You Know You Wore Blue Corduroy When...

I know if you're reading this. Most of us were in FFA when we were in high school. This year I have been out of high school for ten years. The four years that I was in FFA was literally the most rewarding time in my life. I by no means was the most popular person in the school but I liked it that way. FFA gave me a meaning. Honestly, it was the only thing I was ever good at!

Being from the rural community. FFA was very much encouraged. At least thats kind of what I thought. Finding my niche in high school was a big accomplishment for me. Not only fitting in with that group but actually being able to suceed at whatever I did.

If I was judging a pen of market pigs, trying to sell tractors to somebody, or freezing my tush off at a meats judging contest. It was always rewarding. Meats judging was one of my most favorite things to do. Not really sure if it was the judging its self. Or going to the local meat plant that one of my really good friends family owns to hang out and practice or just hang out with my friends there. Some of the funnest nights were hanging out at what was known as Project Meats and walk around the coolers looking for the biggest carcass they had hanging in there. Even at fair when I would sell my market hog. I would always hope that the person that bought it would send it to Project Meats to get processed so I could go look at it.

Another funny thing that has stuck with me is some of the verses of the FFA Creed. My husband was in FFA as well. He always likes to make fun of me because for instance when I say something like "that car has seen better days!" Reo always likes to add "in better ways". Then I can't help myself but finish the sentance with, "even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years." It's almost like a tik that I cant stop. Haha!

I also do have to give FFA and 4H for that matter, credit in shaping me into the best person I can be. I have learned good work eithic. I have learned that serving others is rewarding and it has shaped me into a person that can take charge in situations that most people would shy away from. I have learned that caring for an animal is the biggest blessing that you can have. I have learned that you can choose to surround yourself with wonderful people and make life long friends. Now that I have put all of these learned habits into my life as an adult. I can't help but thank the people that were always there for me durning those four years of FFA and ten years of 4H. You know who you are! :)

To close out this little story time. Just think about the expierences that you have had. How have they shaped you into the human that you are today? Would you be the person that you are without the people that were there with you? People that stood beside you freezing during meats judging at JDAE (John Deere Ag Expo) or livestock judging at NILE. Spending countless long nights on a bus driving from one competition to another. Remember those people. They were with you in the most challenging parts of your life not to mention the most awkward times. :) I know I am thankful for every one of those people that were there with me. <3

-Morgan