One day I'll be a high school teacher...

Sometimes I question my career choice...

...and then I attend the Utah FFA State Convention and I realize why it is I want to be an Ag Teacher!

It's because of these girls ----------->

















Let me explain.

The other day while talking to my little sister she referred to some of her closest friends as her "FFA Family". It's clear that sometimes she would rather spend time with them instead of me, her favorite sister (this was only evident when I went to visit my sisters at their hotel during State Convention and she was content with staying in the other room with her "real" friends instead of playing with me....I still love her though). This same sister at State Convention BLEW ME AWAY when she was competing in the Parliamentary Procedure CDE. I was amazed at how great she did and was so proud to see her do well in a contest that I know is a difficult one to master.

While at State Convention, I watched my other sister walk across the stage and receive her State FFA Degree. This is an award only received after much hard work in a Supervised Agricultural Experience and involvement in the local chapter. Way to go Em!

Both of my sisters have grown tremendously through their involvement in the FFA. They are better leaders, students and educated citizens.

The Agriculture Classroom is not your typical high school classroom. For that reason I am excited to teach. Students have to go to school anyway so why not give them a place where they can be a part of something?? I really am excited to teach and hope that as I do I will be able to influence my students to work a little harder and be a little better.

I grew a lot during my time in the FFA. I had a wonderful advisor who expected the best out of me and friends that supported me during that time. Many wonderful memories were made on FFA trips, many great relationships formed and many substantial opportunities presented themselves. I just love this organization!

Thank you Wolfley/Wolf-dawg/Wolf-izzle/Wolf/Mr. Wolfley, you are great! I hope to influence students as you have influenced me!

AGGIES for ALL!

There's no doubt that I've loved my time as an Aggie! It's been a wonderful three years here and it's a bit saddening to believe that next fall will be my final semester on campus in Logan. Sometimes I complain about the cold weather but the truth is I'm probably going to miss it once I graduate. After all, what's more fun than sledding down Old Main Hill!

Grandpa and his twin-graduating from Utah State!

Because I love it here so much, I try to recruit for Utah State any chance I get! My grandpa got his degree here so I'm honored to be the granddaughter to carry on the line. Hopefully I've sparked an interest in some of my other family members.

With the change in missionary age that was announced last October, many universities in Utah have been trying to offset the change in enrollment that will happen in the coming school year. Legislation currently passed some great things:
1. There is no longer a cap on the number of in-state tuition waivers that can be given to out of state students. Hey Nevada friends, now's the time to apply to Utah State!
2. The Legacy Award that gives out of state students who have parents that graduated from Utah State in-state tuition has been expanded to include grandchildren of Alumni. Hey cousins, APPLY!




I've learned a lot during my time here, I've grown a lot and I hope that made a difference in some form. It's a great school full of great people!
It's funny how often I feel like I was meant to come here...like I was always an Aggie! In highschool I played in the Pep Band and one of the songs we played for out homecoming game was "Crazy Train". Last Saturday at an Aggie Basketball game that same song was played and hundreds of students were pounding the seats in front of us in unison. Life just gets better with the years!
On a slightly sadder note: On an FFA trip to the State Soil Judging Contest in 2005 I remember my advisor telling our team about a horrific accident that took place in Utah. A group of college students on a field trip got in a van accident and most passed away in the accident. I remember feeling so sad for the loss of those young lives and even though I didn't know any of them at all it still hit me hard. Never, in that moment, would I have imagined that almost 8 years later I would be reviewing applications for an award to be given to a Utah State student in honor of those Utah State students who were lost in that terrible accident. In reviewing those applications I was amazed at the caliber of individuals who, while going through extreme adversity, find it within themselves to make the sacrifices necessary to complete their education.
The sacrifices that I've made to complete my education do not compare to what others have to. Sometimes life gets rough and you've got to buckle down and work through it. A most crucial element in this is to always focus on the good that is in your life. Always appreciate the good that life has to offer!

Made this burlap skirt for one of my classes!

At the state capitol with President Albrecht...pretty big deal really!

Shooting the Air Cannon during Ag Week.