It's been awhile... But back to school we go!

Welcome back to school! Every year I reflect back on prior students as new groups come busting into my classroom. I subbed a freshman Ag Bio class on Thursday and it really got me thinking...

You know those kids you get in class that make you want to rip your hair out on a daily basis??

Well this is about one of those kids.

Picture this, my first year at Healdsburg and one of my Ag Biology classes jacked full of kids I had been “warned” about. I rarely do seating charts, until the students “can’t handle sitting next to friends”. I tell them in the beginning of the year this is how our seating charts work. This class was mixed with freshman and sophomores, so the level of squirrely was especially high.

I think it was probably three weeks into the school year that this class got a seating chart. One of the main reasons, was a sophomore boy who repeated told me he never asked to be in my class, talking about his hair and shoes, and spent more time wandering the classroom, pretending to get tissues, than actually in his seat. Even when he was at his seat, he usually stood instead of sitting. So when I made the seating chart, I made sure to put him next to a freshman girl that seemed to have her stuff together as a student and would hopefully rub off on him (sorry Taylor).

All year, he tested my patience and gave me more grey hair than I can count, faster than I could highlight it. I encouraged him to get involved and attend conferences, even though the last thing I wanted to do was spend more time with him. But I figured he needed FFA and leadership in his life. The more he got involved, the more you could watch the spark in him. Following that first year, he actually signed up for an Ag class on his own. He even found a location to raise a market animal for the fair.

 Sometimes you just have to tell kids they are going to an event or conference... No option

I think his junior year was a true turning point. He had straightened out his grades, did his junior internship with a local vineyard management company, raised a goat for the fair and became super involved in FFA (with some constant pushing). Through his internship and keeping his goat at a local grape farmer’s house, you could see a sense of responsibility and ownership in something bigger than himself growing.

Senior year, he excelled at school, in FFA as an officer and pursuing college and scholarships (thanks Taylor). He was one of the only students wanting to pursue a career in viticulture, so scholarships were plentiful. He decided that SRJC was the right place until he could transfer to a UC. Since graduating, he’s been taking viticulture and enology courses along with general ed. Last fall, he even brought me a bottle of the wine he made in class. Earlier this year, he even got a job for a local vineyard management company where he’s been working around the clock the past few weeks to prep for harvest.

It's amazing the transformation a kid can go through from having no clue about their future and caring more about their hair than anything else. To then being fully immersed into an industry they want to be part of while working and going to school learn as much as possible.

When people doubt the effectiveness and importance of FFA and Agriculture Education, I think of Luis. I call him my poster child—which he loves, but it’s true. 

 I still have the grey hair from him, but I am so proud of his dedication to learning everything he can to be the best!

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 purpose of the classroom...

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

The more time I spend in the classroom, the more I become a critic of basic fundamentals of traditional classroom skills like testing. That in itself, is a frustrating statement... "Skills like testing"

Now, growing up I was not a star student, not the valedictorian, not a 4.0 kid (okay one semester I was). But there were so many experiences in high school that taught me the value of education. I learned very early on that I was not a test taker. No matter the time I spent studying, whether 4 hours or 40 minutes, I more often than not, ended up with a C. Because of this realization, I spent many hours completing homework to balance out that C or D average from my test scores. This was the only way I could guarantee (most of the time), a B in the class. Occasionally, I got lucky and managed to squeak out an A but this was less typical. This trend also continued in college, although I found smarter friends (thanks Joe, Kristen, Amber, Brittany) that helped me study in true study groups (occasionally drinking groups). 

Now that I am a teacher, I feel like I have subconsciously minimized the amount of tests I give. I watch each year as students freak out over studying for finals. I don't envy them at all. While there are many careers that have high stress moments, rarely are you going to go into a career that requires final exams. Because of this, I feel like projects are a better representation of student's commitment and follow through, while being a better example of something they might do again in their life. Many careers have presentations to bosses or meetings with clients-- this could be someone's future. Giving kids the freedom to decide on their tailored project, gives them a way to meet the goals while making it personalized. Adding that bit of character to their project, shouldn't that be the goal of education? Who cares if kids can take tests if they are not going to take real tests in life? Now I know, life tests us all but I mean pen and paper or pencil and scantron type tests... 

Do we really care if a student can pass a content specific test in 100 minutes? Shouldn't we care more that a student took time out of their day to research, compile information and figure out how to convey a message to a group peers? Doesn't that teach them more about themselves? Presenting to peers is the hardest test most high school students have... Talking for 8 minutes to the class, is rough for many... Vulnerability during a presentation teaches a kid not only about themselves but the audience also learns compassion and acceptance. Isn't this what we want kids to learn?? How to be better adults? How to work with others? 

While I think content is important (hello I am a teacher), I think the methods are just as important for teaching life skills. So many of our kids will end up with jobs outside their specific interests. But, if we are using content to teach methods, we win. Things like using computers, which shockingly many high school kids cannot do, to creating a collage, canning a jar of jam, programming a scrolling digital sign (sorry Mr. Davis, I can never remember their technical name) are all skills that kids can take beyond the classroom. 

At the same time, giving every kid the same type of test and using it as a factor of learning or proficiency in a content area is just not my cup of tea. This might be my skewed perception based on being one of the first in my immediate family to complete college. However, my education does not translate to being able to be skilled in any area. My mom did not finish college, yet she is the leader of an entire office of people-- some with education far beyond hers. Yet, she has worked at her job for 35+ years and has more first hand knowledge and experience than anyone they could hire at her office. She leads others, handles people, files reports, and works in a professional manner. How many people can say that? Rarely can a recent high school or college graduate come close. While her job may not be a dream to many, that is what we need to teach kids-- it's not always a dream but such is life. Do your job, do a good job, show up everyday... It will lead to success.

We are not doing our due diligence to educate students in high school to be individuals with the dedication and professionalism to be part of the adult workforce, We need more kids that work hard, more creativity, more professionalism, more dedication, more follow through, more compassion, more drive... Do tests teach that? 

High school should be about learning life skills with basic content knowledge and college and careers should be about content or specific areas of study. We have become so consumed with kids getting a jump start to get into college, it starts as early as pre-school. Kids can barely wipe by themselves yet we are worried about sending them in the right path and blah blah blah. 

If we focus on making them better people, learning about how the world works, avoiding temptations, doing more for others than themselves, being committed to something and dedication, they will find the right path without being shoved. 

Final project presentations of life maps...

From being a rodeo groupie as a kid to wanting to be a physicians assistant... Such a fun way to show a life map-- layers of clothes!

Hannah Mae reports... This kid is the next Amy G! 

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

Water your own grass!

This is post is literally about something that I have no experience with. But that's never stopped me from having an opinion so here goes...

A few days ago, I saw a picture of a high school friend with another friend. Now, I must not pay enough attention to facebook because I was under the impression these people were married... To other people! So I texted my best friend and she informed they were both divorced now.

What the heck is wrong with people?! How have people become so accustomed to divorce? What happened to vows and all that crap?! Now, I'm definitely not the first to join the marriage bus, because I think people forget that it is partially a business deal (disagree if you want). But I also believe that when you get married, you have to work at it. Right?! It's not easy, it's not for the party, it's not to appease people nor should it be something that is a quick decision.

My unfiltered opinion is that technology has helped ruin the sanctity of marriage-- not in the way you may think. I also believe that parents help mold their children into the type of spouses they will become (stick with me...).

My generation (okay like 35-18 years old) has been ultimately spoiled rotten with new inventions, new technology and the luxury of instant information. This, in my opinion, has been to our demise. Where on earth would people learn about "sticking with" something in our age of instant information and new gadgets?

"Oh, your cell phone has a cracked screen? That's okay we will go get you a new one, even if we don't really have the money for it"
WHAT?!?
Why on earth would you buy a new phone for someone who didn't take care of it in the first place???

I feel this type of attitude has trickled into marriages. If something is broke-- that's okay, get a new one! Uhhhhhh no! You work to fix it. And you start in the beginning by taking care of it.
So many people my age rush into marriage. Not knowing enough about the other person, whether it's handling conflict, raising kids, career changes, dealing with deaths, or even just getting through holidays is where it starts. Then two years later they wonder why they are unhappy, don't have anything in common and start looking other places for love and attention.

Parents have such an impact on their children and I think marriage is one of the areas they spend the least amount of time talking about. Parents who indulge their children "just because", are not helping. You are creating future adults who are too spoiled to share, discuss difference of opinions or even some who refuse to be content with what they have. Creating people who always ask "What if..." or those who always are looking for more, better or bigger. To be real with you, you are creating a$$holes, just stop already... Teach your children to take care of what they have, save up for new stuff and create some appreciation.

Now, I'm not saying all marriages are doomed or any crazy shiz like that... I do believe that people sometimes just make it work... LIKE THEY SHOULD! But it takes work, time, effort, compromise, compassion and nurturing.

 I know there are always some extenuating circumstances for people to get divorced and I totes get that. But if more people spent as much time and effort into being married as they do working, eating, tweeting, crafting, facebooking, shopping, watching TV, reading, exercising, sleeping or whatever else, there would be far fewer divorces.

Just my 2 cents... Okay maybe fiddy cents.

For every marriage... Take some time to water your own grass

I try not to be negative but occasionally this pops into my head... People-- stop rushing it!!