It can be easy to think that you aren’t capable. It’s easy to turn down an opportunity in order to protect yourself. When I look back on my FFA career, I think of all the times I considered saying never, no way can I do that. I think of all the opportunities I would have missed. I think of how many times I could have stayed in my comfort zone and failed myself. 

 As a freshman first saying the creed to today, where I get the amazing opportunity to serve as a State Officer there have been many instances where I’ve had to get comfortable being uncomfortable. During the summer before my freshman year, I missed out on opportunities to be involved in my FFA chapter because I was afraid of not knowing anyone.  Looking back, I wish I would have participated from the beginning. I quickly used that summer as a lesson to always be involved, not be afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone, and not to turn down an opportunity no matter how big or small. When asked to do public speaking my first thought was no way, but I remembered to never say no and give it a shot. You never know what might come from it.  

 We often find ourselves stuck in a place where we are comfortable. We don’t feel a need to take any further steps. Still,  I encourage each and every FFA member to take a step. Try a new activity within our organization —from joining a contest team you are unsure about, to giving public speaking a try, or running for an officer. Don’t doubt yourself, and take the steps forward. I challenge you to become comfortable being uncomfortable.