Finally, I was able to attend my first National FFA
Convention and it was everything I was told it would be. Blue Jackets from all
over the United States, highlighting student success, businesses on businesses
that continually support the FFA, and more FFA logo items to buy then one
could imagine. Even though I was unable to attend as a student, I am thankful to
have attended as an advisor for the Big Spring FFA Chapter.
Big Spring had an Agriculture Communications team compete in
the CDE events. My cooperating teachers traveled and worked with those 3
students, allowing me to
work with the remaining 11 students. I fully took the
advisor role with these 11 students during convention and below is what I
learned and what was emphasized to me.
- Be Prepared…. Over Prepared for Everything: Each day I had to ensure I had all the correct documents with me, the First Aid bag, the
schedule, the information of the place we were going, other advisor contact
information, and tickets/buttons if necessary. The night before I would sit down
and do through the schedule for the next day and write out what I needed and
what the students needed. When I visited the students each night for their
curfew checks I was able to tell them the schedule for the next day, what they
needed, and answer any questions they may have. Preparation saved me from "Uh Ohs" and "I Do Not Know" situations as well as kept me calm and confident.
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| Touring Louisville Slugger Factory |
- Curfew Checks: Not only are these important to
ensure your students are in their rooms, but I was able to gauge how tired they
were, discuss the day with them, and address any concerns or questions. This
was a short time period that was originally dreaded but eventually ended up enjoying by the end of the week because I
found the purpose and power of it.
- Directions: The clearer stated, more
transparent, frequent and concise I gave directions the less questions and
uncertainty there was. Before the students broke out into the convention center
we always set a time and meeting place. Again, this was my first time as
convention, and other students in my 11 have been there before, so in locating
parts of convention and making meal decisions I was able to ask the group and
have a student give the recommendation or directions.
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| Waiting for Maddie & Tae and Jake Owen |
- All the Little Things: Until I was in the moment
I did not realize the constant decision making, awareness, and opportunity to
educate students there is. Weather it was deciding which intersection to cross,
what time to meet, could the students use the bathrooms now or later, and the
list goes on, my mind was constantly moving. Some moments I wish I had years of
experience to fall back on, but I would deem myself as successful in thinking
on my toes.
- These are Other People’s Children: This ran
through my head a lot this week. I was consistently concerned about their health,
safety, and ware about. I realized I known these students for a total of two days, 48 hours, and I felt like mother hen. It was incredible to have that feeling.
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| Touring Churchill Downs |
I have the BEST Students: I have a feeling a lot of my fellow cohort may argue me on this, but I believe that I do. I was fortunate to have respectful, well-behaved, easy-going, and fun students to experience convention with. They made me laugh, they helped me when I did not know where I was going, and ultimately they respected that I was learning along with them.
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| Being goofy on the PA Boat Cruise |
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