Jason Holland

The end of 2022 is upon us, and with it brings the end of the first semester of school. That is an exciting time for most as it means winter break and Christmas! As exciting as the holidays are, the time can also be stressful. Catching up on homework, turning in last minute assignments, and worst of all prepping for semester finals. This monster can come in many shapes and forms. For some it might be a paper, while for others it could be a presentation. For me, it came in the form of making a 30 minute television show.

We were split into groups with everyone assigned a different role on the crew. While some might have had the less stressful jobs such as camera crew or VTR, I decided I wanted to challenge myself and take on the role of director. It was by far the most challenging and nerve racking job because the whole show would be relying on me. However, I worked all semester to enhance my skills, and though it was scary, I knew I wanted to push myself. Eventually the day came to film, the crew set up, and I took my position in the director’s chair. When the show came to a close our group celebrated. We had run into a few road bumps here and there, but we came out better than before. I had overcome my fear, and grew as a person.

FFA members, I tell you this story not to brag on myself, but rather to illustrate just how important it is that we challenge ourselves. Throughout this year, you are going to be presented with opportunities that you might not think you are ready for, or might just be too scared to take. These are the exact types of challenges we need to face head on. It will be scary, and that is okay. The best experiences you will ever have will come from something you were originally nervous to do. Take that step. Apply for that office position. Give that speech. Do whatever it is that you are nervous about or scared of. Be the director of your own story, the one where you become the best version of yourself.

As the summer winds to a close, I reflect back on all of the great experiences I had. I traveled around the state, had a lot of firsts, and met a lot of amazing members. FFA Camp was a big part of my summer, and one of the biggest experiences that stands out was an interaction that I had during week six. 

We had just finished up the seventh elective leadership session, and the other officers and I were standing around talking to campers. That is when I was approached by two members from the North Harrison Chapter, and the first thing that they said to me was, “I’m glad there is a fellow gamer on the officer team.”

This might seem a little out of place, but it was in reference to something that I mentioned during my “Me in a Box” I presented during the session. I talked about how much of a nerd I am when it comes to movies, games and music. This simple comment led to a 30 minute conversation allowing me to connect with both members, and it never would have happened if I had not mentioned my love of games. It never would have happened if I wasn’t being myself.

This interaction made something click in my mind, and I realized how important it is to be yourself no matter what. If I wouldn’t have been myself in that situation I never would have gotten to have that interaction and meet two amazing people. There are going to be times throughout your life where you feel out of place, like you don’t belong, and think that you should act differently to try and fit in. Let me be the first to tell you that is never the solution. You will always find more success whenever you are your authentic self. You also never know who you may connect with or impact.