Serious Success

My first summer at Healdsburg I took five of the seven FFA officers to a day retreat in San Francisco at the botanical gardens. They spent  some of the day planning, creating goals, and working on a reflection of what worked previously and what they would like to do different. 

A common theme, among all of them was that they wanted to be taken more seriously on the sectional and regional level. They each had individual plans for how they thought that should happen, but having never been extremely successful themselves, they were so unsure about how to get there. 

Weren't they cute?! They look so tiny...

I figured out very early on, that the important thing for these kids was going to be figuring out how to make them the most successful in the shortest period of time. I decided that making them better leaders, more professional at events, and amping up their SAE's would be the quickest way to help them. Which would then allow them to seek out leadership positions in the section and region, while being recognized for their efforts with state degrees and proficiencies. 

I would really like to say it's been easy! It definitely hasn't... There has been a lot of paperwork, a lot of late nights, a lot of early mornings, a few tears, some arguing, and countless signatures (those damn applications). 

Seeing a kid's potential and pushing them just enough for them to realize that they can do it, is difficult. There's a fine line between pushing so they see their own potential and pushing them so far it creates resentment. Sometimes I still lose sight of this, and I have to stop, backup and reevaluate. 

Bottom line:

I want them to push themselves, 

I want them to be successful, 

I want them to be well-liked, 

I want them to be professional, 

I want them to be passionate, 

I want them to gain life skills, 

I want them to want it.

Last Saturday at our North Coast Spring Regional Meeting and State Degree Ceremony, my hopes and their hardwork came to fruition. The last two years of hardwork paid of... For me and for them.

My most proud moment was after we had collected 3 regional proficiencies (2 state finalists), regional star administrator, 2 state finalist speakers, 2nd place program of activities, and 6 state degrees... Both of my students slated for regional office were elected!! 

It was a great day for Healdsburg FFA, as a program, for the students individually and for me too (I know, slightly selfish). And the reason I feel like the day was so successful was not because of the ribbons, certificates, or plaques won... But because my kids finally felt like they had been taken seriously... That's a win all by itself! 

"The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand." -Vince Lombardi

They all were pretty awesome! And the looked sharp! 

State Degrees

Proficiencies

The 2015-2016 NC Regional Officer team (with my two kiddos!!)

Convincing kids takes time...

Last year when I came to Healdsburg, I had a couple of diverse classes, one of them was Ag Biology. 

The thing about small schools, is that when you teach one of the only biology classes, you get a random mix of kids and they don't always necessarily want to be in an agriculture class. Sometimes I get students placed in Ag Bio because it fits with their schedule, some because they want to be there, and others for various unknown reasons.

I remember very vividly speaking with a student in the first month of school about why he was in my class and he said it that it was because administrators wanted to keep him away from his friends. Such a typical kid thing to say right?! 

A couple months later, I was speaking with my principal after an evaluation and he asked about the same student and his performance and behavior in class. I replied that he was a model student, extremely respectful and did really good work. My principal was shocked with that reply. Long story, short-- the student had issues with many of his teachers, and had a dark past that many wouldn't be proud of...

Having had no problem with the student previously I asked him a few days later in class about why he had issues with some of his teachers? In addition to asking why him and I did not have issues? The student replied, " You respect me, so I respect you". 

From that moment on, I made it my personal (and silent) goal to get this nontraditional FFA kid to show up to a meeting or put on the FFA jacket before he graduated. I knew he was smart and could benefit from FFA (whether he knew it or not).

After over a year of slowly pushing, today I met my goal!!! Jose volunteered at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Ag Days at the fairgrounds. He was great with the little kids and was really fun to take outside of the classroom to participate in an agricultural experience. He was actually so excited to put the FFA jacket on this morning! And was so proud to wear it all day. When we got to Ag Days, I told him I had to have a picture as proof that this actually happened... Miracles do happen... Goals are met with persistence... 

Convincing kids that the blue jacket is actually cool, mission accomplished!

All my kids did a great job today! I am so proud of them... I even got two super quiet freshmen to go! I've been working on them all year. 

"Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in"

The ones you always remember...

At every school, there are always those kids you find that make you feel like you've found your purpose. You know the ones that learn a lot, grow the most, make an effort to keep in contact after they've graduated and those you feel like you made a difference with. 

This weekend, I was fortunate enough to travel with students to the Chico State Field Day. It's always one of my favorite contests as they do a great job hosting. This year I felt very lucky to talk with multiple past students who were helping run contests. Two were even on judging teams with me while they were in high school. 

It's these students who really remind me why I love my job. They both were very successful in high school. I had close relationships with both because they were on my judging teams. But their success was not typical... They may not have won a bunch of champion livestock ribbons or tons of 1st place speaking ribbons, but they had more heart and humor than most kids. Whether in FFA, judging, speaking, showing or the classroom, these girls were the type that made you love the career of Ag teaching. 

Although I had them while teaching at different schools, one at Elk Grove and one at Santa Rosa, these girls are very similar. They put 150% into everything they did. They loved FFA, had a passion for their animals (horses and rabbits-- some of my favorites too), worked to be friends with everyone, and most importantly, laughed a lot. 

It was a pleasant surprise to talk with both of them Saturday. I'm glad to see they have continued to be successful in college (now running contests). It reminded me that at the end of the day, when all the classes have ended and shows are finished, that the little things don't matter. It's more about the experience and time spent with these kids that make a difference in their lives (and mine).

It might be a tall blonde who judged horses or a quiet city kid who aced rabbit reasons or someone entirely different that reminds you of why you, do what you do. But at the end of the day, it's not about all the kids who walk in and out of the classroom. It's about the ones who walk right into your heart and stay for forever. I'll always think of these girls and their dedication to what they do... They drive my focus and dedication. They are the reason I never give up...

Keep the rest of them... Give me the passionate, funny kids and I will do this job for the next 50 years...

"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." Maya Angelou

Teacher Conferences

Currently, I'm in Sacramento for the Educating for Careers Conference for teachers. 

Now, I feel funny saying I have been to my fair share of conferences but I have... I feel like I spend many hours at both student and teacher conferences. Although this EFC conference is for CTE and pathways and academies, it's my first experience at conference not specifically for Ag Teachers. 

While there are many things going on that are great and positive, I whole heartedly think other teachers and presenters "don't have nothin' on us". I've never been one to think that Ag Teachers are the best teachers because I know some pretty awesome teachers who teach other subjects. But this conference has create a sense of awareness for me about teachers in other CTE areas. And in all honesty, it's not all that positive...

Ag teachers are a rare breed. They are dedicated, innovative, caring and tenacious. But we also know how to ask for help (well some lol), work with others and spend time creating new activities and lessons. 

It's been an interesting few days, being around 2700 other CTE and Academy teachers... Luckily I found a few familiar Ag teacher faces in the mix and I brought a few peeps from school. The biggest thing I have learned from the conference is that every presenter (with the exception of like 2), should have been in FFA. Public speaking is an important skill that you can't overdue, especially if you work for a government agency, school or business... Basically everyone I've met in the last few days needs the leadership skills that FFA provides... 

Atleast we have fun while they let us out...

In other news, it was my birthday Saturday... Pretty nice day... And what did I get myself for my birthday? Well a bunny, of course!!! A super cute Holland Lop Buck... I'm so excited to take him to school! Still working on a name... Look for his Instagram, he's bound to be famous... 

Isn't he cute?! 

It's the why...

Thursday night was our sectional Administrators and Supporters Night. Most of the schools in our section were represented with principals, vice principals, boosters, advisory members and even a couple of superintendents.

Our speakers were Jim Aschwanden and Hugh Mooney. While Ag teachers hear from these two quite often, most administrators rarely do. Both men talked about the current state of the state in regards to funding, CTE and agriculture education. Recently, Ag teachers in the state have had some pleasant news and have been able to breath a sigh of relief when funding is discussed. Among all things presented on Thursday, one thing that really stuck with me is when Jim began talking about the "why".

I have watched Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" and "How Great Leaders Inspire Action" which both go in detail about the "why" But Jim's explanation to administrators made it so real. He talked about a bulls-eye of three circles. The largest circle being WHAT, the second being HOW and the center of the bulls-eye being WHY.

Jim tried to explain how most administrators know what Ag teachers do... They teach right? (In addition to many other things) Some administrators understand the how of what Ag teachers do, including spending countless hours working with students outside of class time. His tip to administrators, was to find out why Ag teachers do what they do. For many Ag teachers, this is why we spend countless hours with students, why we are slaves to applications and fair animals, why we grade tests and speeches in any random place we can find, and why we drive for hours to any location just for a contest or meeting.

For me.... The why is something I think about on a regular basis. Sometimes it comes up early in the morning or late at night when I am scolding myself "WHY the eff am I doing this?!"

But more times than not, I am quickly reminded that my crazy kids are what keep me sane (and crazy) and keep me involved and constantly striving for more and better. High school kids in all their glory are without a doubt the greatest little humans and they are the reason WHY I do what I do. I wanted to become an Ag teacher, not because I had the best experience ever (it wasn't bad, but wasn't great), but more because I want my students to have the opportunities that I didn't have.

Administrators someday will learn about the why of Ag teachers... Because Ag teachers are a rare breed, for many reasons. You have to be more than a classroom teacher, it becomes your life. Being a teacher and learner everyday is ingrained in everything Ag teachers do.

I teach because of these hooligans... And because of the great things they are capable of... I teach to give them the opportunities that I didn't have...

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!

Class Reunion... Don't Save the Date

This summer marks, 10 years of being graduated from high school... Like with most classes, the Senior class officers from Class of 2005 are diligently working to prepare an event that I'm sure will be impressive and fun for those involved.

I will not be one of those involved. I am not entirely sure why, but I have grown to dislike the thought of getting back together with people I went to high school with.
Some of them were great people, others were... far from it. Currently, nothing about a high school reunion sounds appealing or fun.

While there were some parts of high school that I really enjoyed, like winning the Senior Econ Business Project with Katie & Ashley ("Cute Cakes" is still definitely a needed business in our town), or being a "loser" with Krystina and Melissa, or participating in Mock Trial with a whole group of hooligans fearlessly led by the amazing Mrs. Alto. The day to day, of high school where you were forced to interact with people in classes that you had no appreciation for, still haunts me. Mostly because people were rude...

This sort of sums up high school for me...

I was, the weird kid. No not the nerdy one, or the smart one, or the athletic one or the funny one (things have changed since high school based on my current level of humor). I was the weird kid that hung out with a small group of friends, most of which were older. On the weekends, we drove around town, wasted fuel, went wheeling on Cow Mountain and watched weird movies. We were not invited to the "cool kid" parties (although we laughed at your drunk pictures from MySpace) or included in "cool kid" stuff. Which has always been totally fine with me, as I never saw the point of being a "cool kid".

I was the weird kid that brought piglets to school, showed up in my FFA uniform before a contest, had my senior pictures with a pig, and never seemed dress quite right. I was not fashionable, funny or glamorous. I was real...

Going to a high school reunion seems so superficial to me. While I have never been to one, I feel like they are just a way for people to either show off what they have done since high school, or how they have changed since high school (hopefully for the better). Either way, I'm not really interested.

Facebook has helped me stay connected to people, that I actually care to see how they are doing. While I may have never been the popular kid, I did know a decent amount of people in high school from Ukiah and Redwood Valley, thanks to going to schools in different communities. I can see what these people are up to, the funny things their kids do or where they are traveling (kinda creepy if ya think about it). But besides these folks, I don't really care. It's a small number and that's okay... Because that's how high school was for me. A small number of decent people who make good choices. As for the rest of them, I'm good... No thanks!

I have talked with my parents extensively about my growing hatred towards these organized gatherings. I know they wish I would go, because some of their closest friends are old classmates, some they have reconnected with from reunions. However, that is because life before social media actually encouraged getting people together face to face for interaction.  But now? I feel like it's not necessary... At least not for another 10 years.

So.... I'll be skipping this year (and will be at State Fair instead)... Maybe I'll go to the next one... Maybe not!


Read this article about how Facebook is actually ruining class reunions:


Facebook: The Nemesis of Class Reunions