To The Dr. Seuss In All Of Us

Hi North Central FFA District, this is Riley Sleichter from the Abilene FFA Chapter, and it has been my pleasure to serve you as the District Reporter over the past year. During my year of service, I have had the opportunity to meet countless members of the North Central District, and to those of you who have been cursed with my presence, you know that I am a “bottomless pit” when it comes to eating, my whisper can be heard across a busy room, and my love for my show cows is a bit excessive to say the least. For those of you who have been blessed by avoiding my rampage of making-friends-with-everyone-in-the-room, beware because you are soon to become my next victim and will no longer be a stranger to me.

When I witnessed my cousin’s high-school graduation three years ago, I chuckled to myself about the desolate atmosphere of her graduation party, and I thought with an immature, teenage confidence that I would not be as emotional as my cousin when it came to my graduation. Not knowing many others than my immediate family, I spent the day next to my dad because he insisted I left my cousin alone to be with her friends. When I finally asked for his reasoning on why I should leave my cousin alone with her classmates, he responded in that wise tone that all fathers have: “After today, the chances of Brittney (my cousin) seeing all of her classmates together again are very slim, but her seeing her family all together will last her lifetime.”

Myself on the left with some of my closest classmates

My father’s words, as always, made a considerable impact on me and changed the way in which I view my high school graduation. The mentality of “Senioritis” began looming over me on New Year’s Day when I finally realized that the calendar struck the year 2017, and in five short months I would be strutting across the stage to receive my diploma. While most seniors who catch “Senioritis” tend to develop a form that cannot wait for graduation, I caught a mutated version of the virus that instead of yearning to graduate, I began to beg time to slow down. I began regretting all the times that I decided to stay home rather than hang out with friends and reminiscing the great memories I developed over the previous three years. The realization of my father’s words finally hit me, and I realized that in three months the 134 other people who I spent the first 17 years of my life with will begin to scatter across the nation and phase out of my life.

Now I glance back to myself at my cousin's graduation party and realize that I am in the same shoes that she was in: yearning to make the most of the remainder of my high school career with my classmates. I have begun cherishing the time I have with my classmates, and I am scrapping for more. Whether it has been by feeding my calves an hour earlier to get to the game sooner or meeting my friends at Sonic on a school night at nine-o’clock and talking for three hours (with parents’ approval of course), I have begun treasuring every moment of time I get with them.

In the four years of my high school education, one of the greatest ideas that I have grasped is that no matter what we do time keeps ticking. Time is indifferent about the paper due in the morning that you have yet to start and the calf that you are working so hard to keep alive. No matter what you do, time always prevails; that paper will be due at 8:00 the next morning and eventually that calf will pass away to become one, again, with the earth. Our time here on earth–and with our friends–is limited and it will continue to tick until ours finally runs out, no matter if we made the most of it or not. I encourage you to make the most out of the time you have with your friends, because that seemingly endless amount of time until graduation will come quicker than you expect. Then, you will be saying goodbye to the people who you have spent a majority of your life with, and it will be a bitter-sweet moment.

When the good phases of your life come to an end and your life forever changes, relive a moment from your childhood to perpend Dr. Seuss' advice: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

Enjoy your time while you have it,

Riley Sleichter

2016-17 North Central District Report 

What does it mean to be a L.E.A.D.E.R.?

Leads with integrity

Encourages others to do their best

Always puts other people’s needs above their own

Desires to serve others

Easily approachable

Reliable in every situation

L. Leads with integrity. A good leader is someone who always leads with integrity. Integrity is being honest and doing the right thing, even if your decision isn’t popular. Sometimes we feel the desire to do what makes us look ‘cool’ even if we know it’s wrong. Is that an example to set? It is not always going to be easy to do the right thing, but it will be worth it in the end.

“Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them.”    -Brené Brown

E. Encourages others to do their best. Sometimes people get stuck in a rut and just go through the motions on a daily basis. As a leader, you should remind them that they can do great things, but first they must give their best effort.

“When you encourage others, you in the process are encouraged because you're making a commitment and difference in that person's life. Encouragement really does make a difference.”   -Zig Ziglar

A. Always puts other people’s needs above their own. It’s not always easy, but the people you are leading need to know that you are willing to put their needs above your own. Being a leader is about sacrificing for the greater good.

“A hero is someone who is willing to help others in his or her best capacity.”    -Ricky Martin

D. Desire to serve others. Service should drive you as a leader. Good leaders are the ones who always go out of their way to help other people without having to be asked. It could be as simple as smiling at someone as you pass them in the hallway or having a conversation with someone if they are having a bad day.

“The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.”    -Albert Schweitzer

E. Easily approachable. As a leader, you want people to be comfortable talking to you about things. For example, if there was a problem that needed to be addressed, you would want to know, right? If people are comfortable around you, they will approach you and talk to you about the situation.

“I suppose at one time leadership meant muscles; today it means getting along with others.”    -Mahatma Gandhi

R. Reliable in every situation. Sometimes we encounter situations that make us feel uncomfortable or are difficult, but we can’t just quit. We must persevere through the hard situations in order to show that we are reliable and we will always be there for the people that need us.

“Creativity isn’t worth a thing if it isn’t served with an equal amount of reliability.”    -Anton Peck

Being active in the FFA organization provides students with many opportunities to develop their leadership skills. State Conference for Chapter Leaders, Washington Leadership Conference, Leader Lab, State Convention, and even National Convention are just a few places that offer opportunities to grow as a person and as a leader. If you attend any of these events, you will notice that the facilitator of the session or workshop is probably a very effective leader. Do you think they just woke up one morning and said, “I think I’m going to be a leader today.” No. Becoming a leader is a process and it takes time. There is going to be failure, and if you are like me, lots of it. It’s not a bad thing; it is how you grow.

When I became a district officer, I was definitely outside of my comfort zone and I wasn’t sure what to expect, until one of my advisors said to me, “Just set a good example and get to know the members, create relationships with them.” He sure knew what he was talking about. The changes may come slowly and you might not even realize it until one day, your advisor looks at you and tells you he’s proud of the leader you have become.

Anyone can become a leader. There’s no title or officer position that declares you a leader; being a leader is a choice. You choose to do the right thing, you choose to be encouraging and to put others before yourself but first, you must choose to believe in yourself. And when you do, you can have a positive impact on the lives of others. For me, my leadership journey began the day I stepped into that black pencil skirt and zipped up that blue corduroy jacket, and for that, I will be forever thankful.


Your NCD Treasurer,

Taylor Mall

Time Out

It’s the last quarter of the big football game and your team is down by a few points. You line up to start a play, and just as you are getting set your coach calls a timeout.

In another situation, there are ten seconds left in the last quarter of the basketball game. Tensions are running high and the other team leads you by one point. You have the ball and start to drive it in...just as your coach calls a timeout.

We go throughout our lives living on a perpetual schedule. That schedule includes being born, learning, growing up, becoming independent just to become dependent again a few years later until, inevitably, our time runs out. The worst part? We can’t call a timeout during our lives like we can during sports. In sports, we can yell at the refs for a break where we re-hydrate, regroup, and come up with a new game plan. In life, not so much. It’s a different type of game plan when it comes to the real world; one that takes immense preparation and pre-planning, however, we can never truly factor in everything that will happen to us in our lives because there will always be something unexpected and we can’t just yell at the world for a break. So what can we do in order to be as prepared as we can for any curve ball that life throws at us?

Essentially, this preparation comes from the knowledge and skill we gain throughout our lives, but, then there’s the question of where do we gain those skills? For many, it may be sports. For me, it’s been a huge boiling mixture of experiences and organizations with FFA settling itself in the center. There is just something otherworldly whenever I put on the blue corduroy that symbolizes so much for hundreds of thousands of people across the nation and I am so glad that I got this experience before my time runs out.

This next year will be filled with many lasts as I conclude my junior year and begin to write the final chapter to my high school career. However, with my time in high school running out, there are so many other games to be played. The applying to college game, the interviewing for jobs game, and the ultimate game of life. The difference between me and other people, though, is that I have had the experience of FFA before that time comes. So before your time is out and the opportunity is lost, experience something new whether it be a different CDE in FFA or a completely new adventure that will help you realize who you are.

The clock winds down in the biggest football game of the year, your team snaps the ball and scores that touchdown for the win.

Your basketball team puts the ball in play and you drain the game winning shot.

You get into the college of your dreams, you get the job of your dreams, and you get the life of your dreams.

All before your time runs out.

Your North Central District Secretary,

Scuyler Zenger

Someday Is Today

“One day, you’re 17 and you’re planning for someday. And then quietly, without you ever really noticing, someday is today. And then someday is yesterday. And this is your life.”

If any of you have ever heard this quote, then you probably know what show it comes from. Over the past year that show, One Tree Hill, quickly became one of my very favorite television shows. It portrays the lives of many different kinds of students just trying to make their way through high school. Just like the students in One Tree Hill, I at times feel myself coasting and just looking for the finish line, or what I like to call graduation. As high schoolers, we oftentimes like to “wish away” our four years. We find ourselves ready to move on to the next big thing. I’m as guilty of it as the next person and I’ve found that these four years fly by quicker than what I expected them to.

As I’m getting ready to pack up most of my room and belongings this fall, I have gotten into the mood of reflecting on my life and most importantly my four years in high school. I can’t help but think back to my very first high school football game where I could finally stand in the “big kid” student section and cheer on the home team or even the excitement I felt for my very first high school dance. All of those very “firsts” have now turned into my very “lasts”. I know that when it comes time to walk across that stage and receive my high school diploma those memories will come flooding back, but the ones I will miss the very most are the ones I shared in my blue jacket. Some of my most treasured moments have come from wearing that jacket and I wouldn’t trade any of them for the world. Through the years I have met some of my nearest and dearest friends, been given the opportunity to travel around the country, and found what I absolutely love advocating for agriculture and I hope to make a career out of it. None of that would have ever been possible if I hadn’t opened myself up to the possibility of growing as a person and getting involved in the FFA. I know from personal experience that it can be hard to get out of your comfort zone because that’s our safe place. That’s where we can be ourselves and truly be comfortable in our own skin. Shortly after beginning high school, FFA became my safe place. It has become the place where I can grow as a person but still be myself. My fellow chapter members have quickly become my second family, my FFAmily.

When it comes time to zip my jacket up for the very last time, I know that it will be a bittersweet moment. My jacket has become a second part of who I am. It has felt the excitement of doing well at a speech contest, the tears of happiness when I was elected as a district officer, and most importantly the laughter that I shared with old and new friends. My jacket has seen so many experiences throughout my high school career and I wouldn’t have wanted to have it any other way. I will be forever grateful for all of the memories that I have made in FFA. As I get ready to hang up my jacket, somewhere, someone is putting theirs on for the very first time. My biggest wish and piece of advice for them is to make the most out of the four short years that you’ll have in that jacket because before you know it, you’ll be in my shoes and getting ready to start a new chapter in your life. This is your life and your years as an FFA member. Don’t be afraid to make the most of it.

“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game!” -Babe Ruth

Your North Central District Vice President, 

Natalie Harris

Open THAT Door

Senior year is finally here.  I’ve spent my entire life aware of the number 2017; I punch it into the keypad before lunch every day, but never actually believed that it would come so fast.  As many of you know, or will find out, a large amount of time during your senior year can be spent applying for scholarships.  In one particular interview, I remember a specific set of questions.  I was asked about a small lawn care business my brothers and I ran a few years back.  I was also asked about the FFA and my experience as a district officer.  Finally, I was asked about my SAE:  beef cattle.  As I was finishing up my answer to the last question, the interviewer paused.  “So, would you say you like opportunities?”

            “Yeah, I would definitely say that!” I replied.  I didn’t have much time to think about this question until the ride home.  During this reflection, I realized that much of my life thus far has revolved around opportunities.  I discovered a taste for entrepreneurship when I helped my brother mow lawns around the age of 10.  I have enjoyed the opportunity to raise beef cattle with the help and supervision of my uncle.  I fondly recall spending my first few days in a tractor baling straw in the summer of 2013.  I never realized how helping with that wheat harvest would lead to countless hours in a tractor, and that I would appreciate every second.  An electric cooperative gave me the opportunity to apply for the trip of a lifetime.  I capitalized by earning a FREE trip to Washington D.C.  Lastly, after a ton of practice and some help from advisors, I have been able to take advantage of the opportunity to be a North Central District Officer.

My group trying to fit as many people as possible in the elevator in Washington D.C.

            I would compare opportunities to doors.  Each door is different and is often your first perception of what might be on the other side.  There is a plethora of smells and sounds coming from behind each door.  Some of the doors even have different amounts of light that filters through cracks to greet you.  For me, one of those doors was a bright yellow, like the summer sun.  I could smell the fresh cut grass and hear the engine of a push lawn mower from behind that one.  Another door was black and stamped with 35U and a smaller 47X (the numbers of my first cow/calf pair).  The sounds of calves being weaned and the smell of manure were prominent. The third door was painted Massey Ferguson red and John Deere green.  A diesel engine could be heard and the smell of straw and alfalfa hay was strong.  Finally, I get to the biggest door of all.  This one is National blue and the wood is embossed like corduroy.  Voices in conversation can be heard plainly and light from behind this door is bright, yet warm. 

But here is the catch.  The room you are in now, is comfortable.  Life could go on just as well with those doors remaining shut.  Some of the doors look and seem intriguing, but you may be nervous, because you aren’t exactly sure where each one leads.  You picture yourself swinging a door open only to find that it was not a good idea.  You easily find yourself theorizing about all the ways something could go wrong.  However, there is that possibility that you could really enjoy or even love what you find on the other side.

I have hesitated many times before a door, or when an opportunity has arisen.  However, the idea of what that opportunity might become keeps me interested.  I know that some parts may be challenging but I understand the possibilities for success.  Sometimes, all it takes is a deep breath.  With that quick collection of your thoughts, opening that door becomes much easier.  Sometimes encouragement is needed as a motivator.  Either way, as I have opened each door, I find that the rewards outweigh the fear and doubt that exist behind the door.  With this knowledge, it is easier to leave that comfortable familiar place to pursue what is waiting on the other side.

All of these doors, or rather what was on the other side of them, have shaped me into who I am today.  Each and every one of those doors was an opportunity in my life.

I encourage you to open a few of your own doors.  I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities that you come across in the FFA.  In this organization, there are many chances to make connections and improve your skills.  Sign up for that speech next year, try a new CDE, or even run for chapter office.  Sure, you may find that you weren’t meant to do everything you try.  But, you will find something that you enjoy.  That something may seem too difficult or not immediately of interest.  But that is just your first impression.  In my earlier examples, just hearing or smelling what was associated with the door, could have been justification not to open it.  People often chose to leave the door closed. The thing is though, some of these doors, or opportunities, may disappear.  You will only be in the position you are now, once.  You only have 4-maybe 5-years as a chapter FFA member.  I encourage you to make the most of it!  When you come across an opportunity, when you see a door, open it.  Take the time to utilize that opportunity!  You never know what could be on the other side.

Your North Central District President,

Eli Ohlde

The last three NCD Presidents, Lane Coberly, Katelyn Bohnenblust, and me!