The other day I had the opportunity to celebrate Kansas
State University’s 150th birthday at the Sesquicentennial Kick-off
Celebration in Ahearn Fieldhouse. There were a variety of speakers who attended
including K-State alumni such as Governor Sam Brownback as well as multiple booths
representing each college and their accomplishments over the years. Of course one
the main reasons for me going to the event was to taste the delicious Call Hall
Ice Cream that was served and specially created for K-State’s birthday! Not to
mention getting to sample the remarkably yummy cupcakes served by different
businesses around Manhattan. As I was walking past the cardboard cut-outs of
past mascots and happily eating my bowl of ice cream, I was amazed at how much
Willie had changed over the years. It reminded me of the ways Kansas FFA has
grown and changed as well.
This year Kansas FFA is celebrating 85 years of growth. Since
we were first chartered in 1928 we have increased our membership to over 8,400
members! New career development events have developed such as the veterinary science
CDE and new proficiency awards areas have been created. Likewise the National
FFA Organization has gone through a variety of changes for example allowing women
into our organization in 1969 and changing our name from the Future Farmers of
America to the National FFA Organization in 1988.
While multiple changes have occurred over the years, both
at Kansas State University and in Kansas FFA, each have still held true to
their core values. The National FFA Organization may have changed its name in
1988 to include a broader spectrum and diversity of members, but our foundation
is still based on agriculture and agricultural education. Just like the opening lines of the
creed states “I believe in the future of agriculture…” we will always remain
devoted to our core principle of agriculture as well as continually strive for
premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.
What are a few areas in our lives that we could grow this year so
that we may continue to live by our core principles? In order to not lose sight
of who we are and what we stand for, list out 5 to 10 of our strongest values and
beliefs. Then look at these areas in our lives to see where we could change to
more closely follow these values. These changes we make don’t mean that we must
completely transform ourselves to become something or someone else, but rather have
a goal to work towards. It could be something as simple as listing
accountability as one of your values and then making the goal to show up to
class or chapter meetings on time. Writing down that you value your community could
lead to you discovering unique ways to lend a helping hand to your local area through
service. If you value agriculture, maybe you will decide to increase the amount
of hours you dedicate to your SAE. Whatever change you plan on making, keep in
mind your values and beliefs.
How will you grow today?
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| Glendolyn, Renee, and I snacking away on ice cream and cupcakes. Members of K-state's band let us hold their wonderful sign as well! |
