Finding Your Passion

    "It is said that when you find something to care about, you have discovered your purpose." I didn't know it then, but I believe I found my purpose at a very young age.

Hey y'all! I am Katelyn Bohnenblust, your 2014-2015 North Central District Vice-President. I have had the privilege to meet many of you throughout this year, but here is a quick introduction for those of you whom I have not met.
  I am currently a junior who is trying to keep up with this thing that we call "life". Some of my absolute favorite pastimes include reading, competing in fast-pitch softball tournaments, watching college sports (Go Cats!), spending time with friends and family, and working outside on our family farm.
  I was born into a family with all girls. Yep, my dad was blessed with a family of five women in the house. Since there were no boys around to go help dad in the barns, my sisters and I learned real quick how to be hard workers. On our farm we raise sheep, pigs, and cattle. As you can imagine it keeps us pretty busy, but we love it. Some of my first memories were from the Christmas Eve's when we would go out to the lambing barns and have new babies on the ground. In the eyes of a five year old Katelyn, that was a real Christmas miracle. Growing up on the farm has taught me the importance of hard work, responsibility, and passion. Hard work because keeping a farm up and running can't be done without it. Responsibility because you know the animals are counting on you for their next meal. Passion because without it, how would you be able to get up before the sun rises and get home after the sun sets? My passion for agriculture has been instilled in me for as long as I can remember and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Enjoying time at the Clay County fair, helping my sisters prepare their animals for show when I was two years old

  Being the youngest of four girls and having a dad who was an agriculture teacher I was always going to all of the FFA events. I didn't mind this because I was able to hang out with those cool high school kids, who wore the blue corduroy jacket, which was absolute heaven for me. I grew up knowing that I wanted to be a part of this organization, and it wasn't just because of my father or sisters. It was because of the heart I saw put into CDE practices, fellowship during FFA fun nights, and PASSION for this wonderful thing we call agriculture.

  

Giving my lamb a pep talk at the 2014 Kansas State Fair

  Once I made it to high school I joined FFA, and it has been my favorite class since. I have loved going to all of the different career development events, participating in chapter activities, and meeting other members at leadership conferences. During my sophomore year I was encouraged by my advisors to run for a district office. When I decided to run I didn't know how much an impact this experience would have on me, but let me tell you it has been a wonderful one. I have had the privilege to meet five of my best friends, advocate for the agriculture industry, and serve passionate members from the North Central District. I have been blessed by it all, and I know I have found my purpose in serving others and sharing my love for agriculture.

Robert Bryne once said, "The purpose of life is a life of purpose." FFA members, I challenge you to find your purpose.

Your North Central District Vice-President, 
Katelyn Bohnenblust