I just got back from our chapter officer retreat... For those of you that don't know what that is it's a FFA officer planning trip -- simply a couple of days where they do teambuilding, plan the upcoming year and learn more about each other so that they can work as a more effective team.
It's the first time that a newly elected officer team, really has the ability to sit and work out the culture of the chapter, how they are going to manage the leadership team and become what I call our "FFAmily". Fortunately this year I was able to work with two other advisors to create an officer retreat for all three of our chapter officer groups.
This was without a doubt the best idea! We were able to delegate some of the operations and leadership activities that were conducted during the retreat and have our students build new friendships with members in other chapters. Not to mention it was really nice to be able to build our teamwork activities into little competitions between the chapters. Also we broke them up into separate groups, not with their chapter, to conduct other business. Because there were three chapters we were able to bring in outside facilitators for a few workshops on a wide range of topics to help our kids get more information, more experience and gain more skills.
This retreat reminded me of why I am so lucky to be in such a great profession. Working with other advisors in our section to create something that not only helps us, but really provides a unique experience for the kids. I just read an article on Facebook, ya know one of those trending ones that people share?? It was all about how as a student going through your teacher credential program you never are told about this baby secret, that there's never enough.
Never enough time.
Never enough work completed.
Never enough feedback.
Never enough support.
Never enough one on one.
Never enough assignments.
Never enough checks for understanding.
No matter how good you are, how great you are in the classroom or outside, even though you may work your tail off there still is never enough being done. And I wholeheartedly agree that no matter what I do, it's still never going to be enough to appease my brain (and some parents). So it was really nice to work with other advisors and chapters to help us all get closer to making the experience for our kids more than enough.
Although Ag teachers are told all the time to be careful, for fear of burnout (which I can totally understand). I sometimes feel like it's more important to give everything I have, to the kids I have right now. Because right now I can give them all my focus and time and energy. I might not be able to do that forever (let's be real-- it won't last forever) but I don't really want to pace myself. I feel like if I do, I will constantly think that I'm not doing enough, because I know in my mind I can do more.
Thank you Grant, Felicia and Linsey for helping me do more for my kids!
Speaking of more... Off to State Fair to watch kiddos!
Planning time! 
Setting goals...
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