Create Your Own Journey

Wow, How this year flew by so fast!! I wanted to say for my last blog thank you to all of the members, parents, my team, and advisors who my year so worth while. It was hard to see this year come to an end as this year was amazing. It gave me memories that will be in my heart and soul for a lifetime. Members remember you need to set your own path in your lifes and make it worth while just like mine has been this past year. Of course there are going to be twists, turns, detours and road blocks but that's the beauty of a journey. It's kind of like the movie Forrest Gump when he says " Momma always said life's like a box of chocolates you never know what your gonna get," This is true and one of my favorite sentences from my favorite movie! :) You could reach into a box of chocolates and get one with nuts or caramel, peanut butter or dark chocolate. just like our lives you don't ever know what's going to happen next. Just remember my RA "It's about how many lives you touched and what you give to others" You all have touched my life this past year and i wanted to thank you for allowing me to serve you as your 2009-2010 MD FFA Secretary. Good luck to the new state officer team! You guys are going to have an amazing year just like we did. There will be ups and downs but cherish the good times and memories that you make!
Much love to everyone
love always
Mandi

Almost Convention Time

Well a year has come, and unfortunately is almost gone. I have done my last chapter visit, completed all leadership conferences, and tonight I am going to my very last FFA banquet as the 2009-2010 Maryland FFA President. It is truly hard to believe that convention is merely 25 days away.

At the beginning of May the other state officers and I got to take part in a Barn Restoration project sponsored by the Campbell's Soup Company and National FFA Alumni. It was amazing!! We got to meet the amazing and so so deserving Mackenzie family, and spent three days restoring two of the barns on the farm. Members, serving your community, or helping someone in need is one of the most rewarding things you can do. As it is stated in the last line of the FFA motto, we should all, in some part be "Living to Serve." If you are given the opportunity to help someone, do it, put their needs before your own, and see how you feel afterwards. I know I feel amazing when I help someone other than myself and I believe that is something we can all feel.

As my 27 days till my FFA retirement draw near I have been reflecting on my choices, our theme this year was "Create Your Own Journey", my choices took me on a journey, an wonderful and adventurous journey. My FFA journey may be coming to an end, but yours is just beginning. No matter if you are a first year Greenhand or receiving your State degree this year at convention, FFA has amazing opportunities for you to take part in. As I have been saying at banquets, I pray that all of you carry FFA memories in your heart, and lessons in your soul. Lord knows I will never forget what he has blessed me with in FFA.

LoveLoveLove

Alli