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!