Small, seemingly insignificant, never ending progress. A phrase that we as a state officer team first learned at the beginning of our year, just days after State Convention. This would be the first “pillar” in our season as State Officers. I didn’t understand at the time the truth and effect that these 6 words would have and the full circle moment that it would create. 

Sitting around the wooden camp table, mosquitoes surrounding our bodies and the sun slowly biding us goodnight, my fellow officers and I listened to Mr. Herringshaw as he passed on to us some words of encouragement and wisdom. We had arrived at Southern Oregon District Leadership Camp a few hours earlier, and we were waiting in anticipation for the next day, where we would spend all of our energy trying to make an impact on the members that we would meet, when Mr. Herringshaw said something that really stood out to me: our buckles will rust, and our banners will collect dust. What we should truly be striving for is progress. 

Progress. A word that I knew as a young child as something that leads to success; but what happens once we find that success? What if success is progress? If we strive for progress that never ends, what will be our result?

 Progress is defined as forward or onward movement toward a destination. This destination changes, doesn’t it? When I was 12, the destination was to run my first 3k race (1.8 miles) with no stopping for a walk break. Now, for those who know me well, I am not a natural runner, so this was a large feat. Looking back, even though my nose was pointed in the direction of success, the progress I made was so much more important. I was able to strengthen my body and mind, and strive for more once I reached my goal. Without that progress that was oh so much more important, I wouldn’t have been able to run 11 consecutive miles years later without stopping. 

Walt Disney had the goal to be famous for his creativity, but was told by his former newspaper editor that he lacked imagination and had no good ideas. Now, his name is known with the iconic mouse, and is a staple in childhood for most of us. Henry Ford was known to many as a “micro manager”, and always expected a fight when trying to get things done. Once he started his business, his workers were not allowed to hum, whistle, sit down, or even lean when on-the-clock. After many workers quit, he knew that his persistence and determination to make a successful vehicle company, and to be the face of a new industry outweighed the toxic emotional atmosphere that he had created.

Oregon FFA, when things feel small and seemingly insignificant, how can we learn from these stories and turn our success into never ending progress?

All my love,

Vivian Seaholm

2025-2025 Oregon FFA State Treasurer