Happy National FFA Week

This has most definitely been the best National FFA week yet! I spent the week doing exactly what I love, teaching students about agriculture. I'm here because of the path I chose to take through my involvement in the National FFA Organization. I feel that's its only fitting to give a quick glimpse into how I got where I am now. I started my journey in agriculture at a young age growing up on a farm and showing dairy cattle. As I got to high school there was no question to whether or not I would join the National FFA Organization. I worked my way up through the ranks being as involved as I possibly could competing in career development events, attending leadership conferences, and serving as an officer. From the moment I stepped foot into an agriculture classroom and joined the FFA I knew that I wanted it to continue to be apart of my life. I often get asked why did you want to teach agriculture? Was there a specific defining moment? For me I can't say that there was a specific moment it was one of those things, you just know. I however, was reminded of my why this week as I continuously realized how lucky I am to have such wonderful students to teach every day.

This week in two different classes we were headed to the shop for the very first time. The thought of going to the metal shop was something that would have terrified me in the past. However, it brought on new excitement for myself as well as my students. In Ag 2 we picked up MIG welding and I was over joyed with the efforts of each student to give it a try even when they were super nervous. Prior to this class I spent some time after school getting readjusted to MIG welding and found it to be a great way to relax after a long school day.

In Ag 3 we headed to the shop to gain some hands on experience with plumbing. Of all of the units I am teaching this one had me a little uneasy because I had no prior experience with the material. However, I quickly realized growing up on a farm prepared me for so much when teaching ag, even plumbing. While the content information is still new, I did have some prior experience with the hands on part. Anyways, this week I introduced our copper plumbing square project that the class will be completing over the next several class periods. Students are gaining such vital knowledge for their future even if they're not going into the field of plumbing.

We ended the week with a few new victories in public speaking. The area public speaking event was held on Friday where we had several students compete in a variety of categories. Each student who competed had a successful day as they are moving on to the regional level. I was excited to see the commitment of each of these individuals as they put in several hours before school for the last couple of weeks preparing for the area event. I look forward to continuing to work them as we prepare for the next level. Overall, this week has been one for the books and I cannot wait to see what's in store for the second half of this student teaching experience. I am constantly being blown away by each one of my students talents, abilities, and overall their dedication to growth.

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