The Girl Who Fuels Me
Abigail Morgan (standing) and Khloe Durham (being held) in a photo booth at the 98th National FFA Convention.
Throughout all your trials and tribulations, what fuels you? Is it a reward at the end, or the thought of winning? For me, it’s the girl standing right by my side throughout the whole thing.
Abigail Morgan has been by my side through everything good, bad and worse; she has been there through it all. She fuels me, encourages me, helps me and, honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am without her. Abigail and I started our FFA journey in eighth grade, and from then on, we became our advisors’ right-hand girls, meaning we spent countless hours together, which ultimately strengthened our friendship and created a bond that has only continued to grow over the years.
From the outside looking in, people more than likely see two girls constantly with each other, laughing and talking with their eyes; just two girls who are best friends, attached at the hip. But to me, Abigail is far more than that. She is one of the biggest blessings God will probably ever send me in life. When I’m with her, every heavy burden feels so much lighter. I never have to worry about her leaving or making me feel alone because she is like home. If platonic soulmates were a thing, she would be mine.
Even in the toughest moments, Abigail has always found a way to make me smile. For example, when I did not place in a public speaking competition, I was already smiling and laughing before we even left the building. All of my favorite memories are all the little moments with her. All the random jokes, trying to make each other laugh, playing hide-and-seek, chaotic karaoke and laughing so hard we can barely breathe. Those are the moments I will always cherish.
Abigail and I have had plenty of big moments, but I’d say the biggest would have to be her getting chapter president. Seeing my best friend accomplish a goal she had had since the beginning was so amazing and inspiring, and supporting her through it made me one of the happiest girls alive. Seeing how she has grown from this shy little girl into an amazing young leader has been so beautiful to see because I know all the work and dedication she has poured into becoming who she is.
Khloe Durham (left) and Abigail Morgan (right) finding out that Abigail got chapter president.
Looking back, it’s amazing to see how much each of us has grown. We are not the same girls we were back in eighth grade. We have been tested in so many ways, but grown into stronger people because of it. We have grown into amazing young leaders because we have learned so much through our experiences and because of each other.
FFA has given me countless memories, friendships, opportunities and accomplishments, but one of the greatest gifts ever given was my friendship with Abigail. Awards eventually fade, competitions always come to an end and titles eventually get passed on, but the friendship we have is permanent. She has been there for every turn of a page and the start of a new chapter, and I know she always will be.
I often hear people talk about what keeps them motivated and pushes them forward. Sometimes, it’s the recognition, reward at the end or the thought of success. But for me, it will always be the people who are standing by my side through it all, and Abigail will always be the center of that. She has helped shape me into the person I am today. She showed me what a true friendship looks like and, most importantly, she has loved me at my worst and has celebrated me at my best.
No matter what, Abigail Morgan is and will always be my fuel. So, what’s yours?
