2024-2025

Mar 03 2025

#OldSchool

2024-2025, Gentrie Davis

Gentrie Davis, VP

“Gentrie, never settle for less. Be you, it’s okay to not go along with the crowd.”

My mom always told me this growing up, especially in high school and throughout life in general. Usually when she would tell me this, I would let it go in one ear and out the other. I didn’t see the point. However, per usual, I was wrong!

High school can be difficult. This is a time where we start making connections with others, learning the balance of a social life with work and academics. We start making plans for the future and become independent while gaining responsibility. Personally, my priorities were always academics, work and, at the top, FFA. I loved high school. I had a small group of friends, but it wasn’t always the “cool” crowd. There were times I wished I was “like them”. Looking back now, I am grateful for the experience I had.

We have all heard the terms unique, different, “going against the grain.”, etc. These are more than words, but a testament to the strength it takes for us to stay true to ourselves. In a world where we try to fit in with the crowd through social media or social groups, we become lost and forget our self value. Embracing our values and setting expectations for ourselves is an act of courage and confidence. In FFA, we are taught the importance of setting goals and striving for excellence — not just in our agricultural life, but in living a life where we never lower our standards. We all have something to bring to the table: a positive attitude, words of encouragement, peace, experience, wisdom, the list can go on!

When trying to think of a phrase to encapsulate this, I came back to a conversation I had with my parents in January. We were talking about what our hashtags were going to be walking into 2025. At the time, I didn’t know. But over the month as I interacted with others, my personal expectations started to fall. Fortunately, I was reminded “never settle for less, be you, don’t go with the crowd.” Then it came, #OldSchool.

Remember it’s okay to stand out and be different. Embrace it, never settle for less. Trust in your journey because every step you take with integrity and determination will lead you to where you are meant to be. Exceed expectations and inspire those around you to do the same in creating an atmosphere of success that will leave an impact. Think of it as being old school!

Mar 02 2025

Stop Watering The Weeds

2024-2025, Mikaela Rojas

Mikaela Rojas, 1st Vice President

Disney’s “Finding Nemo” is one of my favorite films of all time. Something about the animation and the plot have always lured me in, but if I’m honest, there’s one character I’m particularly drawn to. Dory, the enthusiastic blue tang fish, is not only lovable but also unreasonably optimistic in the face of adversity. As my admiration for Dory grew, so did my love for her catchphrase “just keep swimming.”

My sophomore year of high school I was busy swimming in the sea of FFA contest season when the tide started to turn. I was competing at a district public speaking event when, for the fourth time in a row, I struck out. Immediately my cheeks started to burn and I could feel the hot tears welling up in my eyes. A hurricane of hurt swirled in my mind as I questioned if I would ever find success in public speaking. I had told myself that if I “just kept swimming” things would eventually go my way. Little did I know, I was forcing myself to swim through a sea of resentment, pain and worry. That night, as I climbed into the car with my Mema, she delivered a line I hold with me to this day. She said, “Mikaela, you’re never going to go anywhere feeling sorry for yourself. Get up and have the courage to try again.”

Missouri FFA members, how beautiful is it that we have countless opportunities to try again? Dory is such a special character to me because she has learned to stop watering the weeds in her life. Instead of worrying about what she is not, she chooses to embrace her feelings and everything that makes her unique. My life changed when I stopped watering the weeds in my heart and allowed a garden to grow. How will you cultivate your garden today to ensure success grows tomorrow?

Feb 20 2025

Laugh Out Loud

2024-2025, Braden Havlik

Braden Havlik

All too often, I get stuck in the endless cycle of scrolling through social media on my phone or mindlessly texting people about the most random topics, and I am sure there are a lot of people who can relate. I find myself constantly responding to texts with things like “LOL,” meaning “laugh out loud,” or simply, “haha,” when most of the time, I don’t even let out a chuckle. This forced me to wonder about all the things we do out of habit with no meaning whatsoever. Scrolling through our phones, texting someone that I “laughed out loud” without actually laughing at all, and asking someone how they are but not listening to their response all came to my mind.

Soon, I found myself contemplating why we waste so much of our lives doing things for no apparent reason. Why do I spend so much time watching videos that provide me with no entertainment or satisfaction? Why do I ask people how they are doing if I don’t take the time to truly listen to what they say? Why do I take the time to text someone something that I never actually did? All of these questions forced me to look at my life from a different perspective and made me think of one of my favorite songs by Wyatt Flores, “Running Out of Time.” In this song, it states, “most people die at 27, get buried at 72,” which proves the more we do these mindless activities, the less we are living. The less we are making the most of each minute of our lives.

Missouri FFA, it’s never too late to start living during your time in our organization. Another line in the song is, “so, do what makes you feel alive.” This is my challenge for you. Don’t take for granted the time you have in FFA, or on earth, because to be honest, it truly is too short. Wake up before you can’t give another speech, before you can’t do another CDE, before you unzip your blue jacket for the last time. Missouri FFA, laugh out loud and do what makes you feel alive … we’re running out of time.

Feb 17 2025

Be Present in the Moment

2024-2025, Madilynn Wehmeyer

Madilynn Wehmeyer

I had never thought that I would enjoy a barnwarming until I began as a state officer. Barnwarming at my home chapter was filled with dancing and chili, but I was not much of a dancer. Until, I found myself one night in November at the Area 7 barnwarming with a couple of my fellow state officers, and numerous members of this amazing organization. I walked in and was pleased to see a whole team of area officers decked out to match the barnwarming theme of USA. From that point forward I knew this was going to be a great night. As each of the members walked in and they received beads to wear, the party was on. However, as I was going on about the night I couldn’t help thinking of all the other things I had to do the rest of the week. My homework, chores, taking my car to get new tires, work, so many things were distracting me. Thinking of just the future was taking me away from the present. I was out of the moment and missing out on the opportunity to visit and make memories with the people around me. Be present in the moment. These words are something I constantly have to say to myself. Way too often I believe we find ourselves focusing on the future. While it is important to think of our future, we must not forget to live in the moment. We only have so many moments and memories to make in FFA. So be present in your moments. Take advantage of the opportunities that FFA is offering you, whether that is new friends, a new skill, or a chance to step out of your comfort zone. Missouri FFA, be present in the moment.

Jan 08 2025

No Dream is too Big Unless Your Courage is too Small

2024-2025, Emma Robinson

Emma Robinson

“I can’t wait to follow my dreams! But I’ll do that once I get out of school.”

“Well, life is busy now. I’ll do it once I have a job.”

“This job takes up so much of my time. I’ll chase that dream after I have a family.”

“My family is at home, so I can’t do it now. But I will when my kids move out of the house.”

“My kids are out and retirement is around the corner! That’s when I’ll start chasing my dream.”

“But, now I have grandkids… maybe after they get older….”

This cycle of excuses will continue until it doesn’t have time to anymore. What was once a dream waiting to come true as a teenager can quickly turn into a distant memory.

Sometimes, in the hustle of life, we find ourselves caught up in the pursuit of dreams that, in hindsight, might not even be our own. We chase after goals set by the expectations others have for us and lose sight of what truly brings us joy and fulfillment.

It’s only in these moments of stillness and reflection that we can find the courage to redirect ourselves back to our own path, embracing the passions and aspirations that we have seemed to hide deep within our hearts.

Each and every one of us has different dreams. Each and every one of us also has an excuse to go along with it.

So, take a moment and think of your dream. What is stopping you from chasing it? Do you want to look back on your life wishing you would have taken the next step when you had the time?

Life is never going to slow down, so it’s your job to embrace the time you have now.

No dream is too big unless your courage is too small. Whether you want to start a business, pick up a new hobby or live in a van and travel across the country, take the next step. Don’t let an excuse keep you from achieving the desires of your heart.

So, fill in the blank with your dream. Speak it out loud.

“My dream is ______________, and I am courageous enough to take the next step to accomplish it.”

Tomorrow is not promised, and life is too short to regret what could have been. Take the chance. Be courageous.

No dream is too big unless your courage is too small.

Dec 13 2024

Embracing Vulnerability: Finding Strength Through Struggles

2024-2025, Gavin Rhode

Gavin Rhode, Secretary

In life, true strength often comes from embracing vulnerability, even when it feels like everything is falling apart. Two years ago, I learned this lesson the hard way. During a football game, I took a helmet to the back of my knee, dislocating my tibia and tearing both my ACL and lateral meniscus. What followed was a painful journey of physical and emotional recovery where I discovered strength doesn’t come from avoiding vulnerability, it comes from facing it head on.

The road to recovery wasn’t easy. For months, I endured countless hours of physical therapy, pushing through pain, frustration and self-doubt. My body wasn’t cooperating, and I often found myself questioning whether I would ever be able to return to the field. But in those moments of struggle, I realized overcoming obstacles isn’t just about raw physical strength, it’s about resilience, determination and accepting help when needed.

As an FFA member, we understand hard work and perseverance are essential to overcoming any challenge. Agriculture has a rich history of overcoming adversity, from the struggles farmers faced during the Dust Bowl to the modern-day challenges of maintaining a farm or ranch. Those who persevered through these hardships didn’t shy away from vulnerability, they leaned into it, drawing strength from their community and their determination to keep going.

In the same way, I’ve learned that life’s struggles are not something to fear or avoid. Instead, they are opportunities to grow, improve and become stronger. It’s in facing these challenges, being vulnerable and pushing forward that we truly find our strength.

Dec 10 2024

What’s Your Brand?

2024-2025, Matthew Lakey

Matthew Lakey

I was recently driving home after a long week of classes at Missouri State, and I passed the local John Deere dealership just outside of Springfield. As I drove by and looked at the sea of green equipment, I immediately thought of everything John Deere is known for as a company. Excellent customer service, outstanding tractors and the beautiful green paint that every piece of equipment is doused in are just a few of the reasons why John Deere is one of the largest and most successful companies in the world. After I drove by the dealership, I thought to myself, just as John Deere is recognized by green paint, we as individuals are recognized by how we conduct ourselves and how we treat other people. I’m sure many people have heard the phrase, “There’s always somebody watching.” This has been preached to me by my parents for years, and I can say without a doubt they were 100% right. People are always watching to see how we treat other people, how we act with our friends and how hard we work. Just as John Deere is a brand that is known around the world for customer service, tractors and green paint, we too are known by our work ethic, our behavior around our closest friends and our willingness to help others. How will you create your own brand?

Dec 06 2024

Finding Success Where You Are

2024-2025, Amelia Hawkins

Amelia Hawkins, VP

Turning 15 is something a lot of people look forward to with excitement. It’s the day you get your driver’s permit and can start driving. For someone like me, however, learning to drive was an absolute nightmare. I was a fast learner in school and picked new material up quickly. But when it came to driving? All bets were off. Mistakes were made constantly, and every little reminder my parents had to give felt like its own failure.

Driving became an experience I tried desperately to avoid. How could I not be good at this? Everyone else I knew could drive and do it so well. Why couldn’t I be like them? Surely my older brother hadn’t had this much trouble trying to drive. In the way people struggling do all too often, I started comparing myself to everyone else and how great at driving they were – something I firmly believed I could never be.

My dad was the one to help me break this attitude of comparison. He reminded me that my brother had been driving for two years already, whereas I had been learning for only a few months. I couldn’t possibly be as good of a driver as someone with as much experience as him, but I was pretty good for someone who had as much practice as I did. Rather than focus on where I was compared to his skill level, I should find success in the steps I had made in my own driving experience.

Throughout the many lessons life throws at us, it’s easy to focus on comparing where you are to where someone else is. But instead of comparing ourselves to others’ experiences, we should learn to take pride in where we are in our own journeys of success.

Dec 03 2024

Love Your People

2024-2025, Andi Belt

Andi Belt, President

I can say without a moment’s doubt that I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today without the support of “my people” along the way. Growing up with four little brothers and countless little cousins, I was never short of cheerleaders at any of my events. Whether it was a basketball game, FFA banquet, softball tournament or sheep show, I could always count on my family being there to celebrate my successes and soften the blow of tough losses. When I got to high school, my village only grew. My teammates, chapter officer team and countless new FFA friends soon became part of my family. Some of the biggest ways they “showed up” for me was through the smallest gestures. When I headed to state officer interviews, my parents, little brothers, cousins, aunts and uncles prepared a basket filled with my favorite things – handwritten notes of encouragement, bible verses and, of course, V8 energy drinks. When I graduated high school, my FFA friends from all over the state drove to the middle-of-nowhere Shelby County to celebrate with hugs and laughter. On my 18th birthday, my 15 new best friends threw the sweetest “mini party” at state officer training. All of these moments truly remind me of how lucky I am. The way they continue to show up for me, be there to celebrate every small success and never stop reminding me how loved I am – that is truly what has made me who I am today. All of us have “our people”. Those who’ve been there for us when we need it most. While it’s easy to think about the difference they’ve made, often we forget to show them how grateful we are. My challenge for all of us as we head into this next season of life is to show our love and appreciation for those who have loved, celebrated and supported us along the way!

Nov 27 2024

Progress over Perfection

2024-2025, Carmen Wilburn

Carmen Wilburn

Throughout my high school years, I was someone who fixated on what went wrong instead of what went right. Whether it was a test, game, or a contest, I spent hours replaying my mistakes in my head, focusing on what I could’ve done better. I rarely celebrated the effort I put in or the progress I made. Instead, I was consumed by the idea that anything less than perfect was failure.

Perfectionism makes you believe that success is only defined by flawlessness, and when I didn’t meet those impossibly high standards, I felt like I’d failed. It created an environment where my self-worth was tied to external achievements, and any misstep felt like a personal defeat. The result? Constant self-criticism and an inability to recognize or appreciate my accomplishments.

But somewhere along the way, I realized that this cycle wasn’t serving me. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, I began to see them as opportunities for growth. I learned to give myself credit for the effort and progress, not just the end result. One key moment in this shift came from my basketball coach telling me, “we’ve just gotta work with what we’ve got”. That simple yet profound statement helped me reframe my mindset. Instead of striving for perfection in every play, I started to focus on what I could do with the tools and skills I had at the moment. It was about progress, not perfection.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with a student about a speech competition they had participated in. When I asked how it had gone, they told me they had lost. In that moment, I realized that I wasn’t the only one who struggled to see the positive side of things. FFA members, even when you don’t get the outcome you worked hard for, it’s important to celebrate the small victories. Whether it’s improving your skills, learning from the experience, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone, every effort is a win. Progress isn’t always about the final result, it’s about how far you’ve come and what you’ve learned along the way.