We all have those days where you just seem to be "out of it." I was having one of those days. When I first arrived in Springfield, Ill., for their state convention, I was having a few difficulties. As I struggled to get my luggage on the elevator to move into my hotel room, a smiling face greeted me at the elevator doors. It was one of the region presidents. She smiled and asked how I was doing. At that point, I couldn't help but laugh at myself and enjoy the brief conversation with Kayla...a sweet and caring young lady. When I reached my floor we said our goodbyes until we would see one another again later.
I rolled my luggage off the elevator to my door. This hotel was an older one, with interesting keys that were hard plastic with multiple holes in them. After many failed attempts to get my key to work, another FFA member came to my rescue. Her name is Morgan. She eagerly rushed over to my side, grabbed the key, and opened my door in an instant! Then she said "I had problems opening my door too." I have a feeling she may have said this to just make me feel better, which it worked. We talked briefly before we parted ways.
Needless to see, my day that started out with me "out of it" quickly became a day I was energized and inspired by the kindness and hospitality of the Illinois FFA members. My first impression was very good, but after their convention, the impression they left on me was even better.
During the Illinois state convention I met many caring and motivated members. The sessions were smoothly run by the strong leadership of Kaitlin, Sam, Tanner, Wyatt and Jannell. These five state officers took a year off from school to impact the lives of others. Thank you to each of you-your influence will last many a lifetime.
During this state convention, I was reminded of what makes an FFA member unlike the average student. FFA members have the value of service, thoughtfulness, hard work, and leadership instilled in them since their first experience with agricultural education. The Illinois FFA members exhibited these core values, and I thank them for sharing them with not only me upon my arrival, but sharing them with the thousands of individuals they come into contact with each day.
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