Big Timing in the big city for National Convention 2014

Monday was the beginning of a new experience that at the time I did not know would lead to so much more. I set out on the road with my cooperating center, Manheim Central, to tackle the big city of Louisville Kentucky for the FFA National Convention. They were taking a team of four girls who were representing Pennsylvania as the Ag Sales Team.

The van ride was not calm and quiet by any means. At times you felt you were on a filled bus of students. The girls were playing games, singing songs, and going above and beyond by practicing for the musical and for their event. We went through test questions and scenarios, while we also talked over strategies.

I was able to take up the opportunity to judge the National Chapter Model Of Innovations Community event. Through judging this event I networked and talked to educators and extension people from other states and found some possible job opportunities that will be coming up.

Thursday was a day of free stuff and gaining those teacher resources to have in my very own classroom. Through all the interacting I gained a suitcase full of resources and even came home with a small gas engine and the whole tool kit to go along with it. My love of talking comes in handy sometimes.

Friday however was a day filled with excitement, nerves, tears, and a feeling that some just have to experience to understand. The girls were finally going to find out how they did in the team and individual event in the Ag Sales CDE. The girls set a goal to get silver in individuals and silver in team. As they started announcing the medal we made it through the bronze with out getting called which means they met their goal. The one girl ended up making gold and to her it was the best thing. She started crying which made us all tear up in joy and laughter. Overall they had one silver and three gold individuals and the team placed 6th out of around 48 teams. This is the best any team has done that they have sent in any CDE event to nationals.

Calling Mrs. Anderson to tell her the amazing news!

This week was one of the best opportunities that I could have been apart of. The girls lit up a room and I could not be more proud of them and what they accomplished. I am thankful I got the chance to be apart of this amazing time in their lives.