I found some pictures... part 1

Within the past 2 weeks, I traveled to the heart of Minnesota FFA in Region VI. Region VI includes chapters from the Southwestern part of the state including my home Chapter: MARSHALL!

My very first exposure to FFA happened at the beginning of my sophomore year in high school when I attended the Region VI Greenhand Day. BUT, I actually didn't go to Greenhand Day because I mixed up with groups and accidentally went to the Chapter Officer Workshop (COW). I don't know whether or not being at Greenhand Day would have made a difference, but COW Day got me hooked to what FFA had to offer me. I decided that I wanted to run for Region office, and maybe even state office that day. After 2 years serving as a Region VI officer, working with Greenhands, it was now my privilege to be invited to work with the chapter officers during COW Day as well as give a send off speech to the over 300 Region VI FFA members present.

Here are some pictures that I uncovered from the Marshall FFA website, so thank you!

We worked as teams to discover what we, as individuals, have to offer our FFA chapters and others beyond our time in FFA.
... and you can't have a good time without a good game of NINJA! Caleb from WWG dominated in the first game.
Marshall FFA member Brady, gave an interactive presentation with Greenhands about the Meats Judging Contest.

I loved having the time to be with the Region VI FFA leaders.

My favorite activity of the day was all about influence. Think about it...

What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of...

George Washington

Saddam Hussein

Mother Theresa

Adolf Hitler

Abraham Lincoln

Michael Vik

Martin Luther King Jr.

(and just for some fun...)

Brett Favre

Depending on the information that you have about these people, you may have a positive view or negative view. When I think of MLK Jr., I think of "peace" MLKJr. made a positive and peaceful difference in the way we as the United States treat the Civil Rights of each individual. If you and I were having a conversation about Abraham Lincoln, or George Washington- wouldn't you think that the tone of our conversation would be a positive one, shaped around the patriotism and leadership they brought to our country.

Now, think about Michael Vik. He is an outstanding football player and athlete. However, due to his actions within the past year, when Michael Vik's name comes up what do you think? Conversations, I believe, are not just about football anymore. They are laced with his negative actions linked to animal abuse and dog fighting. Just because of the one mistake he made, his name will forever have a bitter connotation with it.

When YOUR name comes up in the everyday conversation,

What do people think of YOU ?

Here is what some members said...

"A great athlete."

"Someone who sticks up for what they believe in."

"Smart."

"A good influence because ___ is involved and respects everyone. ___always works hard to accomplish ____'s goals."

"Strong willed."

"Tall, athletic baller!"

"FFA."

Just in our short time of about 4 hours, I has able to identify the individuals who are going to make a great difference on their chapter level. I also recognized individuals who will make great Region VI officers NEXT YEAR!

A big thank you to the Region VI officer team for inviting me! You did a great job with your organization of a successful event.

part 2...to be posted later.