Hard Work Can Go A Long Way

Often times we are told that hard work can get us anything we desire. We are told that with "elbow grease" and some persistent attitude the world is putty in our hands. We hear it over and over and over again, until it slips in the back of our minds, only to be thought of when the going gets tougher than we expected. It is cliché to think that our hard work is what makes us successful. There is merit in the value that is hard work, and I am honored to be a part of an organization such as the FFA that exemplifies what can happen when we work hard.

The FFA is made up of so much more than just "farm kids." While attending the state FFA convention, I like to watch the CDE and SAE Pageants that recognize individuals who displayed hard work and skill in their field. The winners are not just those of us who live on farms; they are everyday people who learned to work hard and because of their efforts, they excel.  We should all strive to be more like those members. They have all taken the value of hard work very seriously.

Hard work is taken further yet even outside of FFA. We should all strive to apply it to our everyday lives. Whether it be schoolwork or sports, our jobs or our relationships, we can see all of those things flourish with some hard work. One of my favorite sayings heard often in the FFA is "the world needs what the FFA has." By working hard, even when our job may be less than desirable, or our homework is making us pull our hair out, we reveal a lot about our character. The world needs citizens with character and moral fiber, and hard work can help shape us all into those people.

As all of our semesters come to a close, I hope this motivates some of you who are struggling to get across the finish line. I know I am feeling the lag after coming off of Thanksgiving Break. I wish you all best of luck on finals. A reminder that NCD Dodgeball is coming up quickly on Dec. 2!!! Be sure to attend with your chapters! With a little hard work, your chapter could become the NCD Dodgeball Champions.

 -Garrett Craig
NCD Vice President

Give Thanks

I hope everyone had a wonderful Veteran's Day weekend. It is truly amazing the country we live in. The people that gave their lives for us, so we can wake up every morning and live our lives to the fullest. In case you have not already, take a moment to thank the people who have served for our country. I stopped by to see my 91 year old grandpa and spent some time with him on Saturday to show my thanks. My school held a ceremony last Friday for the veterans around our county to honor everything they have done for us. Our FFA chapter was asked to wear official dress and be escorts for the veterans. It was such an honor to have a part in the ceremony and be able to show our thanks for our local veterans.

Thanksgiving is coming up next week and I can't wait! This is always one of my favorite times of the year because I get to see family on both sides of my family. I want to wish everyone safe travels to wherever they are going, and enjoy a week with family. Remember to be thankful for the life you get to live. Be thankful for your family and friends. Lastly, be thankful for the wonderful organization we get to be a part of.

Also a couple reminders for all FFA members: NCD dodgeball will be held on December 2nd in Beloit, so start organizing your teams! There are flyers that will soon be sent out to all of the advisors. Also, be sure to represent your district, by ordering a t-shirt. These order forms are being sent out.      

      NCD Treasurer

                -Lauren Simmons

The Best Things in Life Aren't Things

The Best Things in Life Aren't Things
This is a quote that was written on the wall above my bed when I lived out on the farm. As a kid growing up you constantly want everything. You want toys, candy, money, and anything any of your best friends own. As a little kid growing up I wanted all these things, but this quote looked at me every night before bed, and every morning when I woke up. It became engraved in my head at first, but now is engraved in my life.

You don't start applying principles like this in your life until you understand what they truly mean. This quote isn't difficult in finding its meaning, but it can take time to a adapt it into your life. In high school everyone constantly says, "It's the best time to make memories!" or people ask you, "What was your funniest high school memory?" Most of the time you have two different people. Those who go out every weekend "Making Memories" and those who stay in all weekend. I am an even mixture of both. I like to go hang out with friends and do simple things, but I also really cherish the short time I have left living with my family.

Family is where this quote comes into play. In two years I will be moved out. I won't get to wake up every morning to my mom yelling at us to get out of bed, my brothers fighting, and almost being late every day. Although these are the things that some days make me say, "I can't wait to move out." they are also the things that make me say, "I don't ever want to move out." This is exactly what I mean when I say the best things in life aren't things. It is the memories you make and the love in your life. The moments that you remember forever aren't going to be made by buying the brand new iPhone X, they're going to be made spending time with the people you love.

College honestly scares me. I don't know how living on my own is going to go, but I know everyday of my life will be an adventure. Those adventures will always mean more to me then an item I buy ever will.

Cherish your loved ones! They will make your life unforgettable! And always remember, The Best Things in Life Aren't Things.

~Breezy
2017-18 NCD Reporter