I was told at the beginning of our year by one of our “co-moms” Joenelle to “Expect Nothing, Appreciate Everything” when it came to thinking about our year. 325 days of forward motion later, and I am starting to understand that a little bit better. Through students, advisors, ag programs, online platforms, trips, volunteer opportunities, hangouts, positive notes, business partners, sponsors, supporters, staff, smiles, unconditional love, and connections, I am fully appreciative of the opportunities that this year gave me. Not every day was a good day. Not every moment did I see the importance of that. But, especially this past year, it’s not about what we didn’t have, but what we did.
Don’t be sad because it’s over, smile because it happened.
And while our year has come to a close, it doesn’t mean the six of us as people have stopped making an impact on others, it just means we have the opportunity to take it to different places, to different groups, and in different ways. Grace will be doing that in Oklahoma, Jenna on the East Coast, Raimey in Arizona, Celilo in Wyoming, Alivia in Idaho, and myself in different parts of Oregon. While we’re sad that our year is over, we’re smiling because it happened, and excited as a team to continue moving ONWARD in our lives.
I’m fully appreciative of the past five years in this organization and the love that you’ve all given us throughout this year. Oregon FFA, let’s continue moving onward with purpose, with empowerment, with love, with power, with connection, and we can do it together.
With gratitude and so much love,
Colby J. Fairbairn
State Sentinel in a year where we expected nothing, but appreciated everything
P.S. The next time you’ll be hearing from this blog, it’ll be from the new 2021-2022 team! Wishing the biggest congratulations to Isabel, Justin, Jonwyn, JW, Kylie, and Katie, and we are so excited to see what you all accomplish!
Love this Colby, thank you for the reminder that our appreciation and celebration is independent of our circumstances. Best of luck on all of your journeys, we’ll take it from here!
Colby,
Reading this opened my eyes to seeing how important connections are. Thank you for saying such positive words, your words will help carry people far in life. Understanding to appreciate all life opportunities is so important and you have that skill! Amazing work!
i leaned that the small things in life matter the most like being with people and going on trips. And that you should be happy when something happen because it already happened and it over.
i like the part about expecting nothing appreciating everything that really opened my eyes thanks for your words
I learned that small things in life matter like hanging out with your family or just little things like going on walks and that you should be thankful for every opportunity you have with them because when something is over its over.
Love the appreciation for the small things. Quality over quantity. Way to make it all count.
Appreciation for the small things is definitely huge, and doing a great job is important too.