Kansas FFA Secretary

My FFAmily

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 14:47:00 +0000

Exactly three months and ten days ago I was elected Kansas FFA State Secretary and man has time flown by. These three months have been filled with new opportunities, countless new friends, and the joining of six friends who have become more like family. In fact, let me describe to you what I have learned about these amazing individuals.

Growing up in the same town as Karl and going to the same chapter with him, you could say we were already like family. We have been friends for years and hang out on a regular basis. Bailey, on the other hand, is the one person on the team that I didn’t get to know extremely well in the interview process, but in past three months I have found that she is one of the hardest working and kindhearted people I know. I also learned she is absolutely obsessed with cats and dogs. Lane has been a great person to build a friendship with. He is always looking for new people to create and sustain relationships with, which I believe is truly important in a friend. Kyler Langvardt is always thinking of something that we can do to make our team or any situation better. He is credited with editing and creating all of our videos, and he is hilarious at night when he becomes tired. Last, but certainly not least, is Gabryelle. This girl is fun to work with and makes every situation we have as a team a blast. We also are awesome at dueting any song together.

Working and spending time with these 5 individuals has made my life so much more interesting and enjoyable. I have to admit sometimes we are enjoying each others company so much that we don’t accomplish our work in the most efficient way. I can assure you though, that Kansas FFA is in good hands because the State Officer team has a passion for our members and we work together as a family to share that passion.

Now that I have explained how agriawesome, my teammates, let me tell you a little about myself. I have two amazing parents, Dennis and Eunice, and one wonderful brother, Dillon. My father works for the City of Holton Water Department and also farms. My mother is a 6th and 7th grade Special Education Teacher in Holton, and my brother just graduated from KU medical center this spring with a degree in Health Information Management.

I first joined FFA because my older brother was in it, but the first part of FFA that got me hooked was the FFA Creed. Studying those five paragraphs is what ignited my passion for FFA and I still love discussing the Creed today. My proudest accomplishment in FFA would be being on the 2014 Champion Horse Judging Team at National Convention. My favorite SAE would be my small cow/calf operation. In this operation I run nine pairs and one bull on a rotational grazing system. My ultimate goal is to have a registered Angus and SimAngus herd.

My favorite sport in high school was football, but I had terrible hand-eye coordination so I never got to touch the ball. Instead, I was an offensive guard and easily the smallest lineman on the team. I was also actively involved in FCA, Student Council, the Jackson County Youth Coalition, Golf, and I enjoyed volunteering at the Heart of Jackson Humane Society. Other than FFA, my all time favorite organization has been 4-H. I love showing cattle and hogs at the county fair, and I was ecstatic to experience showing at Jackson County’s brand new fairgrounds.

As we wrap up, keep in mind that the relationships we build in FFA and other organizations can lead to friendships that last a life time, and some friends that become more like family.

Czech All Out

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 18:38:00 +0000

This spring break, many of my friends were leaving Kansas to go to Colorado, Mexico, or Florida. I, however, was headed to Cuba. Yes, Cuba—Cuba, Kansas. Growing up in my hometown is definitely much more of a blessing than a curse. Ironically enough, Cuba is only about 20 miles away from Washington and is in the Republic (County, that is). I do live a mile away from Cuba, but there will never be a community that is closer to my heart. Cuba was founded by predominantly Czech immigrants. Cuba, Kansas is a small community of only 150 people. We may be small, but we are mighty. A sign reading "Czech Us Out" greets the travelers of 36 highway as they pass. Cuba has been featured twice in National Geographic and once on CBS Sunday Morning. I stole my first piece of bubble gum from The Cuba Cash Store, and I shortly after learned that thievery was wrong (after my mother found out, I personally paid the store owner and admitted my fault). I established a faith in God at the Cuba Presbyterian Church. I was developed into a man in Cuba, Kansas.

Every year the community of Cuba, comes together to celebrate the Cuba Rock-a-thon. Despite the name, the Rock-a-thon is not the largest Rock and Roll festival in North Central Kansas. Forty year ago, the Rock-a-thon began in the local laundry mat with a single rocking chair. The Rock-a-thon has raised over $547,000 for community improvements for Cuba. For a week, the Rock-a-thon provides meals, informational and comical entertainment, community cooperation, and 318 hours of continuous chair rocking. Whether one is five years old or 105, members of the community always look forward to rocking in those sacred chairs. Although, it’s not the rocking in the chairs that everybody gets so excited about annually. The rocking is just a symbol and a small part of the tradition of devotion and love for the community.

During this year’s Rock-a-thon, I definitely gained a greater appreciation for my community. The thing about Cuba, though, is that we aren't anything special. Much like any great community, it’s not the buildings, great streets, or job opportunity that make Cuba amazing, but it’s the people. We are just a community who cares. If it wasn't for the support through the community, I can firmly say that I would have never even considered running for state office. Rural communities provide valuable experiences that are unique from urban areas.

During my travel to South Africa, one of the most valuable pieces of information I took away occurred while visiting the Kliptown Youth Project. Kliptown is a small village outside of Johannesburg and is one of the most poverty stricken areas of South Africa. Even though they may not have a lot and even struggle to obtain the bare essentials, they urged the 75 American State FFA Officers to not feel sorry for them. They have each other, and that is stronger than any monetary or gift donation that can be given. Finally, they insisted that instead of returning to Kliptown to assist their development that we should return home and impact our communities first.

We all come from a community—a community that cares about us and has molded us into who we are today. Take time to identify those individuals in your life. If you want to see what your future holds, look at your five closest friends—your community. If those individuals have high integrity, are successful, and caring, then you are more likely to have those qualities. However, if those people are unmotivated, inconsiderate, and selfish, I encourage you to consider some challenging decisions in your life. More than anything, provide that community for others. I will never be able to have the impact on Cuba that it’s had on me, but I will sure give it my best effort. Whether your community is in rural Kansas, New York City, or just your closest friends, identify those individuals and thank them. Finally, spend purposeful time strengthening and "Czeching out" your community.

Words, Words, Words

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:00:00 +0000

With the conclusion of 2014, I can say without regrets that it was my greatest year yet. The conclusion of high school brought sorrow, but opened the door to opportunity. Just beyond high school graduation, I was blessed with the opportunity to serve the Kansas FFA Association. Then, attending Kansas State University was a new path for me. New schedules, new priorities, and new relationships developed. Among all of that, the biggest burden that I faced was the realization and independence of purchasing Christmas gifts for friends and family. Christmas is expensive. There is no way around it. This year my wallet took the biggest hit it has ever taken during the Christmas Season. Though, this increase in spending is because I have more people in my life that care about me. I believed that the way to express my gratitude was show it by the dollars I spent. However, the most valuable gift I received this holiday season cost no money at all.

Every year, all 31 members of the Hadachek family participate in a secret Santa gift exchange. Before each individual opens their gift, their “Santa” is required to say something about the recipient of the gift. Most of the comments made are jokes or funny memories, so I expected the same when it came my turn. I had suggested that my Santa get me a heavy duty water bottle for my trip to South Africa and many long walks on campus. Granted, I received the water bottle that I asked for, but as you can guess, the water bottle isn't what this story is about. My uncle, a former State FFA Officer, had drawn my name. Before opening my gift, he told me how proud he was of what I have accomplished, and it has been exciting watching me grow.

We underestimate the power we have with words, positive or negative. With every new relationship I have formed, the conversations are what have strengthened the bond. Through every interaction I have had with Kansas FFA members, it is the stories that make each of them unique. There is a reason that leadership conferences hire professional speakers. Those stories inspire us to exceed our own expectations. Finally, words give purpose to the work that we do.

“With great power comes great responsibility.” This principal holds true in every situation. There are so many misinterpretations within the world today. Each one of those misinterpretations start with a small error of words. We must be cautious with comments towards others. Several sarcastic, rude, or unwary words can ruin a person’s day and discourage them. Likewise, our words, when used properly, can be a needed apology, and expression of gratitude, or a light in someone’s dark world.

For your New Year’s resolution, I leave you with a challenge. When you interact with friends, ensure that your conversation is constructive. Gain courage to mend relationships that may be broken. Before posting on social media, ponder over the meaning of the post in your drafts for an hour, read it to your mother, and if the message is still necessary and purposeful, post it. Tell your parents or guardians that you love them. Ask your grandparents about their life. Read a book. We have so much to learn from others, and words are the key to unlocking that potential.

Giving Thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 21:26:00 +0000

Fall was cut short as snow fell over Manhattan on Saturday. For over a week students at Kansas State have been regretting not packing that extra coat on their last visit home. Also, across the state high school basketball practices have begun. Just like I miss the beautiful fall weather, I miss lacing up those basketball shoes and throwing on that practice jersey. One never realizes how fortunate they are in a situation until it’s gone.

Enjoy the little things and take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. There were so many times that I dreaded going to basketball practice, because I always thought it would be so much easier to take a nap after school. However, basketball is just a sport. There are many other experiences that will come and go just as quickly as high school basketball. Seriously appreciate the time you spend with loved ones, whether that is your family members, a community, or friends. As Thanksgiving approaches, I challenge you to do three things:

1) Think about the events in your life that you may not enjoy all of the time and find the purpose behind the effort you put into it.

2) Thanksgiving Day, shut your phones off and have a conversation with those around you.

3) Tell the people you care about the most how much you appreciate them being in your lives.

Finally, understand that as certain things come to an end, there will always be a silver lining. As fall comes to an end, think about all of the new calves that are being born across Kansas. Though I may not see my friends from high school every day, I have built new friendships. Even though I will not be serving my community on our high school basketball team this year, I will be serving a much larger community in Kansas FFA.

What purpose are you serving? How do you show your appreciation for that purpose?

Quitting Strategically

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Sep 2014 21:03:00 +0000

Change. It’s a wonder to think that everything in our life that we have resulted from some form of change. Whether it’s a change in our taste of music, a change in our daily habits, or a change in the people we associate with, that change will have some type of impact on our future. This past month I have joined the hundreds of thousands of college freshman who changed their living arrangements, study habits, and change in areas of focus.

In high school I focused immensely on sports. After school I would devote two and a half hours of my day to that specific sport that season. However, I underwent a change when I graduated high school, because, despite my five year-old aspirations, I will not be a professional football/basketball/baseball player. Now it seems that every spare moment of my life (outside of FFA) is focused on my academic materials.

“Never give up.” How many times have we heard this from our role models, teachers, or coaches? At the surface this seems like a motto worth following precisely. Although, if I hadn't given up my aspirations of a professional athlete, would I be studying Agricultural Engineering at Kansas State? In Seth Godin’s book The Dip he describes the difference between quitting within “the dip” and strategically quitting to begin something new. “The dip” is a natural occurrence that happens in an effort where there is no hope of success.

The truth of the matter is that not every idea we ever have is a great idea. As kids, almost everybody goes through the “running away from home stage”. After about an hour of boredom, loneliness, and hunger, we head back home, essentially quitting that idea for the best cause. However, if one were to abandon their hope of being an Ag. Teacher after one difficult Animal Science class, “the dip” has conquered another victim. On the contrary, if that individual can’t devote the hours needed to study for the class because of their involvement in too many organizations, then strategically dropping one of the organizations would be beneficial in the long run.

Think about how you devote your time throughout your days. Is it beneficial to your overall goal? If not, do not feel reluctant about defying the old adage of never quitting. There may be that friend in our lives that is holding us back for a number of reasons. Abandoning relationships can be difficult, but if they’re not constructive towards the future, then that relationship has a weak foundation and will crumble in the future anyway. Consider the activities you partake in. What are they accomplishing? Change is challenging, but once one begins to focus their efforts more wisely, success will come. Persevere through “the dip” and quit those unconstructive areas. All of that being said, I leave you with this quote, “Winners quit fast, quit often, and quit without guilt”- Seth Godin.

The Race

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 03:45:00 +0000

“The real purpose of running isn't to win the race, it’s to test the human heart”- Bill Bowerman

If there is one thing that you know about me, it’s that I do not like to lose. Especially on a summer night run and my competitor is my brother, Tim. A relationship with a brother is filled with many emotions, but competition is never more evident than with one particular night. I knew that my 11 year old body was ready to finally beat my 18 year old brother. My plan was to hang with him at the beginning. Then make my move at the end.

We ran for what seemed three-quarters of a mile. I could see the end of the road, meaning our destination was in sight. I took off! It was my turn to show my speed. My brother strayed behind. He didn't have the strength to keep up with me, and my victory was eminent. However, my heart began to beat faster. My lungs started to struggle for oxygen, but I continued to accelerate. Then, I looked up. The target seemed no closer. I began to walk. I had built a sizable lead on Tim, so I decided a break wouldn't affect my goal. As he caught back up, my lungs, legs, and determination did not. I finished strong, but two or three minutes after the victor.

State Conference for Chapter Leaders is now completed. After three days, after fifteen workshops, and after over 300 students absorbed knowledge about Vision, Kansas FFA’s Vision became truly “possible”. Although, one point that must be emphasized is the goal we have for ourselves, for our chapters, or for any aspect of our lives cannot be achieved in a sprint. Just like my unsuccessful duel, even though I could see where I wanted to be, I lacked the knowledge on how to venture successfully. The unforeseen limits immobilized my efforts. When these limits find their way into our missions, we must not allow them to keep us down. We must follow the same advice my track coach always gave me, “Breath through your nose, and keep your legs moving.” These troubles we find in our journey cannot be walls in our way, but hurdles that we leap over.

At the end of the night, I returned home. Though defeated, I lived to see another race. As we race towards our goals, we must know the “return point”: The place we go after downfall. Throughout this next year there will be defeat, but we cannot wander aimlessly on the side of the road following the tribulation (that would result in an encounter with a Mountain Lion). Whether that “return point” is our faith, our family, or our FFA chapter, we must identify it before we embark on our journeys.

No matter how big our goal is for ourselves, there are always steps that have to be taken to reach that goal. With running, it's one foot in front of the other (and many more chemical reactions that take place within my legs, but let's not get into details). In our goal towards having a successful career, our steps could be to complete high school, attend college, and gain work experience. With our FFA Chapters, it could be developing that Program of Activities, carrying out those events throughout the year, or creating a Vision and mission statement. Whatever steps we may be executing, do it with our best ability. Because one false step in a race, we will find ourselves face first in the ground and at the back of the pack.

Finally, this is the second time Kansas FFA has heard or read of my running conquests (I promise my running stories are depleted). I would like to take the opportunity to introduce what my race of life consists of:

1) I live in Cuba... No, not the country. Cuba, Kansas

Cuba is a primarily Czech community. Hada-Chek. Get it?

2) In Cuba, I have lived 18 years with a fantastic and loving family.

3) With my family I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland this last year.

Just a small taste of agricultural life in Ireland.

What we woke up to every morning.

4) I was heavily involved in sports, forensics, and band throughout my high school, but.....

5) FFA IS LIFE!

This next year will be a race. A very quick race. Almost two months have passed since the state officers were elected. Every moment is just as thrilling as the last. I look forward to the opportunity of serving as Kansas FFA Secretary. Although, the members are what make this organization great. I have a very powerful Vision for Kansas FFA. In order to arrive at our destination, we must take it one member, one chapter, and one day at a time.

Kansas FFA, what steps will you take to reach your goal?

Curtain Call

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 May 2014 22:29:00 +0000

It’s that time of the year, commonly known as the time of “lasts”. For those of us still in school, we become well accustomed to these lasts, and we welcome them. The last homework assignments, the last tests, and the last days of school before the sweet, sweet beginning of summer break. For some, these “lasts” may also carry a different meaning - the last time that we will step foot into our school as students, the last time we will hang out with our friends before going separate ways, and it may very well be the last time that some of us don the blue corduroy jacket as FFA members. What are some important “lasts” for you? What do they mean for your future?

I can think of a “last” happening very soon for myself. My final exams are next week, marking the last days of my freshman year of college. On the bright side, these final days count down to the time when I get to see some of the best dressed people in the State of Kansas wearing their blue corduroy as we kick off the 86^th Kansas FFA Convention. There we will celebrate the last days of our year as Kansas FFA members, and my teammates and I will retire, as well as install the 2014-2015 State Officers.

As I think about stepping onto McCain auditorium’s stage to welcome Kansas FFA members in a few weeks, I think about the stage we all step onto when we take on a new task, or experience something new. Whether it’s going through high school, taking on a new job, or being a part of the FFA, we all have a part to play on that stage, and it’s beyond important that we perform to the best of our ability, for ourselves as well as the people watching.

No one knows exactly how long each scene will last on stage, but we all know that eventually the curtain must fall. The curtain signifies the end of a scene or act, and that the parts of the people on stage are done for a time. Now this may sound really philosophical at this point, but just like a play, we will all see the curtain fall at some point in our lives. For many around this time of the year, the curtain looks like the last day of school. And while I may not be able to see my curtain, I’ll know it when I hear the sound of the final gavel tap at convention.

If it’s anything that I’ve learned from my friends who have participated in plays and musicals, the curtain falling is nothing major. It happens so that the performance can move on, new scenes can develop, and new characters can be introduced. What are major, however, are our performances before the curtain falls. It is through our actions that we have an impact on those around us, and those that stand out and put forth the most effort and passion are the ones that are remembered. How will you be remembered? For your hard work? For putting in extra time to help out those around you? How can we all make sure that the impact that we make is remembered in a positive way?

At the end of the performance, an event called the “curtain call” occurs. A curtain call is when individuals return to the stage to be recognized by the audience for their performance. Think of it like a chapter banquet, or a graduation ceremony. This is the time that lets you be remembered for your passion, and the action that you took to achieve your goals. But who says that a curtain call is a short, temporary event? You might not be recognized for every single thing, but create an impact, and leave a legacy, that will set a standard for those behind you, letting your impact live on for years to come.

Kansas FFA, I’d like to give each and every one of you a curtain call. Being a part of this organization, I know that the fire that it can fuel resides in each of you, and the things that we all can accomplish together are immeasurable. But as you are recognized for what you accomplish, you are also challenged. I challenge all of you to not stop with what you’ve already done, and keep pushing ahead. I challenge you to never quit trying, and always seek improvement in yourself as well as in others. Play your part on the stage, and never quit performing, even if the curtain falls. The curtain always rises again, and lets everyone have their curtain call.

Kansas FFA, I am proud (and slightly sad) to say for the final time as your State Secretary, we out!

Take It and Make It

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 00:59:00 +0000

For those of you that read the title and automatically assumed I'm talking about Papa Murphy's, you will be sadly disappointed. For the readers who don't really know what I'm talking about, don't worry! Either way, thank you for taking time out of your day to read. So many times we get caught up in the hustle and bustle in the world, and our to-do list gets so long, and we feel like we are being pulled every which way, that we forget to do something that we enjoy; something for ourselves, or something for those that we care about.

This is definitely the time of the year when I wish there were four or five of me. One could do homework, one could be practicing a speech, another could be back home with my family, while another could be hanging out with my friends. Sadly, there is only one of me (I'm pretty sure), which means only one time schedule, with lots to do. As finals close in, I find myself more frequently in my room, with a textbook open, making sure I get all of my work completed and that I actually understand it. Even when I think I have free time, there's that little voice in the back of my head telling me that there's probably something that I should be doing.

All in all, I have definitely felt the burden of deadlines on my shoulders. But I have found this miracle solution that is shown to increase happiness, as well as strengthen friendships. You've probably heard it before, and done it before as well - I take time. In fact, I take time...to make time!

What I mean is that I take what time I do have when I'm not involved in something and use it to my advantage. I could be getting ahead in my work, or I could use it to spend time with my friends. This has made me more spontaneous in a way, because I've learned to make the most out of the time that I'm given.

It's really a nice habit that I've picked up from my parents. At home, my family is well aware that the Hunley to-do list is constantly growing. But given a beautiful weekend in the spring or summer and you'll probably find us at a pond with our lines in the water. My family recognizes that a little break time (and some fresh air) is a good reliever. It's the little things that can mean so much, bring happiness, and help make things less serious. Maybe it's a random road trip, or a group of friends going to see a movie. What do you make time for?

A reliever for me came in one of the best ways last week in the form of the 2014 Nebraska FFA State Convention in Lincoln. There I got to interact with members from across the Cornhusker State, watch my friends (the Nebraska FFA State Officer team) deliver their retiring addresses, and see seven dedicated individuals be chosen to serve as the 2014-2015 Nebraska State Officers. Being at the convention reminded me of what a great organization that we are a part of. The FFA has definitely allowed me to make the most of the time that I'm given, and use it to build relationships that will last for years to come.

Make sure to take that extra time for yourself, or for others. Use it to your advantage. Get ready for the next Career Development Event. Put in that extra hour in your SAE. Go out of your way to make a new friend. You'll be glad you did. So what are you waiting for? Time won't wait for you, and you can't grab it once it's gone. It's sitting right in front of you, so reach out, take it, and make it!

Kansas FFA, we out!

Happy

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 08 Mar 2014 23:55:00 +0000

So those of you who listen to the radio, have seen Despicable Me 2 (highly recommended), or just know a song that will almost always put you in a good mood, you’ve probably heard “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. For those that haven’t, don’t despair, there’s a link at the bottom.

With the title pretty much giving away the premise, Williams sings about that one emotion that the world doesn’t feel as often as it should. The upbeat tempo is enough to bring a smile to anyone’s face, not to mention getting the urge to dance.

My favorite part of the song has to be the hook, which goes a little something like this (sing along if you’d like):

Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do

One thing I have noticed whenever this song comes on is that a lot of people know the lyrics, but few seem to know the meaning to them, so let’s break it down:

“If you feel like a room without a roof” – Williams says that this is a metaphor for one’s space without limits. Too often we can become unhappy because we are boxed in by limitations, whether that’s something like being told that we can’t do something, or other emotions. There are times where we can feel “roofed in” when our plans don’t go accordingly, or we fall a little short of our goals, but that shouldn’t keep us from feeling happy. Take it from the room – not having a roof and having access to the infinite possibilities that await is a great feeling. How can you stop feeling “roofed in”?

“If you feel like happiness is the truth” – Of course it is! There’s no need to argue with it, or try to contradict it. Being happy, and especially true to yourself, is the best feeling. Don’t settle for being someone else, because their happiness might not be yours. Branch out and try something new, because you might find something that you love, all while being true to yourself!

“If you know what happiness is to you” – What does happiness mean to you? Does it mean hanging out with friends, or curling up with a good book? Maybe it means getting to spend time with your livestock, or getting ready for that next public speaking event. Like I said before, don’t take someone's definition of happiness. Find what you like to do, and make it your own.

“If you feel like that’s what you wanna do” – By this point, you should be clapping. If you feel happy, and want to stay happy, surround yourself with individuals who also stay happy. Find things in common, and always make sure to show your happiness. A smile is contagious, you know.

At the end of the day, we all have an opportunity to be happy, and make sure those around us are happy as well. We each have our own passions, and by supporting the passions of others, and finding ways to ignite our own, we can all clap along, because we’ll feel happy.

Here’s a link to Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”:

http://youtu.be/y6Sxv-sUYtM

Kansas FFA, we out!

Fortune Favors the Bold

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 01:57:00 +0000

Time and time again, even from when we probably didn’t have a clue as to what they were, we all looked forward to the true reward of eating at a Chinese restaurant: the fortune cookie. These golden treasure chests were just waiting to be cracked open, to show us what we can look forward to in our future. Most of us probably didn’t care for the actual cookie (I didn’t until a couple of years ago), but were much more concerned of what was inside.

It’s funny how a little strip of paper stuffed into a cookie causes us to think so much. Maybe it fills someone with anticipation, or gives someone else a good laugh. Whatever the purpose is, something clicks inside of our brains that whenever something peculiar happens afterwards, we think “that must be what the fortune cookie meant!” As always, a fortune is always subject to interpretation. “You will have a pleasant surprise” might actually mean a penny you find around the corner. “Good things take time” might just be the cookies sitting in the oven. No one really knows what power these things have, but fortunes find their way into our lives one way or another.

There’s one fortune cookie in particular that I cracked open a few days ago. Inside, it read: “Happiness is around the corner, wealth down the street.” My mind instantly started racing. Was I going to see a long lost friend? Was I going to find a $100 bill lying on the ground? Unfortunately, neither of those things happened, but I decided to take my own interpretation of it. I found happiness around the corner as when I left lunch, it had actually warmed up about five or six degrees. Those five or six degrees were the dividing line between me being comfortable in a coat and hoping my nose didn't fall off. As for the wealth that I found down the street? I found it after a walk back to my dorm, where I was surrounded by my friends, welcoming me back. It might not be the conventional wealth, but friendships are priceless. Truly, these strips of paper only have the power of our imagination and attitude. Depending on how we look at things, there are limitless possibilities. How do you look at situations? There’s probably a time or two where putting a positive spin on things can make a world of difference.

Now let’s jump back to the whole fortune cookie. They all share the same outside characteristics as one another, but what’s inside could be totally different. Does that remind you of anything? If you’re thinking of the FFA, then we’re on the same wavelength. Whether you meet someone at a CDE, or make a new friend at Convention, we all have common ground. We’re all linked by the blue corduroy, but at the same time, we’re all individuals. We all possess different outlooks and perspectives, and can impact others with our actions.

When we get to know someone, we have the chance to see what’s inside; what makes them special. What you learn might get you thinking, and want to know more. The bonds we make through FFA are strong and true, and through them, we can make a difference. How can you use your message to make an impact? How can you take that first step towards a more positive outlook? And as you meet new people, remember to be bold, because fortune favors those who are.

Kansas FFA, we out!

In the Act of Service

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 01:15:00 +0000

Polished stone stands tall, and all is quiet. On this stone sit many engraved names - those who came before us; those who chose to work towards a greater good and serve our country.

For many, this description leads us to think of many of the memorials that we see in our nation's capital, Washington D.C. Their solemn beauty stands to remind all of us of the men and women who gave their lives for our nation. What some don't consider is that something like this can reside in a small town.

Baxter Springs, Kansas, a town about ten minutes away from my home nestled in the southeast corner of the state, is home to a memorial dedicated to the veterans from all branches of the military. I attended the unveiling while I was home on Thanksgiving break, and was completely awe-stricken. Five stones stood in a semi circle around a larger one in the center. Each of the outer stones were engraved with images depicting a different branch of the military, while the center stone had an engraved dedication to America's veterans. What particularly stood out about this memorial was not the polished stones that my eyes saw, however, but the small paver bricks my feet stood upon.

Each brick was marked with a different name. Names that were family friends, and names that I had never seen before. Below each name was a description of what branch of the military they belonged to, if they had been apart of a war, and what years they had served. Each brick had a place on that path, locking between the others and serving as an entrance to the memorial.

Courtesy of Michael Rodgers Photography

The memorial project was undertaken by my grandmother several years back. With the help of friends, family, and the community she and the other members of her committee set out to build something that would stand as a reminder of those who served. The committee had gone through many years of phone calls, late nights, meetings, and construction, to honor others. Over these past years, my grandma had always had a full schedule, but between it all, she always found, and still finds, time for the ones she cares about.

I began to have some thoughts after the ceremony: service is a continuous cycle. We don't just do it once, and then we're done. Those we serve have or have had the opportunity to serve another, and the chain continues. My grandma and her colleagues worked to serve the men and women of the armed forces, as they have served our country for countless years. How can you be caught up in the act of service? How are you able to serve those in your home and community? Is there a way that you can be a part of this continuous cycle of service?

Through this memorial, we offer thanks, in the hopes that one day future generations can look upon it, and be thankful for the service that was given to ensure our safety, our ideals, and our country. To all of the men and women, past, present, and future, who live an act of service: Thank you.

Always Burn Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Nov 2013 22:48:00 +0000

Imagine for a moment: you're far away from home (maybe in a different time zone), experiencing something that many have never seen before. You aren't really sure where to go, but luckily you are surrounded by some very good friends - all 63,000 of them. That amazing feeling of being a part of something as large as the FFA swept across Louisville, Kentucky a couple of weeks ago as it hosted the 86th National FFA Convention & Expo.

This was not only my second National Convention that I had ever attended, but this was my first time being in Louisville. I shared that "first" with many, as it had previously been held in Indianapolis, Indiana for several years past. At this National Convention, however, I had an amazing and unique experience: to serve as a delegate. The delegate body is made up of 475 members, similar to the House of Representatives. Our mission was to address different issues surrounding the FFA, with items such as how we can further broadcast our message, or ways to increase ag literacy in the public. The entire process was amazing because it shows how we can all come together to help the FFA grow as an organization.

National Convention wasn't all business, though. There was plenty of time to meet new people and hang out with old friends. The team went to a concert featuring Jana Kramer and Dierks Bentley, which was mind-blowing. The delegates also sat on the convention floor, where the Kansas State Officers had front row seats. All of the sessions were recorded and broadcasted, so I'm sure a few people saw Lindy and I jamming out to the choir's mash-up of Pitch Perfect (which was amazing, I might add), or Daryl and Elizabeth swing dancing in front of the stage. As delegates, we made sure to match all of the energy that the members brought to convention, making it so amazing to be in the sessions.

The core of National Convention is the general sessions, where FFA members are recognized for their accomplishments, National Officers deliver their retiring addresses, and amazing keynote speakers are heard. There are moments of high energy, and high emotion. Each session is chaired by a different National Officer, who bring their own personality into the light. In my opinion, one of the most amazing things to hear at National Convention is opening ceremonies, right at the beginning of each general session. The secretary calls the roll of members (62,998!), and you get to hear the thundering reply to, "FFA members, why are we here?"

The biggest takeaway were the messages that the speakers left behind. One of the keynote speakers, Josh Sundquist, said that "life is tough. But life isn't about falling down, it's about how quickly you get back up." National President Clay Sapp wrapped up his retiring address with one, resounding question: how will you start living for others? Every person on that stage had a story that would capture my mind, and all of them had a message that touched my heart.

This year is full of so many possibilities. There will be obstacles, but none that cannot be overcome. This year, we as FFA members have the opportunity to fuel our passion for the FFA. We can spark action. Our ideas and actions could be the fuel needed to spark something much bigger than ourselves. And when we fuel our passion; when we spark action; we will ignite. How can you bring passion to something, like a new project? How can you bring that passion into your communities, and spark that action?

I could write (or type) about National Convention all day. If I did, however, I have a feeling that it might be the size of a Harry Potter book. For those interested in seeing the 86th National Convention & Expo for themselves, the broadcasts are available to watch at ihigh.com/ffa. They are worth watching, because there are some parts to National Convention that you just cannot put into words.

Each session was ended by one phrase. These words spoke about how we as individuals can shine, and as members, how we can ignite the FFA. Because I'm a science geek, I loved this phrase from the moment I heard it. I know, as did the National Officers, that we can all accomplish great things in the FFA,

"for the fires that burn the brightest, the fires that give off the most heat, always burn blue."

Fuel Passion. Spark Action. Ignite FFA.

Kansas FFA, we out!

Doctor's Advice

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 11 Oct 2013 22:50:00 +0000

Green Eggs and Ham, The Lorax, and of course The Cat in the Hat. Stories all created by Theodor Geisel, also known as the one and only Dr. Seuss. The winner of many awards for his creations, Dr. Seuss was also known as a perfectionist. He would not settle on a story until he was sure that the theme was exactly what he wanted. It is said that it wasn't uncommon for Seuss to throw out 95% of his current work and start from almost scratch. But his endless pursuit for perfection shows in his work, providing countless lessons, laughs, and memories.

I was given a book of Dr. Seuss quotes as a gift before I graduated, and was told that if I ever need a smile, or a little extra motivation, to look through the pages. Here are some of my favorites:

"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So...get on your way!"
-Oh, the Places You'll Go!

"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"
-Dr. Seuss

"If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew. Just go right along and you'll start happening too."
-Oh, the Places You'll Go!

These quotes remind me that we all have a journey ahead of us whether that is achieving a goal or trying something new. There's no better day to make progress than today, and the trip becomes easier when you can just be yourself.

If I ever need a pick-me-up, or a good rhyme, I'll always be sure to find a quote by Dr. Seuss. What quote speaks to you? Is it motivational, or thoughtful? How can your favorite quotes empower your actions?

Kansas FFA, we out!

Different Styles

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 17:35:00 +0000

There I was - lost, confused, and unsure of what to do. I had many options in front of me, but I wasn't sure which was best. I was sitting at my desk typing a paper for one of my classes when I was faced with a difficult decision: what type of font should I use? I couldn't decide if this phrase should be in italics or if a certain word would look better if it was in bold. When I finally turned the paper in, I was happy with the decisions that I had made. But while I was picking through every little option I could choose for the words I had typed out, I had a thought. What if the font styles that I had to choose between are like the qualities that we want to strive for as individuals?

Be Bold: In writing, words are put in bold so that they stand out from the rest. Often times, words that are bold are of importance or have some significance. We must be bold in our actions so that we stand out, show our skills, and grow as individuals. How can you be bold in your words and actions?

Be Italic: Italics are saved for special circumstances, like when writing out a title to a book or movie, or a phrase in a different language. Italics catch the eye with slanted writing and can give a new meaning to a word or phrase by changing how it is looked at. We should give purpose to what we do, and provide that different perspective that might just give a new meaning to a situation. How can we be italic in our everyday life?

Be Underlined: Whether it’s jotting down a quick line under a key term or drawing seven marks underneath a time for an appointment, we’ve all used underlining. Like putting words in bold and italics, underlining words makes them stand out from the rest. But often times underlining is used for emphasis. Those key phrases or words that need to be remembered, or the time of the meeting so we won’t be late. By underlining, we make sure that we don’t forget, and that these things are important. By “being underlined,” we can remind ourselves to add emphasis to what we do, and that we can be remembered in a positive way. How can you underline what you say and do?

Just like the choices that I had in my paper, we all can choose how we act, and how we lead. Changing our attitudes can be as easy as the click of a button. How can you be bold, be italic, and be underlined? More importantly, how can you..be you?

Kansas FFA, we out!

Fly Over States

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Jul 2013 19:51:00 +0000

A warm summer day, with a cool breeze blowing out of the north. To me, that sounds like a perfect day for a run. Call me crazy, but running is relaxing, and gives me a chance to be outside and enjoy nature. Living in a "fly over state" has its perks; because if it's one thing I enjoy most on my runs, it's the beautiful scenery.

On my regular run, I will run past cows, horses, a hay field, two wheat fields, and a couple of corn fields. There is no doubt that there are times that I take all of this for granted, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I consider my neighborhood (AKA the middle of nowhere) a fantastic picture of American agriculture. Every adjacent plot of land is growing something different, but at the same time they are all next to each other. It's diversity coming together that makes agriculture so amazing.

It's moments like this that I get little snapshots of all the beauty the land has to offer and a chance to reflect on all of the hard work that was put into it. To the world, agricultural states like Kansas, Oklahoma, or Indiana are known as "fly over states", as Jason Aldean points out in his song. He says that people take these places for granted. However, he points out that these are some of the most beautiful places in the country, filled with the most hard-working people that you will ever meet. If you haven't already done so, try to meet "the man who plowed that earth and planted that seed" and thank him for all that he has done.

Whether we live near "a bunch of square corn fields and wheat farms," or we're in the plane that's flying over them, we all have a hand, and an impact, in agriculture. How can we make sure that we are making a positive impact? Do we take American agriculture for granted? How can we show ourselves and others the importance of agriculture?

As FFA members, we have the opportunity to not only experience and learn about agriculture, but to advocate it as well. By developing those qualities of leadership (which an FFA member should possess), our voices can be heard in our communities, in our States, and in our nation. How can we show people what it means to be a part of a "fly over state"?

Here's a picture I stopped to take while going down the (miles and miles of) back roads.

Kansas FFA, we out!

Back to the Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:29:00 +0000

Many times life becomes really busy and hectic. At these points in time I am often reminded to return to the basics and just go with what is natural and simple. In a nutshell three things are my go-to basics:
1. Quotes- I tend to find peace in the words in rough times
2. Outdoors- Experiencing nature in the most pure form is remarkable every time
3. Music- I get lost in music, the beat and rhythm have the ability to change my mood instantly

In our lives, what are the basics that we can go back to when we have a rough day? What brings us inner peace and happiness? Out of the complicated things in our day to day life, what is the most basic and fundamental thing that brings you joy?

Here are some of my favorite quotes:

Strive not to be of success,

but rather to be of value.

-Albert Einstein

Adopt the pace of nature

her secret is patience.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trust your struggle.

-Anonymous

A society grows great when

old men plant trees whose

shade they know they

will never sit in.

-Greek Proverb

Stay Classy Kansas FFA

New Perspectives

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 01:21:00 +0000

For some of us this year was the first time we had the opportunity to experience National FFA Week and all that it offers to students majoring in agriculture and FFA members across the nation. For others, it was the fifth or sixth time we have experienced National FFA Week which I would like to call its own holiday; for me this was the case. I have had a multitude of different FFA week experiences; however none of them quite compared to this year. I got involved in different events outside of my home chapter which allowed me to have a different perspective of the so-called holiday to those of us who eat, sleep, live and breathe FFA.

Take a moment to think about how it can be refreshing to see a different perspective of the "same view."

Packaging food at Harvester's

To kick-off FFA week the state officer team started at the state capitol in Topeka where we visited with Secretary of Agriculture Dale Rodman and Governor Sam Brownback as well as Senate Aricultural Committee Chair Garrett Love. In each one of these different meeting we saw a different perspective of the Kansas government and what different views these individuals had about agriculture. In addition to this we were also introduced on the House of Representatives Floor which for me was a whole new perspective of the law making process. We also helped to kick off the Neighbors to Neighbors Food Drive at Harvesters.

On a cold Tuesday morning, Denver and I were blessed with the opportunity to interact with the Wilson FFA Chapter. We learned more about the three circles of the agricultural education model from a facilitator’s perspective instead of a students while we shared more about the model to seventh and eighth graders. We also discovered more about personal securities and self-confidence and how both of those aspects are important to help us grow into the people we are destined to become.

Wilson FFA Members

Later that afternoon we visited with a past state officer who served in 1957-58 and was the Kansas National Officer Candidate. Getting his view of what FFA and agricultural education meant was a totally different view which provided me with an opportunity for personal growth. By coincidence I actually knew this man. He lives rather close to me and I have hunted on the ground right next to his. It was interesting to learn about him from a different viewpoint than the man who we spoke to on the road in passing.

Lloyd Oswald (past state officer)

The Ellis FFA visit was one where we also had the opportunity to learn more about the three circle model and we spent time getting to know the eighth graders on a more in-depth level.

Over the next week or so I challenge you to think about things that you do every day from a different perspective and see what changes you might make or what growth opportunities you can find.

Stay Classy Kansas FFA

Celebrate Everyday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 01:14:00 +0000

Many times throughout the year we throw parties to celebrate a certain occasion, often times with a cake or balloons and maybe even one of those fun piñatas. Recently, I have had several reasons to celebrate; K-State winning the Big 12 Championship, my godchild’s second birthday, my dads’ 50^th birthday and many more. Every one of these occasions resulted in some mutual feelings of happiness, thankfulness and praise. But what if we celebrated like we won the Big 12 every day?

The evening of the final K-State home football game was a special one. Team mate and friend Glendolyn, or as I affectionately call her Coco and I stormed the football field after the win over Texas to secure the Big 12 Championship title. It was the celebration of a lifetime and something I will always remember.

My godchild Addalyn who I refer to as Boo, is the most important person in my life. She celebrates like there is no tomorrow including when she goes on the big girl potty and says to me “still dry”.

If we could have the mentality like Coco and myself after the game or like Boo during potty training we would be celebrating every day. It sounds like a great plan in theory but I will be the first to admit sometimes things go wrong that lead us to throw ourselves a pity party not a celebratory one. As difficult as it may seem sometimes life is about picking up what happened and moving on while trying to find the good in the situation. No, it most certainly isn’t always easy but life is so much sweeter when we learn to celebrate the little things like hitting every green light on the way to school, or acing a test, or even having the extra time for a nap during the day.

With this New Year I challenge all of us to celebrate every day for whatever reason and if we can’t find a reason here is a great one; we are alive, and the sun will come up tomorrow.

Stay Classy Kansas FFA

Like A Skyscraper

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 01:43:00 +0000

Driving around, windows down, music blurring; this scene is an all too familiar one for my friends and I. This is always a great time and a great stress relief. Do you ever feel like you’re just burly keeping your head above the water, avoiding complete submersion? Stress is a daily part of life, its not whether we have it in our lives, it’s how we deal with it. Cruising around the great town of Manhattan one day with my friends the song “Like a Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato came blasting through the speakers. As sat in the back seat thinking about the long list of things I needed to do and everything I had on my plate the song lyrics finally hit me. “Go on and try to tear me down. I will be rising from the ground, like a skyscraper.” It’s a great motivational song, but the question is how do we rise? In a perfect world it would be easy but we all know different. So below are five tips that can be used to survive a stressful day or week and truly rise like a skyscraper:

Time Management and Organization-
Alan Lakein once said “Time = life, waste your time and waste your life, or master your time and master your life.” When things get hectic and crazy this is always the first thing I throw out the window for some reason. In all reality it should be one of the first things I do to prepare myself for what’s a head. A simple planner or notebook to write down all the important dates and the all too vital To-Do List can make a big difference. The first step is to calm yourself down and get your feet firmly planted on the ground.

Goal Setting and/or Action Plan-
This tip flows right along with the time management and organization. I find it very valuable after I get my head back on straight to think about my goals for the day or the week. I start by answering these two questions: What do I need to get done and when does it have to be finished? After I have those questions clearly answered and written down I create a plan and some goals on how to get them done. It might sound silly but it works. When I create this plan I turn heavily to the resources around me to insure I get them done and done well. No one said you have to go it alone. I am blessed to have five amazing teammates who will help me in any way they can, whether that’s helping me study or giving me a ride to class. Everyone has resources they can turn to in their lives so why not use them. Resources are only valuable if we use them.

Support-
This one my sound funny however we all have those people that we go to for a quick pick me up or a simple reassurance that we can in fact survive. These people could include your family, friends and teachers. Being the mama’s boy I am, I always seem to be calling my mom. She is there to talk things through at all times and helps me form my action plan. Just having a conversation with people like this in your life about what’s happening can make it feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. It’s never good to leave things bottled up in your brain.

Sleep-
This is the second thing I always mange to cross off my list when things don’t go as planned. A good night’s sleep can insure that your body can work at maximum potential. It may seem like a pointless waste of time however it really is one of the most important. The average person needs between 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. When you are sleeping your brain is going to work, converting the day’s learning into memory and reenergizing the body. Sleep can affect how you feel, your relationships, your productivity and your quality of life.

Stress Relief-
One of my favorites: stress relief! For me when one thing goes wrong it seems like everything starts going wrong. It is very easy to become frustrated when things in life don’t go as planned but don’t ever let stress win! How do you battle stress? The answer to this question is quiet simple, whatever makes you happy. For me sugar and good music makes it to the top. These two things can make my worries and anxieties slip away. Some of my friends enjoy sitting down and reading a book to get away from it all. Whatever it is for you, make sure you do it. You only have one life to live so you might as well enjoy it. Life may not be the party you plan for but while you’re here you might as well dance!

So the next time things get a little stressful and you don’t know how you’re going to stay afloat try the things listed above. The funny part of life is that it never slows done and time never stops so even when it feels like there is no tomorrow I can assure you that the sun will rise and the world will continue to spin. I can also assure you that life is going to tear you down every so often but the question is: Will you be rising from the ground like a skyscraper?

Need some Motivation:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_8ydghbGSg&ob=av2e

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xn676-fLq7I

Self Improvement - A Continuous Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0000

What does eating black-eyed peas, wearing red, kissing at midnight, checking the direction of the wind and making a lot of noise have in common? These are all the traditional ways people around the world bring in the New Year. With the New Year officially starting only days ago it is a time filled with people thinking about a fresh start focused on personal growth to insure they have a better year then the one they are leaving.

However for me that started days earlier. At this point the majority of you reading are lost. How can I make a fresh start during the final weeks of 2011? However why must we wait for time to tick by for us to grow and make improvements? New Years day is like any other day of the year, the sunrises and then sets and time marches on. Now I am not saying resolutions aren’t a good thing. Researchers say people who explicitly make resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who don't explicitly make resolutions. The question is why can’t we make resolutions year round? The need to embark on a journey of self-improvement shouldn’t have to be marked on a calendar. Webster describes the word RESOLUTION as a firm decision to do or not to do something. That definition didn’t come with a time stamp. To me a resolution is nothing more than a goal. The word goal doesn’t seem nearly as complex and complicated as the word resolution.

GOAL SETTING is nothing new to a lot of people. The basics to forming a solid goal follow the S.M.A.R.T. method. Meaning the goal must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-Bound. But where do we start and how do we set out on sticking to and achieving a resolution or a goal?

One day on my winter break I was surfing Facebook when I happened upon a link that took me to an awesome blog that helped me to answer that question. The blog entry was talking about dealing with change and the author made the solution simple: simply stick to our purpose. They entry stated this:

“Purpose is what makes your life worth living. It is what drives our decisions, direction and attitude. If we seek purpose in our actions here on earth, then change becomes our alley, our "side-kick" that helps us do good.”

The same can be applied when trying to develop our goals or resolutions. If we center our goals around our purpose we will surely succeed. So the next question, how do we develop our purpose? Unfortunately I don’t have a direct answer to that question. I can only provide some tips. Each person on this earth is different and unique. Therefore no two people on this earth will have the same purpose. Each will vary. There are a couple things that are certain for sure: ONLY YOU and YOU ALONE can find and discover YOUR PURPOSE.

Look at your life, what you have achieved or what you didn’t then look towards your future, what do you what to achieve?

Another thing that is certain for sure is that New Years day will continue to happen as long as we live. Things will continue to change in our lives. Time marches on. Lets use that valuable time towards our advantage and seek out SELF-IMPROVEMENT YEAR ROUND!

The Power of One

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:33:00 +0000

96,783. This is not the number of calories in a box of Lucky Charms, miles on my truck or the number of times I have logged into Facebook. 96,783. This number represents exactly how many “Kurt’s” there are in the United States.

In my day-to-day life I will admit at times I simply want the day to end, not always looking towards the future and the impact I could be making. However one evening the number 96,783 appeared and the question arose, how was I going to make an impact and not just be part of the five-digit number in front of me. The first thought in my head was simple; I had a hard enough time getting through my own day how can I possibly stand out and make an impact. I became very discouraged but then two stories were told that changed my mindset.

The first was that of an un-respected woman with little rights. She worked long, hard days and had a hard time getting through her own day. She had a choice one-day, a choice to stay with the status quo, get pushed around and simply get through the situation or to stand up for herself and the others around her. She took the latter option. She got arrested and put in jail. But she sparked an entire movement, a movement that would change the entire world. You know her as Rosa Parks. Congress as identified her as “the mother of the freedom movement”. By choosing to violate laws and stay sitting that day on the bus, she stood out and made an impact by using her Power of One.

The second was that of a man named Schicklewuber. As a boy he never learned about character. His parents never taught him wrong from right. He was put down when he talked about becoming a priest and insulted when he spoke of becoming an artist. He was never valued or taught values. He put up an emotional wall and never let anyone inside. He grew up and became a leader and used his Power of One. You know him as Adolf Hilter and we also all know his terrible impact.

These two individuals both had something in common; they both used their Power of Ones. They both stood out of the crowd and made an impact but one for great things and one for terrible things. Currently there are 312,325,336 people in the United States and 6,965,275,004 in the world. Our population is ever changing and growing and great leaders are needed more and more each day.

I challenge you to go to the following link and find out how many people share your name:

http://howmanyofme.com/search/

Put this number on a note card and place it in somewhere where you will see it EVERYDAY. Mine is on my ceiling next to my goals, it’s the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing when I go to bed at night. It helps me to remember to make that impact and stand out from the multiple other “Kurt’s”. One more number to consider, 15. Every seven seconds someone is born, every 13 seconds someone dies. This amounts to a net gain of one person every 12 seconds. That means since the time you began reading this, 15 more people have entered the world population. How will you use your Power of One to impact the future?

Charity = Chief ?!?!?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 18:22:00 +0000

August 22, 2011. This is the day I officially became a college student. Now I was both excited and scared for this new chapter in my life to begin. On that same day I got my very first college homework assignment. It was in my third class of the day, History 252 (1877-Present), and we were assigned to read a chapter before we were to meet again. Now I have always loved history however I am not the fastest reader. So I decided just to dive right into my assignment and finish up the reading. As I was reading along I stumbled upon something that completely blew my mind:

”Respect among Native Americans was earned through acts of charity. Sitting Bull of the Lakota Sioux, for example, rose to prominence and eventually chief of his tribe both through his success as a warrior and due to his many exhibitions of generosity.

‘I was a famous hunter. . . I gave the buffalo calves that I killed to the poor that had no horses. I considered a good man.’ Sitting Bull”

(Exact text exert from page 444, Chapter 15: Conflict and Conquest, Visions of America)

Here I was simply trying to get done with this “assignment” when in reality there was valuable knowledge that could be obtained by uncovering the past! In my mind I always envisioned the selection of a Native American Chief to be simple. They simply selected the biggest, tallest, strongest, smartest and the best looking as the new leader. However what a closed minded opinion that was to have. It goes so much deeper than I ever imaged. Sure they looked at the person as an individual; however they also looked at how that person treated and served others. Looking at it in this light everything makes so much more sense. Cleary that’s what everyone wanted as leader back then and it still holds true today.

When comparing this to everyday life I often forget that the little things people do for others and the way they make them feel, will greatly impact their ability to be successful where ever they go. This quote by Maya Angelou sums it up:

“People will forget what you said, people forget what you did, but people will NEVER forget how you made them feel.”

For example since I was starting college for the first time this week, it was also my first time ever buying books. I headed to the bookstore and dove right in. The store was just crammed with people and everyone seemed to be moving at hyper speed. I managed to acquire all my books and head to the check-out line with little difficulty. The store was busy enough that it required three check-out lines operating at once to help alleviate the wait time. They called the next person in line and I walk up to the counter with my armful of books. As I set down my books I am greeted with a smile from the cashier. She began scanning my books, while doing so she asked if I had a customer’s rewards card, I responded with a “no”. Now she could have just continued on checking the books and I wouldn’t have even batted an eye; however she knew it would be beneficial and help me save money in the long run, so she took it a step further and asked if I wanted one. I responded with a shrug of the shoulders and an “I don't know, do I” she gave me a nod and handled me the form to fill out.

The next thing the cashier did to go above and beyond was inform me about the difference of buying a book or simply renting one. You can save a lot more money by renting verses buying. Once again she didn't have to do this, she could have just made me buy all of them and once again I wouldn’t have known the difference, but she took the time to do so. Finally all the books where scanned in and I handed her my credit card to pay. Of course something else would have to go wrong and my card didn’t want to seem to work at the register. The cashier very patiently, with a smile, helped me figure out a solution to the problem and insure I got my books, without making me feel any worse then I already did about this whole "book buying experience".

As I walked out to my vehicle, with my books in toe, I see the same lady that helped me getting in her car and pulling away. It hit's me all of a sudden that she was at the very end of her sift!! Here I was the student that has no clue which ways up, the type of customer everyone dreads, it's the end of a hard day of work, and all you want to do is get home, but did that change her desire to help me in any way she could? No!!! This amazes me! She simply did the little things and it made the biggest impact on my entire day and my entire week. She did everything she could to help me and made me feel great while doing it. Thanks to her I was actually able to read my history book in the first place!!

I am challenging everyone reading this to do what that cashier did. GIVE BACK. Those words can be scary, however giving back doesn’t have to be a large project. It’s important to remember giving back includes the little things, in the end you will be surprised on the impact they make. Holding the door open, helping someone carry an arm full of things, leaving an up lifting message on a friends Facebook wall, striking a conversation, smiling, simply saying hello, thanking your teacher at the end of class for a great lesson, thanking a friend for being themselves, calling an old friend or relative just to reconnect or being a patient driver. It doesn’t have to be big, try doing at least one act of kindness each day. Who knows those 365 acts of kindness could one day allow you to BECOME CHIEF!

Defining Kurt D Lockwood

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0000

On May 6th 1993 at 1:19 in the morning, weighing in at seven pounds four ounces, Kurt Dean Lockwood was born in McAlester Oklahoma. Over these last eighteen years many things have changed. It’s becomes difficult to try and explain what my life now consists of in word form. So I thought I would introduce myself using none other then KURT D LOCKWOOD to do so:

Keeping connected with family and friends. Throughout my life I have been blessed with amazing people that have supported and guided me along the way. Considered the baby of our family, with only one older brother. My family has taught me so much and I consider them all very important role models in my life. My brother Quint is two years older than me and I have always looked up to him for advice and wisdom. I would fit the definition of a mama’s boy; I rely on her for almost everything in my life. My dad has always pushed and supported me through it all and has truly opened my eyes to the world around me. I also have a large extend family and wouldn’t have it any other way. My friends are the exact same way. Family and friends are and always will be a big part of my life and it is important I stay connected with the wonderful people around me.

Unique. Dr. Seuss put it best when he stated, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” I try to keep this in the back of my mind at all times. On my Ipod you can find a variety of artists including Trace Adkins, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, to name a few. If I like it, I hold nothing back. Pillow pets and crazy bands amaze me. Randomness is part of my everyday life. My friends describe me, as an energetic, enthusiastic, crazy and spontaneous person. I love singing and dancing even though I am not very good at it. I try and remain positive and have a great time no matter what situation I am placed in.

Relaxing. After a long stressful day I love just sitting back and relaxing. Even after eighteen years I find enjoyment in jumping on my old trampoline, listening to my Ipod. Hanging out with friends and having great conversations is one way I get away from it all. I love going out and having a great time.

Technology. I couldn’t image life without it! It scares me to even think about it. I use my cell phone, Ipod and computer every single day. It’s my way off staying up to date on everything occurring. I love watching T.V. and movies. I will watch just about anything. No matter how hard I try I can’t disconnect from social networking. Facebook is a great asset for me as well as texting. I simply love communicating and staying connected.

Dean. This is my middle name that I share with my grandfather. I was going to leave it out but included it for those who, like me, want to know the small, unusual details of someone that can’t be found on Facebook.

Livestock/Animals. I was considering being a veterinarian at one point in my life but realized I love animals so much that I didn’t ever want to see them in pain. Zoos are always one of my favorite destinations. Livestock is key to the agricultural industry and the same in my life. Show animals have always been considered my friends and therefore part of the family. Pigs are and always have been my favorite animal. I have enjoyed showing pigs and goats over the last six years. The show ring is where I first discovered my supervised agricultural experience. I now own half interest with my brother in thirty-five Boar goat does and one buck, striving to raise high quality show weathers and does.

On a mission. This phrase is the best I could come up with to describe my top strength, which is achiever. What ever I am doing I go all out. I am a very competitive person that doesn’t enjoy in the least bit the agony of defeat.

Collector. Postage stamps, coins, crazy bands, pillow pets, old newspapers, souvenirs from trips, photos, songs, quotes, old clothes, shoes, old money, pieces of history, broken crayons, dried out Mr. Sketch markers and the list goes on and on. In some ways I fit the definition of a hoarder but I prefer the term collector. I simply don’t like to get rid off things. Who knows I may need them some time in my life at one point.

Knowledge. I enjoy learning now things. History amazes me and can spend hours learning new random facts about what has occurred. Washington D.C. is by far my favorite city. How can one city be filled with so much history and symbolism? I couldn’t help but always being the student in the front of the history class with the right answer. Staying up on current events by watching the news, reading the newspaper or skimming articles online is a must.

Wow. The world and the country we live in simply amazes me. Throughout my life and thanks to the FFA I have had the great opportunity to be able to travel across the country and visit outstanding destinations. I hope to be able to continue to travel through out the rest of my life. I don’t have to travel far from my house however to be amazed. Caney is my hometown and always will be. I attended and graduated Caney Valley High School and a proud member of the Caney FFA Chapter.

Outgoing. Every single day I try my best to seize every opportunity I can. Though not very athletic I played sports in high school and enjoyed them. Trying new things and getting involved in everything I can is a must. I try never to meet a stranger and make lots of friends.

Obtaining sugar and caffeine. I can’t image life without pop. I drink it from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed. My favorite has to be Pepsi but I like any flavor that flows through my veins. Sugar is the same way. Candy and juke food make my life compete. I try my best to stop eating all these unhealthy things but I am a work in progress.

Definitely loves Agriculture, Agricultural Education and the FFA. My life would be so different without these three. They have always been a very important part to my family and an important part of me. They have opened up so many doors and opportunities that I can’t even put into words my love for everything they supply me.

The following are some things that help to define who Kurt D Lockwood is. What things in your life define you?

As I said above I am a collector of things including quotes, so here is some of my favorites:

“We must free ourselves from the hope the sea will ever rest, instead we must learn to sail in high winds.”

“A ship in the harbor is safe but that’s not what ships were made for.”

"No risks, no rings."

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"