It's the why...

Thursday night was our sectional Administrators and Supporters Night. Most of the schools in our section were represented with principals, vice principals, boosters, advisory members and even a couple of superintendents.

Our speakers were Jim Aschwanden and Hugh Mooney. While Ag teachers hear from these two quite often, most administrators rarely do. Both men talked about the current state of the state in regards to funding, CTE and agriculture education. Recently, Ag teachers in the state have had some pleasant news and have been able to breath a sigh of relief when funding is discussed. Among all things presented on Thursday, one thing that really stuck with me is when Jim began talking about the "why".

I have watched Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" and "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" which both go in detail about the "why" But Jim's explanation to administrators made it so real. He talked about a bulls-eye of three circles. The largest circle being WHAT, the second being HOW and the center of the bulls-eye being WHY.

Jim tried to explain how most administrators know what Ag teachers do... They teach right? (In addition to many other things) Some administrators understand the how of what Ag teachers do, including spending countless hours working with students outside of class time. His tip to administrators, was to find out why Ag teachers do what they do. For many Ag teachers, this is why we spend countless hours with students, why we are slaves to applications and fair animals, why we grade tests and speeches in any random place we can find, and why we drive for hours to any location just for a contest or meeting.

For me.... The why is something I think about on a regular basis. Sometimes it comes up early in the morning or late at night when I am scolding myself "WHY the eff am I doing this?!"

But more times than not, I am quickly reminded that my crazy kids are what keep me sane (and crazy) and keep me involved and constantly striving for more and better. High school kids in all their glory are without a doubt the greatest little humans and they are the reason WHY I do what I do. I wanted to become an Ag teacher, not because I had the best experience ever (it wasn't bad, but wasn't great), but more because I want my students to have the opportunities that I didn't have.

Administrators someday will learn about the why of Ag teachers... Because Ag teachers are a rare breed, for many reasons. You have to be more than a classroom teacher, it becomes your life. Being a teacher and learner everyday is ingrained in everything Ag teachers do.

I teach because of these hooligans... And because of the great things they are capable of... I teach to give them the opportunities that I didn't have...

4 boys and "Mom"

I recently read a Golden Slate article about FFA participation of boys and the lack of boys we have entering the Ag education profession. 

It was an interesting article, because I formally taught at a school that had minimal boy participation. So I completely understood when the article said, that since 1969, when girls were admitted into the FFA their participation has only increased. Awards, proficiencies, star farmers, etc. are now being won by primarily girls. 

The article also said that a lot of this had to do with maturity and development. It's a well-known fact that most girls mature faster than boys. So it's a lot easier to convince a freshman or sophomore girl to stand up and speak not only to classmates but community members. Now, for boys this might take until junior or senior year. 

This year, I had a large group of boys that were very determined to have a Farm Power CDE team. While, we don't have a shop or Ag mech, I said sure! Why not?! (Somedays I think I'm completely cookoo) I was nervous for starting a new team with primarily senior boys. I thought, Really? Should I waste my time? Is this really something they will invest time in? Can we be successful with no experience? Will they learn anything? 

The answer to all those questions is: YES! I have been so thoroughly impressed with these boys! They come to practice, they try hard, they are dedicated and they have fun! We might not win every contest (or any) and we might not all have great test taking skills but we've got heart. 

It's taken until senior year (except 1 sophomore) for these boys to find their spot in the FFA. They have found something to be passionate about. We are headed to the first field day of the season tomorrow and I am so excited for them!! I got them new clipboards, pencils, and steno pads. I've written their good luck letters (I know, cheesy) that they'll open on the road tomorrow morning. I think they are ready! 

One thing I've learned is... The unexpected can be amazing! I'm so glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to coach a group of boys that NEEDED this team. I have also learned, trips with boys are VERY different than those with girls. We mostly discuss food, bowel movements (boys are gross!), trucks, motorcycles and which girls are on their minds-- like I said very different than girl trips!

While girls might be in the lead in many areas of FFA, boys are unstoppable when they "figure it out" and find their spot...

I love my boys... Even when they all think it's funny to call "mom" in public places. Crazy kids!!! 

At least practices are fun!

Class Reunion... Don't Save the Date

This summer marks, 10 years of being graduated from high school... Like with most classes, the Senior class officers from Class of 2005 are diligently working to prepare an event that I'm sure will be impressive and fun for those involved.

I will not be one of those involved. I am not entirely sure why, but I have grown to dislike the thought of getting back together with people I went to high school with.
Some of them were great people, others were... far from it. Currently, nothing about a high school reunion sounds appealing or fun.

While there were some parts of high school that I really enjoyed, like winning the Senior Econ Business Project with Katie & Ashley ("Cute Cakes" is still definitely a needed business in our town), or being a "loser" with Krystina and Melissa, or participating in Mock Trial with a whole group of hooligans fearlessly led by the amazing Mrs. Alto. The day to day, of high school where you were forced to interact with people in classes that you had no appreciation for, still haunts me. Mostly because people were rude...

This sort of sums up high school for me...

I was, the weird kid. No not the nerdy one, or the smart one, or the athletic one or the funny one (things have changed since high school based on my current level of humor). I was the weird kid that hung out with a small group of friends, most of which were older. On the weekends, we drove around town, wasted fuel, went wheeling on Cow Mountain and watched weird movies. We were not invited to the "cool kid" parties (although we laughed at your drunk pictures from MySpace) or included in "cool kid" stuff. Which has always been totally fine with me, as I never saw the point of being a "cool kid".

I was the weird kid that brought piglets to school, showed up in my FFA uniform before a contest, had my senior pictures with a pig, and never seemed dress quite right. I was not fashionable, funny or glamorous. I was real...

Going to a high school reunion seems so superficial to me. While I have never been to one, I feel like they are just a way for people to either show off what they have done since high school, or how they have changed since high school (hopefully for the better). Either way, I'm not really interested.

Facebook has helped me stay connected to people, that I actually care to see how they are doing. While I may have never been the popular kid, I did know a decent amount of people in high school from Ukiah and Redwood Valley, thanks to going to schools in different communities. I can see what these people are up to, the funny things their kids do or where they are traveling (kinda creepy if ya think about it). But besides these folks, I don't really care. It's a small number and that's okay... Because that's how high school was for me. A small number of decent people who make good choices. As for the rest of them, I'm good... No thanks!

I have talked with my parents extensively about my growing hatred towards these organized gatherings. I know they wish I would go, because some of their closest friends are old classmates, some they have reconnected with from reunions. However, that is because life before social media actually encouraged getting people together face to face for interaction.  But now? I feel like it's not necessary... At least not for another 10 years.

So.... I'll be skipping this year (and will be at State Fair instead)... Maybe I'll go to the next one... Maybe not!


Read this article about how Facebook is actually ruining class reunions:


Facebook: The Nemesis of Class Reunions