National Convention...from the eyes of an Ag Teacher!


This week, I was "on the road again", this time with my Cooperating Center, Shippensburg High School! We traveled on a charter bus, and left on Tuesday morning with our sights set on Indianapolis, Indiana. It was great to be back with students and continuing to make the transition to "behind the desk". 


On Tuesday, on our way to convention, we were able to stop and visit Ohio State's "Waterman's Dairy Center". This was a great experience, and the students' expertise was able to shine! I loved seeing the members relate the tour back to their own personal knowledge.  


On Wednesday, we traveled and toured Beasley's Orchard, learning about how agritourism is able to keep farms going despite their hard times and bad crop yields. There was a corn maze, a bale tower, apple cannons, and lots of fun photo ops that we were able to take advantage of. 


We also attended Opening Session on Wednesday with a very inspiring message from Tamika Catchings. She explained how her hearing disability affected her youth and gave the crowd the challenge to be BOLD. Tamika is a very decorated athlete, as a 4 time Olympic Gold Medalist and a 10 time WNBA All-Star. 

Thursday was the students' first time at the Expo Hall. The look in their eyes as they took on the sheer mass of vendors, guests, and colleges made me smile! This was when being recognized as an advisor really stood out to me. I am so thankful for the chances I had to get to talk to great consultants and pick up some very helpful resources!


Thursday night, we traveled to a bowling and arcade arena, and bonded as a chapter! I learned very quickly how much better these high schoolers are at bowling than me! 


On Friday, we explored the Expo again and I was able to spend some time sharing my knowledge at the Global Teach Ag Network booth in the Expo Center. It was great to see students coming up willing to learn more about the SDGs and share their travel experiences, as well as Teachers joining our GLAG community. 

Friday evening was time for the World's Toughest Rodeo! What an amazing show with some very talented athletes! 


Finally, on Saturday, we traveled back home to Pennsylvania and as a group watched Jessica Herr as she received her National Office, live on the bus TV! It was great to hear the roar of excitement fill the bus with PA FFA pride. 

I was excited to be joined by Tyrone FFA on our trip to National Convention, and if you are up to date with other #PSUAGED23 blogs, you'll know that that meant that I was able to travel with Ms. Carly Rudy! It was great being able to learn from all of the wonderful Master Ag Educators on our bus from Big Spring, Milton Hershey, Upper Dauphin, West Perry, and Tri-Valley. 

After spending so much time listening for quotes on my last trip, I found myself doing it again! While at Beasley's Orchard, the owner gave a presentation where he highlighted how key backward's design was to his success. This made me smile, connect my AEE content everywhere I go! 

"Develop your Market before you plant it...plan crops with a Backward Design!"

Overall, this was a great trip where I was able to get a hands on experience of advisor duties. I loved being able to ask questions and learn from some of the best! 

Here's to Part of the Whole Tree, 


Ms. Holtry 


 

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