree of life, we can stretch our branches as far as we can and reach extraordinary heights, but our roots will always stay in the same spot. Take value in the people around you and spend time with the people you care about because once they are gone you will wish you could.

Grow Everyday,

Cole Rieman

Northwest State Vice-President

What is your favorite skills CDE?

Chandler Jahner-
Soils Judging has always held a special place in my heart. For one, it opened my eyes to more areas of agriculture. Growing up on a livestock operation, I had no clue as to what it took to be successful with row crops. Why it's my favorite is because, at my home chapter, the soils judging team was the team that was always the closest. They were the ones who hung out outside of school, spent extra time practicing and developing a way to play off of each other's strengths. When I had a chance to be a part of that club, I was amazed to see how close a group of people could get over a contest. Whether it was not washing a pair of lucky jeans, staying up late the night before the contest or hanging out at someone's grandmas to go over materials I loved every second. To this day, when I talk agriculture with people I reference what I learned in those Southern Iowa soil pits.

Cole Reiman-
Being a student that has never participated in a skills CDE, this year is my first year seeing the process and let me tell you - These members work HARD. Never before have I seen so many members dedicated to doing what they love and mastering their craft. The town I grew up in is named “Ayrshire” like the dairy cow, coincidentally, this last week I had the privilege of helping out with the dairy CDEs. Now, going into this contest I didn’t know what to expect. I kind of just thought it was just going to be a bunch of kids who love milk, I guess. After I got about halfway through the day, I saw the tests that they have to take and boy let me tell you what. If these students want to succeed, it isn’t just a walk in and go type of thing. Just from looking at a couple sheets of paper, I could tell just how hard skills CDE students have to work to do well. I was thoroughly impressed with the work that these students did and can’t wait to see where their passions take them. While all skills CDEs impress me, I think I have to stick with my roots and say that Dairy has to be my favorite.

Laken Mullinix-
After having the opportunity to be around a lot of CDE’s this summer, I have come to the conclusion that the Floriculture contest is my favorite. I loved being able to see the beautiful product of the member’s hard work, and it amazes me that people my age and younger can create flower arrangements so beautiful they look professionally made. It was also fun to see how a lot of teams dressed up, it was another way they showed their dedication to their contest because they were dressing the part. Before presenting awards, I went around and looked at a few of the corsages and I could see the pride on the member’s faces as they showed off their hard work and I loved seeing this with members of all CDE’s!

CD Brinegar-
My favorite skills CDE is Agriculture Mechanics and Technology in June, it consists of different mechanics and technology that is helpful to use around the farm, ranch or in many ag jobs. It consists of welding, woodworking, electrical wiring, along with a test and small engines area. This contest is always a fun one for a couple reasons, one you can be good at or learn about many areas within the mechanics and technology field and show off many skills at once. Or if you're like me a and not really good in all of the areas but maybe one you can really show off your skills and talents on that one area. This contest is at Iowa State University on the 450 farm a live working farm and is all around just a great experience to compete and learn a lot.

Lexi Berte-
Out of all the skills, CDE’s that FFA members across Iowa compete in, I would have to say Livestock judging is my favorite. As a member, I competed in different livestock judging events throughout the year. I always loved getting to improve my skills after each contest and discuss the reasons my team and I had for placing classes the way we did. Many members spend a great deal of time on this CDE and let me tell ya oral reasons are not the easiest. Or at least they weren’t for me! Something I also really enjoy about this contest is that members do not have to have a livestock background to be successful. Even though many of them do, it is still possible to learn the correct way to judge livestock. Iowa FFA members continue to surprise me with their hard work and dedication to the many skills CDE’s our state has to offer!

Jake Hlas-
Skilled CDE’s were always one of my favorite aspects during my high school career! From practices after school to early morning van rides to contests, I enjoyed every moment of these events. My personal favorite skilled CDE was by far Livestock Judging. Not only did I love the contest portion of livestock judging, I also enjoyed the countless hours of practices and workouts that went into being successful. The connections and networking opportunities in the livestock industry that came with judging are something I wouldn’t trade for anything. Many can relate to the hard work that it takes to be successful and win or lose knowing that you put 100% effort into an opportunity is a very rewarding feeling. I encourage everyone I meet to do something they may not be comfortable with or used to because you never know how much you can grow from that moment!

Lane Morrison-
This summer I was able to help run some of the Skilled CDE events across Iowa. Although all of the events were a lot of fun, I enjoyed the Meats judging CDE the most. I worked in a butcher shop as my SAE over the past few years so I already had a knowledge of the meat products the students were tasked with judging. All of the students that participated did a tremendous job and put in many hours of hard work for the event. The work they put in will definitely benefit them in the future when putting in situations that require them to work effectively and efficiently. Seeing these members participate in something they enjoy shows that they want to work hard for something and make themselves better.

Jodie Mausser-
My all-time favorite skilled CDE was definitely dairy judging! I remember sitting at the farm looking through the cow magazines and trying to decide what cow would be placed as the best. Whenever a cow would come into the parlor, I would judge her by her udder, how she walks on her feet and her teat placement. When it came time for the Dairy Judging Skills CDE, I was ready to put my knowledge to the test! Every year, it was my goal to do better than the previous year, and I’m proud to say that I had. Another thing I loved about the Dairy Judging CDE, was that I would get to see all of my dairy friends! While it was a competition, we all might not have been as competitive as we should be, because we were just happy to be with our friends, even the four-legged ones! Dairy Judging will always hold a special place in my heart because, at the end of the day, I could go back home and talk to my family about the day, and keep learning how to better myself and my judging skills!

Gwen Black-
My favorite Skilled CDE has always been Horse Judging. I always enjoyed that early morning ride to Kirkwood for an amazing day spent with friends and meeting new ones. This CDE has constantly pushed me to become a better horseman. Any open show I would attend I would judge the horses in the classes before and after me, giving my reasons to friends and family around me. Sometimes my friends and I would even make small bets to see who would match with the judge. This year I did not judge but rather had the opportunity to watch all of you judge. It was so amazing seeing all of your hard work pay off this June. I was beyond proud of awesome everyone did, and all of their dedication to be better. I can’t wait to continue to watch the success of our amazing horseman in the Iowa FFA!

Living to Serve, 

2018-2019 Iowa FFA State Officer Team

Hope

Hope, a four-letter word that could change so much. According to dictionary.com hope means “A feeling that events will turn out for the best”. We have all had times where we might have thought about giving up, or thought things just can’t get any worse, but we try to find the positive by having a little bit of hope.

When I was in high school, all I could think about was summer, because that meant softball was just around the corner. See, I had been practicing my pitching all winter, and I could not wait to try out my new pitches! It was just another normal Sunday afternoon pitching clinic. I had warmed up my arm and was ready to start into my full pitch. I had thrown about 10 pitches when I started to feel a pain in my shoulder and it had started to pop during every pitch. Eventually, I decided to call it a night because the pain continued to worsen.

Soon enough I found myself in tears by the fact that I couldn’t even put a mixing bowl in the cupboard due to my shoulder. My mom decided that we were going to go see the doctor. After several tests, I soon received the news that I had torn my labrum and that I would never be able to pitch again. At that moment I had thought my whole world had ended.

After my surgery, my family reminded me to have hope and that things would get better. My physical therapist also continued to remind me that I needed to have a little bit of hope because he to had hope that I would play again. That little bit of hope and strength from my family, friends, and doctors, was able to get me out on the softball field for yet another season.

While I was at practice, I was learning my limits with throwing the ball, and realizing I wasn’t able to do all the things I use to do. My coaches told me to keep my head up, and I needed that little bit of hope to get me back into the game I loved so dearly.

It was almost the end of the season, and we were playing against one of our favorite teams! The score was eight to six and there was one out! The pitch was thrown and the next thing you know, I had the ball in my hand and I was throwing it home! Even though we had gotten the runner out, that wasn’t the only thing that was out. I was out again and then there was surgery number two.

Even though I was never able to play again, I had hope for my team that they would continue to play their hearts and go get that next win! One of the greatest lessons I have learned from this experience is that no matter what happens, you always have to have a little bit of hope.

As dictionary.com had said, hope means “A feeling that events will turn out for the best”. Recently my family and I had to dig deep down and find that little bit of hope. While I was at my Nana and Papa’s house for one of our family bonfires, I was sitting next to my Nana when she asked me to come inside and help her. I, of course, said yes and proceeded to follow her inside. As I was waiting to hear what we were going to be doing, I noticed Nana had tears in her eyes. The next few words that Nana said, were words I hoped I hadn’t heard. Those words were, “I have cancer”. As she pulled me in for a hug, Nana said to me, “It’s going to be alright, we just have to pray and have a little bit of hope”. It was those few words that told me, everything is going to be alright.

My Nana is one of the strongest people I have ever met, and with her being positive and keeping her hope, she continues to show us all that sometimes hope is all we need. As she has gone through her surgery’s, I found that my Nana is even stronger than before, and I hope that the next time life throws me a curveball, I will have hope just like my Nana.

Sometimes life throws us curve balls, some are good and some aren’t so good. Sometimes it is an opportunity to follow your dreams, and sometimes it tests you as an individual. If there is one thing I have learned, it is that sometimes that little bit of hope is the only thing you can hold on to, and sometimes that is all you need. Whether or not life continues to throw you a curveball, I hope that you can find a little bit of hope.

Smile for the camera,

Jodie Mausser

2018-2019 Iowa FFA State Reporter