Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Inspired

Last month, Lexi and I had the opportunity to attend a conference in Washington, D.C. I love that city. It seems no matter which direction one chooses to turn, he or she can expect to be surrounded by inspiration. Here are a few examples:
  • Catching a glimpse of the towering Washington Monument as the airplane descends toward the runway
  • Being in the presence of incredible leaders while walking around Capitol
    Hill

  • Reading the words of Thomas Jefferson while visiting his memorial
  • Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, in the same place Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once stood
  • Paying respect to many of the most courageous individuals in history at Arlington National Cemetery
I truly felt inspired in each of these instances. However, I also found inspiration when I least expected it. On one afternoon of the conference, we had some free time to tour the city as we pleased. Later on, we met up with everyone attending the conference at the Ronald Reagan Center for dinner. Once we had entered the building, I noticed a quote on the wall nearby. It read:


"There are no limits to growth and human progress when men and women are
free to follow their dreams."
-Ronald Reagan



As I read these words, I realized how incredibly true they are at any given time. Throughout that evening, my thoughts kept drifting back to President Reagan's quote. I thought back to a few months ago, when I had the opportunity to witness a group of individuals following a common dream. This spring was a wonderfully exciting time for my high school and community. It was obvious we had a group of talented basketball players on the Ell-Saline girls' basketball team. In addition to their talent, these girls shared a dream: to make it to state, which would be a first of the girls' basketball program at Ell-Saline. The girls worked to strengthen themselves as a team, and it paid off. The entire community proudly watched as a girls made history at our high school, not only making it to state, but finishing second in the state championship. This team, this group of friends, decided they would work above and beyond any limits. They allowed themselves to grow and progress to reach a dream they shared.

Coming home to Kansas, I realized that just like those incredible individuals in our nation's history we learn about, and just like the Ell-Saline girls' basketball team, we all find inspiration to encourage us. In fact, in the two days following our return to Kansas, I was inspired by our very own Kansas FFA Foundation and partners. These individuals work constantly to serve each and every one of us members. They are the reason we are able to have many of the FFA experiences we have, such as Career Development Events, Proficiency Awards, and State Convention. During one of those days following our return from D.C., the Foundation and many partners came together for the Blue & Gold Golf Scramble. I felt truly inspired by the passion these individuals shared through their support of the FFA and its members. Let us all remember to express our appreciation and support to each individual on the Foundation for everything they continue to do for all of us FFA members. The amazing accomplishments of the Foundation are true examples of how we can all continuously strive to experience growth and progress toward our dreams, just as President Reagan once said.