Friday, April 15, 2011

Where I come from, Rain is a good thing!

Last night's shenanigans in the rain!
Overheard today as I was walking around campus, "If I hear 'April showers bring May flowers' one more time, I'm gonna steal their umbrella and kick it through the goal posts in memorial stadium."

It took a lot of restraint not to laugh at that girl's statement. I like rain, I don't love it, but for the most part I like it. I grew knowing that a complaint about rain would mean that I would hear, It's good for farmers, and good for us! Of course, my real enjoyment from rain, is just playing in it. All it takes is a couple hours in the wetness with friends, and the rainy day blues are gone.

Last night, a couple of my roommates and good friends decided to set aside our studies and go back ten years. Back to a time when getting wet and muddy in the rain was the greatest adventure a day could provide.

Finding the positives when life gives you rain means thinking outside the box. When Mother Nature gives you actual rain, put on some shorts and flip-flops and find your inner child!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Learning passion

Good times, Good Friends, Great Organization!

It's state FFA convention here in the Cornhusker State! The blue jackets have invaded the capitol city and it's great to see. Working as a Career Development Events Student Coordinator means that I get to be back in the action. FFA was one of my favorite organizations in high school, because it taught me the passion I have today for speaking and agriculture!

As a freshman, like most others I learned the FFA creed. "I believe in the future of Ag," became not just a line, but my personal mantra. From there I continued public speaking, and my favorite livestock events, judging and management. My favorite part of FFA was not contests, but rather leadership development events like PEAK (Pursuing Excellence and Knowledge) and COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training). Nothing was better than meeting other FFA members and learning the keys to leadership at the same time!

As a Senior, I ran for a state officer position. I didn't get one, but I remember hearing officer speak on their experiences and urging us to pursue our passions. I took those words to heart, and today, I'm combining communications and agriculture in my degree. Pursuing my passion led me throughout my year as a National Beef Ambassador.

This blog post isn't just about Ag. I'm just using my personal examples. Find what you love, no matter what it is, and incorporate it into your everyday life!

'till the cows come home,
Ellie