I remember last year at this time I was going crazy over one group project- the infamous poinsettia multimedia project. I learned a lot about what not to do from that one! It was a mess, but I find comfort (and some humor) in looking back. This semester I have multiple big projects going on and I feel confident in my ability to handle them. A year can really make a difference!
I am finally back in Columbia for good (except for going home this weekend and Thanksgiving break, but...) after traveling to/through four different states in the past three weeks. I've seen Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Kansas and I suppose if we'd like to look ahead I'll be in Arkansas in a couple weeks.
As I've already alluded to, the trip to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention was quite the experience. Being there was fabulous, however. FFA meant so much to me in high school, and it was really fun to be back and see the sea of blue jackets.
Lots of things change in life, and FFA is not immune, but one thing that remains the same is students' excitement for agriculture.
This year I had a chance to observe and work with some of the people who help make the FFA experience possible, and it was eye opening. There's a lot that goes into convention and I only saw a tiny portion of it. The media room is like its own little world, and it puts a lot of effort into recognizing students for their passion and excellence, and informing them and others of available opportunities.
I had the privilege of working with lots of great people- FFA staff and other student interns, as well as the members themselves. It makes me a little nervous to walk up and talk to a perfect stranger (I know, I know- why am I in journalism again?) but I found lots of interesting and excited FFA members to talk to including members from Puerto Rico, members with outstanding SAE programs and members of the National FFA Band. If all goes well next year I hope I'll get to go again. Next year, however, I think I'll seriously consider flying...
A brief three days back at school after convention didn't leave much time to catch up and prepare for the next trip, but it was enough. Last Thursday I left again for the Agriculture Future of America Leaders Conference. This year I was in Track 2 which is all about communications, so it was right up my ally.
One thing I am really going to try to get better at is social media. I do Twitter because I have to for my multimedia class, but I'm discovering it really can be a useful tool. So, from here on out I'm tweeting links to my blog and will try to be better about bringing up ag topics online in places other than here.
Perhaps some tweeting inspiration will come from my next class- Missouri Director of Agriculture Jon Hagler is speaking to my ag policy class in half an hour.
