Dear Mrs. Mentor...

As I sit at our California State FFA Conference in the beautiful town of Fresno (I'm being serious!), I'm able to see other Ag teachers from around the state. I've been able to reflect on all the relationships I've made with teachers throughout the state since being in the credential program. 

I was a student teacher at Hanford High School in the Fall and then Clovis East High school in the Spring. At both locations I worked at LARGE departments (like 5+). I also was part of a credential program of 9 girls, I guess we're women now... Not to mention my long term sub job at Elk Grove. These locations and my credential cronies had a major impact not only on my teaching but my view of being an Ag teacher. 

This post is for all the people who made a significant impact on me. I feel that these people are the reason I've been successful (whatever that means?)... Some are still people I call when I need an idea, suggestions, vent session, etc. I learned valuable things and continue to learn from them regardless of how often I see them. 

Mrs. Perry: The horse woman who helped me learn how to dress like a bamf... She's amazing! I learned more from her about horse judging, vet science and fashion in a 6 month period than I had in my entire life. Although she's not at every horse contest anymore, she impacts every contest because of the amount of coaches that learned from her. "When you want to excel, find the best and take notes"

Alyssa: The energizer bunny. Plain and simple. The woman can go without sleep for days to ensure her students are the most prepared and always ready to compete. Her drive is invaluable and I learned a tremendous amount in my long term sub job at Elk Grove. She taught me about creating culture, traditions and sleeping less. 

Elk Grove- thank you for everything

Clovis East- bless you all for teaching me to go big 

Amber: My partner in crime. From college to becoming teachers, she is my constant source of reason. I envy her for building a program on her own, being a wife, now mom and still finding time to  answer my calls when I need to vent. She's stronger than she knows and continues to teach me new things. 

Julie, Little Laura & Ceila: Thanks for constantly being there whenever I need an application read, a life chat, a laugh session or anything. We may have 300 miles that separate us but thank god phone texts, Facebook, email and phone calls. 

Natalie R: My masters homework partner. She is so successful that it's terrible (jk it's awesome). I don't know how she finds time to do everything and still have amazing  hair! Someday I'll master my hair, she swears she'll teach me. Her passion for agriculture and ability to teach Parli Pro is inspiring... 

For those of you that I see at conferences, field days, meetings and whatnot-- you are awesome! I have learned more from you than you know. And for all the men I've learned from (sorry for the chick post) thank you for laughing at my jokes and encouraging me-- Hugh M, Ken D, Kevin W, Mike A, Matt P, Dane W, Jake D, etc.

Message of the Week: Find someone who is amazing, learn from them and be awesome. Having a mentor, or mentors in my case, has made my passion for teaching 10 times stronger. 

This job is stressful, crazy, and busy- but it's flat AMAZING when you surround yourself with positive, influential and bamf people. 

P.S. State Conference is going well!