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.

How Much Will You Dream?

“Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be.” -Karen Ravn

I love reading quotes. A quote such as this one carries so much meaning; to me, it can truly inspire. And, as the quote my class chose to display on our graduation announcements this year, this quote will always hold a special place in my heart. Therefore, I decided to use some of its moving words to help me introduce myself!

Gardening and working in my school’s greenhouse make up one of my Supervised Agricultural Experience programs. The other involves my job at Pet Life by Roberts, a local pet store.

Random facts interest me. Did you know, according to Snapple’s Real Facts, a goldfish’s attention span is three seconds?

One of my favorite things to do during my downtime is to read. In fact, I’ve read the Harry Potter series way too many times!

While I do not like any other kind of pop, I could drink cherry limeade every day.

Growing up as an animal-lover, my family’s house has been the home to many pets, from cats and dogs to sheep and horses.

Oddly enough, although my dad has been a pilot for most of my life, I am not a fan of flying in airplanes.

Sunshine or rain, I enjoy being outdoors.

Everything can be complimented by two embellishments as far as I am concerned: camouflage and rhinestones!

Excited to officially become a student at Kansas State University this fall, I will be majoring in Animal Sciences and Industry and focusing on Pre-Veterinary Medicine.

Developing a speech for the Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event has always been one of my favorite CDE experiences.

Radios in my car or home will always be turned to country music! What are some of my favorites? Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, and Garth Brooks!

Ell-Saline FFA is my home chapter!

As a sister to one brother, family is very important to me.

Most of all, I have a strong passion for FFA, agricultural education, and the industry of agriculture!

Now, as I said, I love quotes such as this one because the words can truly inspire. Taking a look at the meaning of these words, I realize that life presents us with countless opportunities to better ourselves in some way each and every day. All we have to do is choose to accept those opportunities and continue to seek more. The potential to which we choose to achieve is entirely up to us! How incredible is that? It is up to us!

Therefore, how high will you reach to set your goals? How far will you seek to strive to achieve your potential? How deep will you look to discover what your ambitions are? Finally, how much will you dream?