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!

Sunday Funday! I'll have a quad shot please...

Yesterday was our first real field day of the season! Whoopie!! This year due to some scheduling changes the first field day was at Chico State. Just in case you weren't aware this is kind of shitty... Chico is one of the best and hardest contest that the kids go to besides state finals. So to have a group of freshmen and sophomores who have never participated in a field day ready to COMPETE at Chico, the first contest was difficult.

But hey, aren't they adorable?! 

I had to remind myself multiple times they are young, they are green, and they don't know. If I said I wasn't disappointed with how we did I would be lying. Now, I'm extremely proud of each of them and their progress and the amount that they've learned in the last month and a half. But it seriously sucks not to do good. I am slightly competitive, just like 95% of the Ag teachers in California. I don't spend countless hours at practice and every weekend working to lose. 

Yesterday was the first time in four years that a team I have coached, at any contest hasn't been called up. My ego is a little bruised...  I love CDEs! One of the biggest goals that I set when I started teaching was to win a state championship with a horse team. And this is the first year that I haven't had a team that's in the hunt... Now I know my team is young and they'll be great when they are juniors but how do I tell them at every contest, when they lose, that they're doing better and just be positive for them??? When actually I'm losing sleep over it and cringing on the inside? 

Now I know this makes me sound like I'm a terrible person. Who can be mad when the kids are trying?? I'm not mad, I just like to win-- but I have to keep in focus the purpose of why I do what I do... 

Teaching kids to have passion, to work hard, work together and support eachother... 

I had to remind myself yesterday on my drive home, when they were so proud of how they had done that any progress is good progress and they will grow into good judges. I have to trust myself to know I will get them to the top... with time. Everything in time! And I need to be grateful that they trust me enough to join a team and put themselves out there...

Field Day Breakfast

As I sit in a staff meeting, I can't help but think about this weekend... Yeah it's only Tuesday but I'm am stressing, losing sleep and racking my brain about this weekend. Now what the heck is this weekend? That would be Chico State Field Day!

For me and my kids, the first weekend of March is truly the kick off to the field day season. As an Ag teacher, it is the most aggravating, amazing, stressful, awesome ball of craziness. I absolutely LOVE field days!!! They are frickin awesome! Students learn new things, meet new people and really make an effort to be a winner. For me it is a reunion of Ag teachers who get together and chat (or complain occasionally) about how the year is going. It also serves as a source of rejuvenation and inspiration to get through the rest of the school year. To say I love these people, does not do enough justice.

One of my breakfast buddies! This weekend we will be working mostly on Master's homework-- yuck!

 

About this time each year, I am typically frazzled. Just because there are literally a million things going on and I'm getting pulled in a million directions. Simply, getting coffee and taking a couple hours on Saturday field days to catch up is AMAZING! It does wonders for the psyche and gives me hope to be effective and awesome in the classroom for the duration of the year.

Most of the people I spend these Saturday mornings with are those who I went through the credential program with. Others are those I met along the way. They are amazingly talented people, who make me want to be a better teacher, more successful coach and just flat good.

Perception of success lies within each of us... Believe you can and you will!

Believe you can and you're halfway there.

Theodore Roosevelt

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_inspirational.html#kkCfBSEdYlXWqD1x.99

Monday Motivators

Thank baby Jesus for a 3 day weekend! 

I spent the last two days working with students and I am fried. I took a few students to work with a dear friend who is essentially a BAMF! (Bad a$$ Motha F*****) She is one of my teacher role models because she is literally amazeballs!! She's a rock star in the ag teacher profession. I knew when I was considering tackling a new CDE (career development event), she would be the first person I would consult with. She has won multiple state and national championships with students and is one of the most effective coaches I've ever had the privilege to work with. 

Soooooo.... What is this new CDE I'm crazy to try? Marketing Plan... It's without a doubt one of the most difficult contests students can participate in. It combines real business, sales, accounting, marketing, agriculture, speaking, professionalism and collaboration among other things. It requires smart kids, who can speak with a general interest in business and agriculture... That's kinda a tough combo... 

To say I'm nervous is an understatement. But after a day of working, my kids created goals about this season. It was kinda awesome that each of them put "Win State Finals" as a team goal! I guess they say go big or go home, right?! 

CDE's are my favorite part of being an Ag teacher... Spending countless hours with students practicing, practicing and yeah, more practicing. They all pay off in May at State Finals, it's a crazy roller coaster type of experience. I give them every bit of knowledge I have to make them successful and somedays I literally I have to take a walk because of the exhaustion. But every part is completely worth it! Watching the transformation of a student from January to May, is a small miracle. CDEs forever change kids.... For the better! 

Happy Monday!!!