At every school, there are always those kids you find that make you feel like you've found your purpose. You know the ones that learn a lot, grow the most, make an effort to keep in contact after they've graduated and those you feel like you made a difference with.
This weekend, I was fortunate enough to travel with students to the Chico State Field Day. It's always one of my favorite contests as they do a great job hosting. This year I felt very lucky to talk with multiple past students who were helping run contests. Two were even on judging teams with me while they were in high school.
It's these students who really remind me why I love my job. They both were very successful in high school. I had close relationships with both because they were on my judging teams. But their success was not typical... They may not have won a bunch of champion livestock ribbons or tons of 1st place speaking ribbons, but they had more heart and humor than most kids. Whether in FFA, judging, speaking, showing or the classroom, these girls were the type that made you love the career of Ag teaching.
Although I had them while teaching at different schools, one at Elk Grove and one at Santa Rosa, these girls are very similar. They put 150% into everything they did. They loved FFA, had a passion for their animals (horses and rabbits-- some of my favorites too), worked to be friends with everyone, and most importantly, laughed a lot.
It was a pleasant surprise to talk with both of them Saturday. I'm glad to see they have continued to be successful in college (now running contests). It reminded me that at the end of the day, when all the classes have ended and shows are finished, that the little things don't matter. It's more about the experience and time spent with these kids that make a difference in their lives (and mine).
It might be a tall blonde who judged horses or a quiet city kid who aced rabbit reasons or someone entirely different that reminds you of why you, do what you do. But at the end of the day, it's not about all the kids who walk in and out of the classroom. It's about the ones who walk right into your heart and stay for forever. I'll always think of these girls and their dedication to what they do... They drive my focus and dedication. They are the reason I never give up...
Keep the rest of them... Give me the passionate, funny kids and I will do this job for the next 50 years...
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." Maya Angelou
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