The other side of things..

It has been three years since I've attended National FFA Convention. My last convention was competing quiz bowl at ATA Conclave and promoting the U of M at the career show. To tell you the truth, I was probably just as blown away being in Indy downtown as a first FFA Member attendee! My heart just pumped with excitement as I see old friends and see the faces of FFA members.

Being fairly new to Indianapolis and downtown, I felt like a lost puppy not finding its way back to its mother. When we got to the Indianapolis Convention Center (ICC), we unloaded my car and I drove back to park in the Hilton hotel. Trying to find the stupid parking lot was more difficult than I thought. I found msyelf going in circles and trying to find the place. Finally I found my way back to the hotel and asked the bell hops. Once I found it, I screamed with joy. Right then and there, I tried to use the observation skills I have.

Our set up was fairly simple and quick. I quickly learned how difficult/"FUN" it is to set up my booth. Once its set up, it looks awesome....I was able to meet up with some U of M'ers at Claddaugh..it was soo good to see them!! Made me realize how much I miss everybody there.

I used convention to my advantage and met as many members that I could for the Consortium. It was nice to put a face to the name...definietely a visual person. I didn't get to visit with everyone but tried to meet as many as I could. Instead of being a hermit, I ate lunch right in the cafe. I was able to meet a few good advisors/students..Good to see their perspectives of convention and views of the convention site.

I keep telling myself that this position that I am in will push me..It has and continues to. Each day gets better but some days are worse than others..I continue to tell myself that rome wasn't built in a day. I know it wasn't..and I know I can't work miracles in a day. By random, I ran into one of my high school FFA Advisors, Mr. Voss. It was soo good to see him! Mr. Voss and Ms. Bidne have been such an inspritation and motivation for what I've done. He told me, "I'm so proud of you and you are such a good kid." Hearing that from him made my day. He told me to "take baby steps." Take one mountain at a time, which is my goal to do. I am just having a positive attitude and working towards our goals.

Wow...so convention was almost over..done w/ our events...my first convention done! I tell ya, no matter how many conventions I attend, I always tear up at the parents recognition and retiring officers...emotional in every way....I thought convention went well..glad its over...but had fun along the way..hopefully will try to recoop for a bit before I back into the daily grind...