Just be yourself

"Just be yourself Becky and everything will happen as it is supposed to." These few words have had the greatest impact in my life above all others. Growing up, and to this day, I couldn't ask for better advice. The first person to tell me this was my mom. She is one of the smartest and most inspirational individuals I know!

At this year's national FFA convention while running for national office, just the thought of my mom would lift my spirits if I ever experienced self-doubts. I will never forget the day I had been anticipating for months! It was October 27, 2007, at about 5 p.m. when the 2007-2008 National Officers were being announced. Normally in a situation like this one, I would have been so nervous my stomach would feel like it exploded! However, that wasn't the case. Ironically enough, I was calm! YES! That wasn't a typo; I was actually calm at that point! You see, throughout the week my mom's words rang clear in my thoughts each day. With every word I said and action I made, I knew that I was being me...Becky Sullivan. By the time the national officer process was over, and I was standing beside my 40 new best friends awaiting the announcement, I knew that everything would happen as it was supposed to.

The lights, music, and cheering was a huge blur at this moment. The only part of Conseco that I distinctly remember was seeing my parents waving at me from across the floor, with a big smile. When it came time for the announcement for secretary, I remember hearing "From the state of Kans..." and that was it! Kacy Baugher grabbed my arm and as she pulled me up onto the stage to greet my new teammates, I remember thinking...this feels so right! It is that indescribable feeling I experienced that I desire for everyone to experience someday in their life. The feeling that you gave your dream every shred of energy and passion you had, and then watch as your dreams became a reality.

Later that day I had a chance to celebrate with my friends and family. Yet, we were not celebrating my new title, rather the journey I had taken to get there. The amazing people I had a chance to meet, the great members who inspired me to pursue further service, and finally, the opportunities to impact others that my teammates and I will have this year.

So far my experience as a national officer has been everything and more than I could have wished for! My teammates and I have met the amazing FFA members at the Galt FFA Chapter in California, the California State Officers, the members at Hamilton Southeastern in Indiana, and finally Lebanon Indiana FFA members. It is so exciting to have the chance to meet so many smart, motivated, and bright students! I am looking forward to getting to know these members better, as well as get to know the many other exceptional young leaders that FFA contains!

As my team and I embark on our new journey of service this year, there is one piece of advice I wish to share with all those we meet. This advice is similar to what my mom told me earlier this year. It is to be yourself! My motto in life is that "you are your greatest limitation!" No one should ever be afraid to be themselves! You should never let self-doubts or fear stand in your way of going after what it is you want most out of life! I have been blessed to have a mom who has always shared this crucial knowledge with me. I hope that I can be as inspirational to you, the members, as my mom has been to me. I am looking forward to the many journeys my teammates and I will make this year! I will leave you with my favorite quote that is hung above my bed at home...

"If you get a chance...take it!If it changes your life...let it! No one ever said it would be easy, they only promised it would be worth it!" - Anonymous