Rise Up to Face Change

I had full intentions of writing a happy, ‘we’re so excited for convention’ blog. However, I wanted to be honest with y’all. This week will be a bittersweet goodbye for my team and I. We have served Kansas FFA and it’s amazing members together for a year now. The closer we get to convention, the closer we get to hanging up our blue corduroy. Permanently. This is the ending to a chapter of our lives that we had looked forward to writing for years. 

First, I want to explain to you why it is going to be so hard to leave this organization behind. FFA has been my place for five years. The place that I could passionately (and loudly) advocate for the agriculture industry with only minimal funny looks. The place that transformed me into the person I am today. The place that handed me the skills that I’d need for my future. Where will I be without that place?

One of the biggest reasons it will hurt to leave this organization is you. The members. I truly can’t explain to you the impact you’ve had on me and the entire state officer team. You are the reason that we keep pushing forward. When we were told yet another event would be held virtually and our hearts sank, you were the reason we put a smile on our faces. When I was tired from making the long trek to southwest Kansas alone, I was reenergized by the thought of getting to interact with members and hear their stories. YOU are the reason that we do what we do. I want to say thank you for the inspiration and joy you have given me. You have left an impact on my life and on my heart. Please, always know I’m here for you even when my jacket is collecting dust in the back of my closet. 

Now enough with the sappy stuff. My point here is that change is coming for my team and I (and maybe you too). We will no longer be constantly serving Kansas FFA. No more banquets, zoom meetings, workshops, speeches, recording videos, modeling FFA merch socks, etc. Our lives are going to change. Honestly, it isn’t a change I’m looking forward to. I’m stubborn. I don’t like big changes. In case you haven’t noticed yet, I love quotes. This is the one that has been sticking with me as I think about the change coming in my life. “Change is inevitable, growth is optional.” Change is going to come whether I like it or not. So why should I fight it? I think it’s time to use my stubborn nature in a different way. To face the change head on and use it to grow instead of fighting it tooth and nail. 

One thing I’ve learned about FFA members and agriculturalists this past year is that we never back down from a challenge. I know that whatever this next chapter in our lives brings, we will RISE UP to face the change. When change comes (because it will) we might as well use it to grow into the person we want to be. 

Signing out for the last time,

Kiran