Looking Toward Retirement

Over the past few weeks I have been incredibly busy and have worked most days since school ended in the beginning of June. 

Luckily, this week I am in San Luis Obispo for the State CATA Conference. This is one of my favorite weeks of the summer each year. I look forward to seeing all the people that feed my soul... other Ag teachers. This year I have learned so much from other Ag teachers, both near and far. It's nice to be able to catch up with those people to remind me how lucky I am to have such a great profession.

As I sit in the Wednesday morning session, where retirees are being recognized (some roasted, lol) I can't help but think about retiring. Not because I'm even close to retirement (only 30 years from now or so), but because it gives me hope and inspires me to do more. 

Being an Ag teacher is about many things but after talking with my former Master Teacher this morning, I could chalk up being an Ag teacher to "mental toughness". It is mentally and physically (hello lack of sleep) demanding to be an Ag teacher. Not necessarily more demanding than other jobs but just more tricky. It's a frickin 3 ring circus most days! Listening to the achievements of retirees who have been in "the business" more than 30 years is intense. 

How can we possibly do amazing things to end up on the stage with accolades like these inspiring people. It goes back to mental toughness. Ag teachers ride the good and bad waves of curriculum,  funding, state staff, colleagues, awards, students, and of course parents. Being able to ride those waves, continue in the profession and be fortunate enough to sit on the stage with other retiring teachers would be an honor.

I know many people don't value this session of the conference because it's long but I always attend this one. This session inspires me to do more, coach more, teach better, meet more people, and just be better. Mental toughness gets me through the tough times to be able to enjoy the good times. Enjoying the good times are the way, Ag teachers survive some days. Having people to catch up with at the conference revives mental toughness. 

I think listening to the achievements should inspire all Ag teachers to do better and more. 

"Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements, and impossibilities: It is this, that in all things distinguishes the strong soul from the weak."

The last few weeks of good times:

Officer Retreat with Sonoma & Elsie Allen

Giants Game!

Regional Officer Retreat (blog post coming about this trip soon)

Trip to Monterey to visit the bestie!

CATA 5k with these girls! Go Dogs!