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August 30, 2008
I have recently been enlightened by a new discovery. It is a fairly simple
concept, but nonetheless possesses a significant value. I have found that the
process and benefits of learning are remarkable. As students, we often relate
the word “learning” to those dreaded homework assignments and exams. Many people
fail to recognize there is so much more to this innate human ability that is
often taken for granted. When enabled, learning occurs in our everyday lives.
What we say, think, and do, are dependent on what we learn from life’s vital
lessons whether it be from books, sports, lectures, work, relationships, or
agriculture. I admire Thomas H. Huxley ‘s words of wisdom.
"Try to learn something about everything and everything about something."
Although we stop physically growing at some point in our lives, our minds
are capable of limitless growth. I now try to take advantage of every
opportunity to learn from my teammates, family, FFA members, business leaders,
as well as material resources. I am thankful the past two months have been
filled with chances to acquire new knowledge, skills, and friendships.
On July 22nd, Graham and I left to Washington D.C. for the State
Presidents Conference put on by the National Officers. It was a blast to meet
state officers from all over our nation and learn about their associations. We
toured D.C., prepared for National Convention, and learned how to ride the
metro. As soon as we got back to California, our team loaded our big blue van
and headed to Boise, Idaho for the National Leadership Conference for State
Officers (NLCSO). The presenting National Officers, Brady Revels and Kari
Boettcher, were dynamic and personable and made the conference engaging and
meaningful. Our team got drenched white water rafting down Idaho rapids, and
pretended to be professional ice skaters at a local ice rink.
We hit the road again on August 10th destined for Cal Poly Pomona where
we were trained and given a great tour of the beautiful campus. During the next
two days our team attended the Southern SOLS and thoroughly enjoyed meeting the
sectional officers and attending workshops. Ultimately, my favorite part of the
conference was the team time rotation because we got to know each sectional team
on a personal basis.
Our next venture took us to Dreyers Ice Cream Company and Bolthouse
Carrot Producers. The advanced machinery, technology, and techniques utilized to
ensure our food is safe, fascinated me. The word “Yum” instantly comes to mind
when I remember the delicious taste testing.
State Fair time rolled around and I enjoyed meeting members and watching
shows. I commend all showmen who invested a great amount effort and time into
their animals’ care, nutrition, and obedience.
On August 21tst we packed up the big blue van once again, this time
Fresno bound. At Fresno State University we were welcomed and trained by
Professors, Jackie Mundt (a past National FFA President), and a real news
reporter named Sean. We learned how to effectively represent the FFA in the
media. The next day was the start of the San Joaquin SOLC in Exeter. The
Regional and Sectional officers were so prepared and excited, which made for a
very pleasurable conference. During recreational time, our State Officer team
finally won a Volleyball tournament, coming back after a sad defeat by the Ag
advisors at ROLC.
A day later our team ventured to University of California, Davis where we
learned about current Agriculture issues from knowledgeable professors. The tour
of the university’s veterinary hospital was so interesting.
On August 27th, we traveled to Tulare and toured the World Ag Expo
facilities and Heritage Ag Literacy Center. That night we had the opportunity to
stay the night with farming families in that community. The next day, our team
got down and dirty as we drove tractors, siphon irrigated, swept for pests, and
were updated on the newest agriculture technologies.
Through these invaluable experiences, I have learned so much about agriculture
and servant leadership. I am empowered by the amazing members I have met that
exemplify the value of embracing each and every learning experience.
Kristen Steves
July 12, 2008
Life is abundant with opportunities. On occasion, opportunities
can be disguised as obstacles, adversity, or struggles. Other times,
opportunities are self-created or graciously given to us. No matter the cause or
discovery of these endless possibilities, we must use our experiences and
strengths to recognize their potential. Although we live in a world where
failure and achievement are inevitable occurrences, all opportunities we
encounter must be embraced as learning and growing experiences that will in some
way enhance the purpose and understanding about ourselves. Theodore Roosevelt
said it best,“ Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” With an open
mind, heart, and soul, every opportunity deserves our effort to better someone,
something, or ourselves. I have been blessed with the opportunity of a lifetime
and I am so grateful for the continuous support and kindness that I receive each
and everyday.
My last few months of school were filled with anxious and
excited emotions as I eagerly sat though classes and tests dreaming about this
upcoming year. After everyone’s graduations had commenced, our team moved in to
our new home at the FFA Center in Galt. Our first few nights were filled with
laughter, happiness, and insightful conversation, as we started to learn more
about each other and our habits. June 19th was the beginning of BLAST OFF
training. Kristyn Sheets from the National FFA was our conference presenter and
facilitator. Through the conference sessions and activities I learned so much
about my teammates, myself, and the true purpose of servant leadership.
June 22nd rolled around and we headed to the CATA (California
Agriculture Teachers Association) Conference held at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Our team had the opportunity to attend sessions, listen to inspiring keynote
speeches, and converse with agriculture teachers from all over the state. On one
occasion, our team accompanied Mr. Ashwanden, the Executive Director of the CATA,
at a meeting with the Deans of Agriculture from respective CSU’s and UC’s. I was
completely intrigued as Mr. Ashwanden addressed some of the issues, challenges,
and positive happenings occurring in Ag Education, as well as the admissions
process for college.
On June 27th our team loaded up the van and drove to Costa Mesa
for the “National Ag in the Classroom” Conference. It was amazing to speak with
teachers from all over the country who recognize the importance of agriculture
and incorporate ag knowledge into their everyday lesson plans. Our team
presented a Patriotic Observance during a morning session and then headed home
for a day of rest. The next four days were completely devoted to ROLC
preparation. Our team worked hard, but we had a blast doing so. What I sincerely
love about my teammates is that although we are very much focused at
accomplishing goals and tasks, the entire team knows how to laugh and thoroughly
enjoy where we are and what we are doing. It is this positive energy that
motivates us to learn, grow, and experience as a team and family.
The time had then come for our first home break. I loved
spending the 4th of July with my family and friends. The next day, our team went
to the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers game at SPC Park. We had the
amazing chance to actually go onto the field and participate in a pop fly
contest and then watch the game from a luxury box sponsored by the Emerald
Co-op. The feeling was unreal!
After finalizing our ROLC plans and presentations, we headed to
Bass Lake. I loved meeting all the new and old excited regional officers. Our
team was so impressed with the preparation that the regional officers put into
their presentations. The workshops from the past state officers and regional
advisors were interesting and insightful. I enjoyed every moment surrounded by
so many individuals who sincerely want to serve selflessly, advocate
agriculture, and live with a purpose. The year has just begun and I fervently
await the countless opportunities ahead.
Kristen Steves
Name: Kristen Steves
Date of Birth: December 16, 1989
Parents: Lisa and Rob Steves
Brothers and/or Sisters Names and Ages: Mary (16) and Robbie (14)
Favorites Movie: A Walk to Remember
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Book: "The Giver" by Lois Lowry; "The Kite Runner" by Khaled
Hosseini
Favorite School Subject (other than ag): Psychology
Favorite Color: Lavender
Favorite Saying: “We can do no great things,
only small things with great love."- Mother Teresa
Favorite Song: "Free Fallin" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Favorite Cartoon Character: Care Bears
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite Hobbies: Outdoor Adventures; Laughing; Cheerleading; Running;
Meeting new people |
