How many months has it been? How many weeks? What about days?

How many months has it been??? How many days?

How much time has passed since we went to a field day? It's been 319 days since UC Davis Field Day

How many days since my classroom has been full? 313 days since our campus has been full of cheerful faces

How many days since we've attended a leadership conference where someone had ripped nylons? 359 days since MFE & ALA conferences

It's spring semester, I have a bazillion things to do so of course my natural reaction is to write a blog. Why do I do this to myself? A couple reasons. First and foremost, procrastination. But more importantly, when my to-do list is long my brain doesn't turn off. There is this constant hamster rollin' along in my brain and there is no off switch. Now, don't worry I still have no problem sleeping (I wish there were trophies for sleeping! I would win, hands down), but when I am awake it is like there are 100 browser tabs open in the brain. I can think of 50 projects, ideas, papers, jobs, or tasks that need to be completed right now. Don't fret, they'll all get done. But as I had a jam packed day of class, watching the inauguration (because it's history and I always watch regardless of who it is), speaking practices, State Degree and Proficiency proof reading, an FFA meeting and a school board meeting I started to think about the hustle and bustle of a normal year. 

During our FFA Bingo meeting tonight, by the way Riley and I called numbers and basically made it our personal talk show, Riley asked me what good came of 2020? What was a highlight? I thought for a long time-- finally I said, her wedding was a highlight and she reminded me that it was her highlight not mine... LOL whoops! I like to be positive about 2020, but man it was a hard year. I started to think on my drive home about what good happened in 2020, here's what I came up with:

• I started the year off with good friends!

• I was able to take a handful of kids to contests and conferences

• I worked with some awesome people to put on a baller virtual Livestock Show

• I helped some of my most favorite students (of all time) graduate and get some big $$$ scholarship money

• I got to spend quality time with family and friends

• I actually did get to travel a tiny bit (don't travel shame me!)

But tonight during our meeting, we did some additional Conversation Bingo. It made me sad that the majority of the things we talked about were pre-COVID. The amazing parts of my job, we can't do right now and it's killing me. These are experiences that our students will miss out on. Freshman won't get their awkward first conference. Seniors won't get their last few field days. Our fair and show experiences are anything but normal. Our juniors won't get their internship days. Sophomores won't get the chance to feel some relief from not being the newbies at State Convention. 
Working on a campaign for our Booster group this past December, I was asked to get some alumni testimonials. These testimonials broke my heart because I am so worried that our current students won't have the same feelings, experiences, and passion as our alumni because of the pandemic-hand they've been dealt.

 "I remember the first day I got my FFA jacket-- it may have been too big and super stiff, but opening the box it came in was one of my proudest moments as a teenager. Since that day my jacket has allowed me to travel across the United States, develop myself as a leader, meet lifelong friends, and reach goals I didn't think I could achieve. My jacket means much more than just a piece of corduroy. My jacket is a symbol of my past as a member of the FFA, the purpose for my current studies at Chico State and a glimpse at my future as an agriculture educator."

-- Taylor Richardson, Class of 2017

"Being in FFA completely changed my life. Growing up in a more urban setting, I was never truly exposed to the agriculture industry. As my time progressed in FFA, I realized being involved in the agriculture industry is my passion. I was originally placed in an Ag class on a whim, but because of FFA and the opportunities provided, my whole life was changed and for that, I am grateful."

Luis Magdaleno, Class of 2016

"My FFA jacket represents the best version of myself. My jacket taught me to always find the balance between passion and professionalism. When you put on your jacket for a meeting or competition you know it's game time. The FFA jacket holds you to your highest standard of quality and reminds you to be confident in what you bring to the table."

Emma Manoukian, Class of 2016

Everyone is so hyped that today was a day of history... While that may be true, the history that's killing me is that I have never been out of in-person school so long, with the exception of my first 4 years of life. I have always been a student or a teacher. I go to school daily, that's my place, that's my home, that's my life (I get it that it's sorta pathetic). But what makes me most nervous is that our students have forgotten all the important things from going to school and being a student. How can we continue to jeopardize our students, their health (mental) and future by keeping them out of the classroom? What will we do when students remember nothing of the good from school or FFA like the alumni. What happens when the only thing they remember is that they had to zoom classes for months? How many months will it be? weeks? days? 

Feels like eternity thus far...

Pictures from when life was good and I could see my peeps!

Never ending fight...

I vividly remember sitting with my high school counselor in her office towards the end of my freshman year. I was about to schedule my classes for the next year. It was a pretty exciting time as I would no longer be a weird freshman (well partly correct). I had already been elected as an FFA officer-- the reporter actually, which may be why it remains my favorite office, who doesn't love being stationed by the flag???

I had already selected classes I wanted on my paper schedule, now all my counselor needed to say was "looks good thanks!" Unfortunately, she looked at my paper, looked and me and blurted out, "you know if you take this class, you won't be on our track for college, so I won't counsel you to be college prep anymore". The class she was referring to was my Ag class. I replied that it was fine and she took a red pen and crossed out my name on her "college prep" list in her scheduling binder. From that day on, she never met with me again to schedule classes. I continued to fill out the papers each year so that I would have all the requirements for a CSU-- by myself. When other kids in my classes got call slips for scheduling, I just dropped off my paper schedule in the office.

Having someone completely ignore my existence for taking a different path than she thought I should, did not hurt my feelings. It really shaped my high school experience, because I knew that not only did other kids think Ag was lame, but adults did too. I think that is one of the reasons I enjoyed college so much? Yes, college life is good but I think I enjoyed the experience because I was around people who had the same appreciation for agriculture that I do. I felt empowered by going to college because I was simply around people who were like me... Well had the same interests, anyway.

I very much appreciate my high school experience because it taught me that if I wanted something, I had to work for it to make it happen. I wanted to go straight to a CSU and therefore, I had to make it happen because I loved agriculture and no adult at my school understood that I could have my cake and eat it too!

I think I had forgotten the subconscious fight I had while in high school? I had forgotten that some people just don't get that agriculture classes are important? I had forgotten that not everyone values people who work hard within the agriculture industry? Until recently. It's an interesting thing to work diligently through high school, then college and even grad school to then have someone tell you that none of it matters. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I know I do a good job for myself and my students. If you disagree-- please stop reading my blog lol.

People forget that every person who attends high school is going to have some impact on our community. Good or bad, high school teachers have the ability to put some pressure on kids to make sure it's a good impact. That is the hope right? Making kids into community minded citizens who will contribute? By not providing different outlets for kids to find what they are good at, we will stifle communities. If we make every kid do the exact same thing and take the exact same classes, some will always feel like they are not good enough. They will live the rest of their life thinking it too. But if kids find out what they are interested in and excel at it, why should we cross their name off the list? Just because it doesn't fit into the cookie cutter mold? Last time I checked, plumbers don't go to a 4 year college, yet they are successful community members whose work is important.

My question is... Why do people who go to school for long periods of time think they are so smart? Now, don't get me wrong, I got my Master's-- but just because I took some classes and wrote a paper doesn't mean I am smarter than a teacher that didn't??? I think anyone who puts in the time to get experience working, is way more knowledgeable than someone who didn't. They understand the process more than a person who learned about it in a classroom. Takes me back to part of the FFA motto, "Learning to Do, Doing to Learn..." If teachers, administrators, everyone and anyone took that approach, we might start being successful in the grand scheme of life. We need more people who are learning to work, more learning to be good people, more who want to succeed and more who have dreams.

One of the things I am certain of... Every kid is innately good, it's the processes and influences that change that. Every kid has more potential than they are ever given credit for because some adult somewhere, doesn't recognize it. Get to know kids, do what's best for them to help them succeed! Pretty simple.

These are the reasons I love my job, regardless of someone else's opinion of my qualifications...

The good things...

Last week, I had a student bring me her "packet" of information for writing a letter of recommendation. Our school provides a handout with primarily questions for students so they can give teachers information before simply asking for a letter. Most students include a resume and a parent "brag" sheet, also provided by the school.

While, I knew this student would most likely ask for a letter of recommendation, I didn't realize she would bring me a 10 page packet of information. The funny part is, I could probably write her a 3 page letter of recommendation without any packet. I have gotten to know her well over the last 3 years and have so many experiences that I could reference to give her a shining letter. I reminded her when she handed me the giant packet that she only gets one page and I would do my best to condense her experiences and growth to that.

After, Emma asked me twice if I read her packet, I figured I probably should get started. She said she was especially proud of her personal statement that was included. Below is what she wrote:

"Growing up on a modest, four acre farm with various chores ranging from feeding my sheep, to watering our fruit trees, I can always relate situations back to life’s common scenes. I see my various sized sheep saundering throughout the pasture carelessly, and my border collie, Woody, herd them into the locked barn every night, like a shepherd. 

I too am a border collie, in every sense of its nature; a guide dog, if you will. I understand the importance of having a shepherd, a guide, a leader and have witnessed the chaos that is caused by the absence of one. When I see sheep aimlessly wandering, whether it be on the soccer field, my school’s hallways, or in my FFA chapter, I refuse to be passive. Much like Woody, I thrive in this position. I have a passion for service, and consequently I find myself holding positions of leadership in just about every aspect of my life. 

I have an inborn fondness for structure, and I believe that there are benefits and opportunities to reap from living life with purpose. I know that every great structure has a foundation, or a leader, and without one, it becomes weak. I have seen first hand the monumental amounts of positive change in a structure because the foundation has been changed and fortified. For example, my freshman year when I first joined my high school’s FFA program, it was just two months after the school year started that my teacher quit. That entire year was a jumbled mess because we had substitutes and volunteers advising our FFA chapter, and had no solid foundation. After recognizing the need for leadership in my chapter, I decided to run for office and was elected Vice President which left me in charge of reviving my chapter’s committees and breathing drive back into the members. Finally, after a long interview process, my high school hired a new full time Agriculture teacher. She immediately hit the ground running, and replaced our makeshift foundation with dedication, hard work, and leadership. I personally witnessed one person’s leadership take a practically non existent chapter, to be state recognized the following year and was able to share that experience along side her. 

Over this last year, I realized that my purpose is to serve my teammates, classmates, and members just like Woody serves my sheep: selflessly and passionately. I have learned that putting others before myself is rewarding and that my efforts and energy are contagious, just like my Ag teacher’s leadership inspired me. I believe leadership is influence and I aspire to instill fervor into those around me. I intend to pursue Law, where I can combine my passions for agriculture and advocacy into a career that promotes initiative and leadership in my community. Using the servant leadership Woody demonstrates as my foundation, I desire to serve as a catalyst in my community, tackling new ideas, cultivating change, and harmonizing the best interests of many."

I was so humbled that she wrote a little about me. It was such a positive reminder that the daily frustrations are eliminated when students (and myself) focus on potential and total growth. High school isn't about the tests taken or the assignments turned in, but the experiences and growth that teenagers go through. While Emma talks about the transformation of the chapter, I have witnessed the transformation of her. She is one of those kids that will leave high school and constantly strive for more and better. She will make a difference in the her community because of the passion and purpose that drives her.

She is right about many things in her statement, but my favorite is "Leadership is influence". Influence to do more, be more and serve more. Who you influence and how you influence people are lasting impressions...

Some of the many experiences, we've had the past 3 years...

 2, soon to be 3 National Conventions...

 A lot of food!

 More food, more importantly silliness even when things don't go our way

More fun...

 Success...

 Recognition!

This is quiet possibly my favorite picture of Emma...

It shows her "fierceness"!

This picture is a compilation of hard work, dedication, intensity and drive to succeed

Dear Mrs. Mentor...

As I sit at our California State FFA Conference in the beautiful town of Fresno (I'm being serious!), I'm able to see other Ag teachers from around the state. I've been able to reflect on all the relationships I've made with teachers throughout the state since being in the credential program. 

I was a student teacher at Hanford High School in the Fall and then Clovis East High school in the Spring. At both locations I worked at LARGE departments (like 5+). I also was part of a credential program of 9 girls, I guess we're women now... Not to mention my long term sub job at Elk Grove. These locations and my credential cronies had a major impact not only on my teaching but my view of being an Ag teacher. 

This post is for all the people who made a significant impact on me. I feel that these people are the reason I've been successful (whatever that means?)... Some are still people I call when I need an idea, suggestions, vent session, etc. I learned valuable things and continue to learn from them regardless of how often I see them. 

Mrs. Perry: The horse woman who helped me learn how to dress like a bamf... She's amazing! I learned more from her about horse judging, vet science and fashion in a 6 month period than I had in my entire life. Although she's not at every horse contest anymore, she impacts every contest because of the amount of coaches that learned from her. "When you want to excel, find the best and take notes"

Alyssa: The energizer bunny. Plain and simple. The woman can go without sleep for days to ensure her students are the most prepared and always ready to compete. Her drive is invaluable and I learned a tremendous amount in my long term sub job at Elk Grove. She taught me about creating culture, traditions and sleeping less. 

Elk Grove- thank you for everything

Clovis East- bless you all for teaching me to go big 

Amber: My partner in crime. From college to becoming teachers, she is my constant source of reason. I envy her for building a program on her own, being a wife, now mom and still finding time to  answer my calls when I need to vent. She's stronger than she knows and continues to teach me new things. 

Julie, Little Laura & Ceila: Thanks for constantly being there whenever I need an application read, a life chat, a laugh session or anything. We may have 300 miles that separate us but thank god phone texts, Facebook, email and phone calls. 

Natalie R: My masters homework partner. She is so successful that it's terrible (jk it's awesome). I don't know how she finds time to do everything and still have amazing  hair! Someday I'll master my hair, she swears she'll teach me. Her passion for agriculture and ability to teach Parli Pro is inspiring... 

For those of you that I see at conferences, field days, meetings and whatnot-- you are awesome! I have learned more from you than you know. And for all the men I've learned from (sorry for the chick post) thank you for laughing at my jokes and encouraging me-- Hugh M, Ken D, Kevin W, Mike A, Matt P, Dane W, Jake D, etc.

Message of the Week: Find someone who is amazing, learn from them and be awesome. Having a mentor, or mentors in my case, has made my passion for teaching 10 times stronger. 

This job is stressful, crazy, and busy- but it's flat AMAZING when you surround yourself with positive, influential and bamf people. 

P.S. State Conference is going well!