There is no place like Home

"We are not born winners, we are not born losers, but we are born choosers."
--Shawn Harper

I can't think of one statement more perfectly honest. We are not born to win, we are not born to loose, but rather we are born to make a choice. That decision may lead to laying around and letting life pass you by, or it may be a choice that requires much hard work to receive a desired vision you hold dear to your heart. Mr. Shawn Harper, past NFL player and motivational speaker visited the Kansas State FFA convention where he shared with us his choices throughout life. He chose to overcome learning disabilities, he chose to not give up on his dream of becoming a NFL player, and he chose to never limit himself to what he is capable of doing.


This past week at the 80th Kansas State FFA Convention, I was once again blessed to be in the presence of students who have chosen to be successful. For the past five years I have been attending the Kansas State FFA Convention; however, this year was one that truly topped my list. My dear friends and most recent past state officers Bethany, Drew, Torie, Lacey, Taylor and Kyle did an outstanding job recognizing our outstanding members.


The many volunteers that made the convention run smoothly left a flawless impression on many. The newly elected state officers enthusiasm and excitement radiated the convention hall (congrats to Emily, Kathy, Annarose, Brynn, Jennifer and Shane). And finally, a HUGE thanks to Ms. Kane, Jill, Jackie, and Kelsey for all their hard work on organizing the convention. You all truly make the Kansas Convention one of a kind...thank you for choosing to raise the bar, and then exceed it. :)

This year some of my highlights were:
Eating Lunch with Hill City
Dinner with Holcomb
Chatting it up with Paola
Chilling with the many "cool" delegates
Getting to know the state officer Candidates
And the very best part...the random conversations with members outside waiting to get into the auditorium.

Congratulations to all of the members of my home state! You have chosen to raise you standards, and you have succeeded in reaching them! Now, I challenge you to chose to raise those standards a few notches up once again...chose to keep improving. Without continuous improvement, you may be great one day, but then you are normal the next. Remember the words of Shawn Harper...and make the choices that give you the life you want to live!