Living to Serve

As many know, "living to serve" is the last line of the FFA motto. As I sit on a charter bus from Louisville to Washington D.C. I am reflecting back on the many scenes, speeches and discussions from National FFA Convention. 

Both National and State Conventions manage to get inspirational keynote speakers for the kids to hear. One thing that always seems to spark discussion are those speeches that focus on doing for others. They seems to get kids in the mindset to talk about what we can do at home to be better, while doing mostly for others. 

Last night, we watched the founder of Kid President (look it up www.kidpresident.com ), Brad Montague give an unpolished, nervous, completely inspiring speech entitled #ShineGreatness. The conversations this sparked even with just the two girls I have with me was crazy. During the keynote, they kept say "ooh that's good" and "we need to do that" and "how can we make that happen?" To me this is the greatest accomplishment of keynote speakers. Really the art of appealing to high school kids to get them completely pumped, is amazing to me. There's always an added bonus if they become pumped about serving others rather than themselves.

One of my biggest goals each year is to do as much community service, with my kids, as possible. From can food drives, to the Sonoma County Secret Santa Hearts, to working at the Foodbank, I'm always impressed by those who want to do more for others. Now, I might have grown up normal or abnormal, jury is still out, but my mom was always a big proponent of doing community service no matter how big or small. 4-H played a big role with this, always volunteering here and there around our little town. I feel like I've absorbed some of that, because when we do for others, we are much better at being grateful for everything we have.

Following the session and speaker last night, I took my girls to Steak & Shake (one of my faves!). It was busy and packed with regular customers and a whole lot of FFA members. At one point an elderly man, who had seen better times came in a sat down. Quickly following, a young lady from California in full FFA dress, came over introduced herself and told the man she would like him to order anything he wanted and she was going to buy him dinner. She sat and talked with him for a good 15-20 minutes. That is just pure goodness. It made me even more proud that she was from a California chapter. My girls just sat watching and talking about all the things we need to do at our own school to get more people involved in community service and practicing better servant leadership. In that hour, they decided on at least 5 things we can do to involve our chapter starting this month. It was also discussed about how we can't "let the service die" after the holidays because people need help all year.

I can't wait to get back to California, so the girls can explain all their great ideas to the officer team. I think the best part of their ideas are the practicality, because we can make all of them happen.

Brad Montague, talked a lot about how adults want to do good, but kids are innately good and untainted with loving people. They do good and spread greatness just because-- no contest, no prize, no recognition-- just plain old feel good service! I think everyone needs to be more like that!

From Kid President:

"Love changes everything. So fill the world with it."

The girls at the National Day of Service. We worked at the Dare to Care Senior Foodbank which provides 4,000-6,000 boxes of food to seniors each month. 

One of the messages from Kid President "treat everyone like it's their birthday" 

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

Happy National Teach Ag Day

September 24th is National Teach Ag Day!

I am so grateful for the many Ag teachers that have influenced my life. Being an Ag teacher is a blessing and a curse. It is a sun up to sun down job, that sometimes ends in frustration. Other times it is fun, inspirational, and amazing to watch kids grow from nervous but excited freshman to confident and polished seniors.

I'm not sure many jobs are able to watch such a rapid positive change of teenagers. I think frequently about how kids are my favorite part of being an Ag teacher (they should be, right?!). I'm not sure I'd stay up till midnight helping students with presentations at State Conference or get up at 3:30am to take students to Greenhand Conference, if it weren't for the kids. I see potential in many of my students to become Ag teachers, and mostly they have no clue. The ones with the passion, consideration, dedication, and love of agriculture. 

Deciding to be an Ag teacher, always seemed like a back up plan while growing up. It wasn't until my junior year of high school that I decided it would become my future career. I can say confidentiality that I had no idea what I was getting myself into. It has definitely been the best thing I've done in my life. Fortunately, I'm met some great people along the way. They have become inspiration, guidance, and source of reason in many situations.

Thank you to each of the Ag teachers that have impacted my life by mentoring, and inspiring me to always do better. 

Here are a few!

These are the reasons I'm an Ag teacher:

Compassion

Silly Faces & Burrito Bonding

Teamwork & Trust

Occasional Naps from hard work 

Competitive Spirit (at John's Incredible Pizza)

Impeccable Style! 

Where is the school year going?!

Does life ever slow down? I feel like the longer I teach, the faster life zooms by.

This year I took on our school's leadership class in addition to my regular Ag classes. I was very nervous to tackle this class, especially while teaching another new class. In all complete honesty, it has been one of the most challenging things I have done as a teacher. 

Daily, I think about why it has been so difficult  to wrap my head around the schedules, posters, ASB meetings, rallies, etc. I have come to the conclusion that it's the kids and my lack of experience. The kids are genuinely good kids, but I've had to start from scratch with many of the students with teaching basic concepts like responsibility and follow through. Luckily I have some FFA kids in the class, so they have been instrumental in helping set the example for being a leader in class. 

Today, an FFA kid gave a practice workshop to the leadership class. I was amazed that when she asked them to give another student a power clap, they had no clue what that meant. It occurred to me that many of the best techniques, like power clapping are not done in many classes (probably none) except that in Ag classes and FFA conferences they are traditions for building people up to be leaders. Something as simple as a clap, changed the attitude of some students. After the workshop concluded they asked to learn more claps. 

It's crazy to me that we worry so much about curriculum, standards, tests, AP this or that, yet we rarely encourage students to take classes that make them better people. From responsibility to follow through and rigorous academics to person connections, FFA could quite possibly be the most genius organization that has ever roamed the earth! 

We need to take more time to smell the roses, so to speak. Slow down, teach the important life skills that students might only get during the school day, and stop worrying only making them smart, but worry more about making them better people.

This school year is blowing by and I feel like I'm behind on making them better people because we've been so focused on less important things like just getting things done for the sake of doing them. With all the recent fires and displaced people, it's become apparent that less and less students believe in, doing for others. While we have collected a crazy amount of items and worked diligently to help, there is a funny divide that has been created. It's amazing the number of kids that have stepped up to really contribute and give, while others sit back and wait for someone else to give. I feel like it's very telling of their leadership qualities and future leadership potential. It is just one more way for students to grow and become better people-- Funny that some simply choose not to...

Have an impact...

I've been in school almost a week now. This was the first year I really wasn't nervous. I still can't figure out why? I feel like this year I should actually be nervous, since I'm teaching 2 new classes, a modification of an old class, have 2 new administrators and a new school secretary. Everything about that sentence gives me a hair raising chill. But I wasn't nervous on Day 1... We're almost to Day 6 and I'm still not, maybe I'm losing it once and for all? 

This week I have spent a lot of time reflecting on Ag teaching, for various reasons. With the lack of nerves, increased preparation time, and a wave of new students I have been thinking a lot why I love being an Ag Teacher. And not just a teacher, but an Ag teacher specifically. I got to thinking about all the ways that an Ag teacher is one of the coolest teachers you could be. I mean being a math or history teacher is neat, but with being an Ag Teacher, it seems like there are so many more opportunities to have an impact on students. 


On the second day of school, I was included on an email about a retired Ag teacher who had passed away. A teacher that was teaching while I was in high school. Actually, the only year I raised a lamb for fair (almost 20 years ago), I purchased it from him. That added to my thinking, how many professions, email when someone has passed away? How many English teachers email other English teachers in another county to let them know? 


Days following Mr. Randrup's passing, my Facebook was filled with shocked, sorrowful and truly upset messages by community members, colleagues, and past students. While I never had him as a teacher, I watched him at fairs and FFA events and the ever lovely MCJLAC meetings. I could empathize with every message written. It made me think how much of an impact he had on these people's lives. 


It's always nice as a student to feel like you have a personal connection with a teacher. And while there's always an exception, I'm just not sure General Ed teachers have that kind of connection on such a consistent basis. There's always a group of students that teachers are drawn to each year, the ones who spill their guts about anything and everything (even when asked not to). But I feel like as an Ag teacher, that's all my kids??  Even my non typical Ag kids will show up at break just chat. Kids always wanna tell a story or chat about their favorite this or that. 


For Mr. Randrup, the past student Facebook messages and emails from teachers in the surrounding counties offering help, make me realize being an Ag Teacher could be the greatest profession on earth! 


Okay, maybe not the greatest on earth but pretty darn close. 
This is always how I'll remember one of my favorite Ag Teachers... Serious look, Willits hat, flannel shirt, ready to work...

Back to school!

Since I haven't written a blog since June, I figured I needed to give an update about the summer. 

The month of July and beginning of August was consumed by fairs. I never wrote a blog, not because the long days at the fair weren't short of inspiring, but mostly because  cell phone batteries can't keep up with the awesomeness. I literally was at a fair each week for the past 4 weeks. It began with State Fair, rolled into Sonoma County then Ukiah Fair last week. Each is so different, with their own positives and their own set of drama. It's amazing to me that each year, no matter the preparation, there is always something that doesn't go quite right. 

From the time I was little, Ukiah Fair was my fair. It was my vacation, my summer, my reunion, my ideal. I thought when I went to college, came back and worked it and even moved on to bigger and better fairs, I would find the perfect fair somewhere else. Truth is.... It's not possible. Ukiah Fair is still my favorite, the people are still wholesome, the kids are still respectful, and the majority still have realistic goals and expectations. To some, I'm sure it's a po-dunk fair, but this was my 20th year attending as either an exhibitor or leader and I know it has grown, changed in so many positive ways. 

As an Ag teacher, sometimes summers are nonexistent. But thankfully, I get to enjoy a working summer at places like Ukiah Fair. The people are what make it amazing, from the junior livestock auction committee, to the leaders and advisors, to the kids, and dare I even say the parents... I swear, most of them are pretty great. 

Since we head back to school next week, I decided a short vaykay was necessary. Another little trip to the Happiest Place on Earth is calling my name. I rarely give myself credit for things, but after this summer, I'm going and not feeling bad at all! Lol 

Why do I love fairs???

Kids helping kids... 

Kids finding success...

Kids teaching little kids... 

Kids learning new tricks... 

Kids having fun doing what they love... 

I'd like to thank the academy...

Well, while trying to beat the 108* heat and avoid things I should be doing like planning for next year's classes, I figured I'd write about something amazing.

During the CATA (California Ag Teacher's Assoc.) conference I attended last week, my friends and I attended the awards banquet dinner. This year's theme was Masquerade which I thought was pretty fun. The banquet is always a highlight of the conference, as during the evening, the CATA gives awards to teachers and programs throughout the state.

Much to my surprise, I was awarded with the Outstanding Single Person Department award. While I am not a huge fan of recognition or compliments, I am extremely proud of this honor. I know I have worked hard the past two years to completely turn around the agriculture department and FFA chapter at my school.

One of the things I am most proud of, is who got to present me with the award. It was perfect timing as the presenter changes each year. To me, having Mr. Albiani present my award, make me laugh during the picture and tell me congratulations, was the biggest honor of all...

Almost 5 years ago, I had completely lost hope of getting a job in the agriculture teaching profession. I was not the #1 pick coming out of the credential program, I had applied to 25+ jobs with very few interviews and while most of my credential cronies were beginning the school year, I was going to move back to Ukiah to find a regular job.

In September, I applied for a long-term substitute job at Elk Grove High School. I actually got an interview, and ended up getting the job. Mr. Albiani, Ms. Mangan (Schager), and the principal either were completely crazy that day or believed in me more than I believed in myself.

Mr. Mooney has referred to that year, as Disneyland for me. While I'm sure he means something else, I like to think of that year as Disneyland too! Mostly, because it is one of my favorite places. I learned more in that year than I had hoped for and am eternally grateful for Mr. Albiani and the EG crew for taking a chance on me and not getting too upset for when I screwed things up.

Receiving the Outstanding Single Person Department award was an honor. But to me, Mr. Albiani handing me that plaque was the best part. It was as if he was telling me "You did good". The whole EG crew has kept me since my long-term sub gig... As evidence by going to dinner with them every night while at conference.

Being a single person department is hard. No doubt about it. But finding people who continue to mentor, chat and give advice when needed is the reason I have made it as a single person department. So the award wasn't just for me... It was for every person (Ag teacher) who has ever helped me. While there are too many to name, I want to say THANK YOU to every person who ever helped me in some way, shape or form.

Since the banquet, teachers and friends have continued to ask, "how does it feel?" The truth is... It feels the same. I don't work harder than others, in a single person department, I just filled out the application and was picked. There are so many outstanding Ag programs in the state, some run by the best teachers I have ever met. These teachers are also very humble and would never think what they do, is extraordinary... But they are!!!
Fort Bragg, Anderson Valley, Delano, Sebastopol, etc. Ya'll rock my socks... You are amazing!

For now, my plan is to continue doing the most and best I can for my students. While calling, texting, emailing, and talking to the best in the business to get help (or to collaborate with-- educationise speak) when needed. 

All the department award recipients 

The Sonoma Section in the banquet photo booth...