Friday, November 8, 2013

Always Burn Blue

Imagine for a moment: you're far away from home (maybe in a different time zone), experiencing something that many have never seen before. You aren't really sure where to go, but luckily you are surrounded by some very good friends - all 63,000 of them. That amazing feeling of being a part of something as large as the FFA swept across Louisville, Kentucky a couple of weeks ago as it hosted the 86th National FFA Convention & Expo.

This was not only my second National Convention that I had ever attended, but this was my first time being in Louisville. I shared that "first" with many, as it had previously been held in Indianapolis, Indiana for several years past. At this National Convention, however, I had an amazing and unique experience: to serve as a delegate. The delegate body is made up of 475 members, similar to the House of Representatives. Our mission was to address different issues surrounding the FFA, with items such as how we can further broadcast our message, or ways to increase ag literacy in the public. The entire process was amazing because it shows how we can all come together to help the FFA grow as an organization.

National Convention wasn't all business, though. There was plenty of time to meet new people and hang out with old friends. The team went to a concert featuring Jana Kramer and Dierks Bentley, which was mind-blowing. The delegates also sat on the convention floor, where the Kansas State Officers had front row seats. All of the sessions were recorded and broadcasted, so I'm sure a few people saw Lindy and I jamming out to the choir's mash-up of Pitch Perfect (which was amazing, I might add), or Daryl and Elizabeth swing dancing in front of the stage. As delegates, we made sure to match all of the energy that the members brought to convention, making it so amazing to be in the sessions.

The core of National Convention is the general sessions, where FFA members are recognized for their accomplishments, National Officers deliver their retiring addresses, and amazing keynote speakers are heard. There are moments of high energy, and high emotion. Each session is chaired by a different National Officer, who bring their own personality into the light. In my opinion, one of the most amazing things to hear at National Convention is opening ceremonies, right at the beginning of each general session. The secretary calls the roll of members (62,998!), and you get to hear the thundering reply to, "FFA members, why are we here?"

The biggest takeaway were the messages that the speakers left behind. One of the keynote speakers, Josh Sundquist, said that "life is tough. But life isn't about falling down, it's about how quickly you get back up." National President Clay Sapp wrapped up his retiring address with one, resounding question: how will you start living for others? Every person on that stage had a story that would capture my mind, and all of them had a message that touched my heart.

This year is full of so many possibilities. There will be obstacles, but none that cannot be overcome. This year, we as FFA members have the opportunity to fuel our passion for the FFA. We can spark action. Our ideas and actions could be the fuel needed to spark something much bigger than ourselves. And when we fuel our passion; when we spark action; we will ignite. How can you bring passion to something, like a new project? How can you bring that passion into your communities, and spark that action?

I could write (or type) about National Convention all day. If I did, however, I have a feeling that it might be the size of a Harry Potter book. For those interested in seeing the 86th National Convention & Expo for themselves, the broadcasts are available to watch at ihigh.com/ffa. They are worth watching, because there are some parts to National Convention that you just cannot put into words.

Each session was ended by one phrase. These words spoke about how we as individuals can shine, and as members, how we can ignite the FFA. Because I'm a science geek, I loved this phrase from the moment I heard it. I know, as did the National Officers, that we can all accomplish great things in the FFA,

"for the fires that burn the brightest, the fires that give off the most heat, always burn blue."

Fuel Passion. Spark Action. Ignite FFA.

Kansas FFA, we out!

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