Mikaela Rojas

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? 

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to travel to northern Missouri with the National FFA president, Amara Jackson, and our Missouri FFA president, Andi Belt. I had a mission on my mind: to complete engaging chapter visits with Amara and Andi and soak up as much information as I possibly could.  Halfway through my trip to meet up with them, I was met with a big, orange “ROAD CLOSED” sign. Immediately, I panicked because I knew if I rerouted and followed the roads my GPS wanted me to, I would never meet Amara and Andi on time. In this moment of worry, I looked over my shoulder and noticed an unmarked gravel road. With no other choice and a countdown ticking away in my mind, I turned down the road.

As I drove, I felt a sense of freedom wash over me. The morning sun began to rise, casting a warm glow across the fields ready for harvest. I was captivated by the sight of farmers diligently harvesting their crops in the distance, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication that defines the agricultural community. This unexpected detour allowed me to witness the beauty of agriculture I take for granted in the busyness of day-to-day life. I arrived just in time to meet Amara and Andi with a brand new perspective in tow. This experience taught me that sometimes the best moments come from embracing the unexpected and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

FFA members, as you navigate all of the “gravel roads” in your life and your dreams of future success, remember this – “Do not let the pursuit of tomorrow diminish the joy of today.” Celebrate small victories, build friendships and take time to enjoy the process of learning. Let your journey be rich with both purpose and happiness; the path to success is just as meaningful as the destination itself!

I have never been one for change. When I was little, a substitute teacher at school would throw off my day and a change in lunch plans frustrated me to no end. As a terribly indecisive person, change can be a tough pill to swallow once I have my heart set on something. This month I graduated high school, which is easily one of the biggest changes I have ever undergone. 

At the beginning of the year, I was terrified of leaving the people I loved, the places I was familiar with, and the routine I had developed. It reminded me of my grandfather and his journey in agriculture. At 19, Grandpa left his home in Costa Rica knowing no English to attend Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri. There, he learned English while completing his degree in animal science. Through his stories, grandpa taught me there is power in embracing change. 

Graduation has come and gone, and I am no longer afraid of the constant change that continues to occur throughout my life. If you take a step out of your comfort zone, you may realize that the process of changing is not scary at all. It is a beautiful time of growth and development, whether that be learning from mistakes or adjusting to an unfamiliar situation. I will have strength in knowing that the lessons I learned in leaving will live on in my heart. 

FFA members, you are only limiting yourself by being afraid of change. You can manage the last-minute script revision before a chapter banquet. You can present that speech your advisor has been pushing you to try. You most definitely can use change to practice acceptance and adaptability and become the best version of yourself possible.