Well, FFA members...I’m back at home in Missouri and I must say that I am filled with mixed emotions. This has been an amazing week in Indianapolis and I have met many new friends and learned many new things. I value the experience and the lifelong memories we have made together. However, I am obviously sad that the experience is over.

I know that I am not the only one with the post-convention blues. However, I have learned one thing from past National FFA Conventions: you must not let the feelings of sadness that convention is over overshadow the wonderful time you had while you were there. If you do, your convention experience will have been wasted. Do not allow yourself to lose momentum going back to your local chapters. Instead, share the energy, excitement, and insight that you picked up in Indianapolis with your fellow chapter and school members. Implement the words of wisdom and new ideas that you heard in the sessions.

It would be a shame if after thousands of people spent countless amounts of time and money to make convention possible, you returned home completely unchanged by the experience. I am a firm believer that you become the best version of yourself at National FFA Convention. Notice I did not say that you become someone different… rather the best characteristics that you already possess shine brighter when we all come together. FFA Convention brings out confidence and a positive attitude in people. I would challenge you to continue being the outgoing person you were at National FFA Convention when you get back to wherever you call home.

Thanks to modern technology, you don’t have to say goodbye to any of the friends that you met at National Convention. The National FFA Organization provides members with invaluable tools to stay connected through the National FFA Facebook fan page and FFAnation.org. Take advantage of these tools to stay in touch with and meet new FFA members from around the country. (These sites are also a great way to share ideas and information between chapters.)

Thank you all for a truly incredible convention experience. Your collective, encouraging spirit was contagious and has definitely impacted me for the better. Continue to step up and stand out back home, and I hope to see many of you again next year at the 82nd National FFA Convention!

Just a reminder, you can catch up on any convention highlights you may have missed on convention.ffa.org and on the National FFA Facebook fan page.

-Jordan Taylor