Erin Time!

    For the last few years I have had the grand opportunity to serve with Erin. Little did we know that when we were district officers together and took silly pictures at District Officer Training, that we would become best friends and even State Officer teammates. Today we are all lucky enough to hear a little bit from her.
    As the first one ever from her home chapter, Homedale, to ever get State Office, I wanted her to talk to those who are thinking or running for office. Many people do not understand the struggles that can be associated with office, and most won't understand those struggles until they are wearing the Association jacket.

     So a little bit about my very short and loving friend. She grew up riding and even did a stint with an eye-patch. She loves her horse Coffee just as much as she loves the liquid version. Let me tell you, you had a death wish if you got in between Erin and her morning coffee. All through FFA she showed beef steers. When she was in the show ring, nothing could ever stop that girl. Not to mention she always had interesting names for them, like Optomus Prime-Rib. Throughout her year as an officer, she expressed to all who would listen that everyone is special and she meant it. With an older brother with severe special needs, Erin had a special ability to love everyone instantly. She never had any issues talking to any member ever and would be instant buddies with every industry individual, advisor, and even random people we passed along the way. Honestly, I look up to her outgoing and personable personality. She taught me patience and to have a grand love of Red Bull.

Erin and her older brother Mark

    She now is living her lifelong dream of being married to her high school sweetheart Cody. They now have one very very very adorable little girl, McKinley. She is an amazing wife, mother, and friend. I am so thankful to have her in my life. Even though her last name has changed to Rhodes, she will always be my Erin Shenk-ers.

Erin, McKinley, and Cody

Baby McKinley

    Here is her note to all y'all.

Three hundred and sixty-one days, eight thousand six hundred and sixty-four hours, or five hundred and nineteen eight hundred and forty minutes ago six individuals from very different but very similar walks of life began their journey. A journey to end the year of service they had fulfilled and would now pass on to six more individuals. State Conference: a week unlike any other.

Getting to become one of those six, was a journey all its own. I learned who I was and how far I was willing to go to complete a dream. As the week of State Conference draws near, I can still feel all of the same feelings I felt after my first night as a state officer candidate. Nerves, excitement, and amazement are all still fresh in my mind. I will never forget the first night of interviews I got back to the hotel walked into the lobby, where my advisor and mom were waiting, flung myself over the end of the couch and cried. Why? I will never know, but it just felt like what I needed to do.

So my advice to those running is be prepared for the most amazing and tiring whirlwind adventure of emotions! Be yourself. Not in the cliché what the Nominating committee wants to hear kind of way, but in the down to earth, true blue, laugh so hard milk comes out your nose way. Be friends, the individuals around you are walking the same path you are. They are and will be your greatest allies. Most importantly, tell your story, why do you want to be a state officer, why do you want to make an impact, what is it that you offer that no one else can. Find that and use it.

Remember to have fun and show some emotion no one wants a stick in the mud ;-).

                                                                        Good Luck!
                                                                        Love always,

                                                                                                Erin Shenk Rhodes

                                                                                                PSO/ Has-been

   And to think that she wanted me to edit that. She is an inspiration to everyone. I hope that her words inspire you to make a decision that is the best fit your your life. 

    

   As we are getting closer to State, I am getting more and more anxious as I hope that you all are too. State Convention is seriously the highlight of my year. 

Peace, Love, and FFA!

McKenzie