Greetings! It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this time of year. From presentations and group projects or trying to squeeze in one more lab, this time of year can be a bit overwhelming! If you are overworked, just think for a moment how the students must feel! I know sometimes it is easy to lose perspective with everyting that is going on. I encourage you to take a moment to give that encouraging word and smile. You never know when it will make a difference. This is a link I want to share that made me stop and think...http://www.blueribbonmovie.com/

I promise, as crazy as life may be, there are students in your classroom dealing with more than you can imagine.  Helping a student who has lost thier home and just about everything thier family owned due to the economic times this week was a major reality check for me. You may never know what a difference you made.

Thank you for a great first year on the board. It has been an exciting and rewarding opportunity. It was such a pleasure and honor to meet so many outstanding educators and supporters at the NAAE Convention. I encourage you to look at the NAAE award applications when they become available in February and see in which area you can complete or who you could nominate for an award. I know each state handles their award application process differently, so please check with state leaders for details. It is never to early to begin preparations for both the ACTE's National Policy Seminar and our Regional Conference. Check out the NAAE website for more details on both events.

      Convention is just a few weeks away and I am so excited to meet award winners, state representatives and teachers. I know the State Social is going to ROCK  and we are going to have a blast!  However, before I can get ready for NAAE, I have County Fair and CDE practices to plan!

     I just had a former student stop in to check and see how things are going and if we are ready for our county fair next week. Although I'm not ready for fair, we discussed her future and her plans. We discussed her American Degree application and her decision to teach Agricultual Education.  It is so exciting to have a former student interested in pursuing this line of work. We joked about free time and the never ending trips for supplies to Wal-Mart. It is inspiring to me for hear to say I was an inspiration in the way I worked with all students and pushed them to success.

     As we move into holidays, I know the economic situation is so different for people all around this country.  Don't let things get you down. Read inspiring quotes or watch a motivational movie. Find new ways to interact and push your students to success.  Plan an activity that allows students to create projects and gifts for others.  Inspire and encourage that teaching ag is a great career choice. Fellowship with and encourage other teachers. One of my new favorite quotes is "e the Change you want to see in the World." 

     Be the change. Inspire. Motivate. Succeed.

If you are like me, your summer is in full swing! From leadership and officer training to summer camps, the next month of summer is go go go! As I prepare for the next few weeks, of course I am excited about the new year to come. I have an exciting opportunity to work with a new officer team whom I have six NEW officers! What a thrilling opportunity to see FFA memebrs take the next step as an officer of our great organization! I also wonder how many teachers out there are thinking about stepping up to new roles within our professional organization. I know we are all busy doing what we love for our chapters. But have you taken time to go to the next level professionally? I know there are opportunities in YOUR state to take a leadership role in your organization. NAAE is always looking for those to serve in regional positions and committee positions around the country. As you work with your students this summer, take a moment and see if there is a way for you to get more actively involved in NAAE and your state association. I bet you will get something out of it, just like your members are getting something out of the opportunities they are taking. Happy Summer!