Growing up, splitting holidays between two homes felt normal to me. It wasn’t until middle school and high school that I realized my experience was unusual. As I got older, I started blaming my divided household for everything that went wrong in my life – from poor grades to lack of motivation. I used this excuse to gain sympathy from teachers and coaches until I used it on the wrong person.
My agriculture teacher, Mr. Hofman, had a similar upbringing. When he heard my excuse, he asked me to stay after class. With a sinking feeling, I obeyed. Mr. Hofman told me that my parents’ decisions had no bearing on my academic performance or attitude. He emphasized that I am responsible for my own choices and that a negative outlook would lead to a miserable life. At the time, his words stung because I thought my excuse was improving my life.
When my dad picked me up in Fort Rock, I told him about my conversation with Mr. Hofman, expecting sympathy. Instead, he said, “Taft, he has a point. These were the cards you were dealt, so make the best of this situation. There’s a reason it happened to you.”
At first, I was taken aback by his response, but then I realized he was right. I started applying this new perspective to things I considered “negative” in life, and my outlook improved dramatically. This simple shift in perspective changed my entire life.
As my year as a state officer ends, I’m starting to panic about what I’ll do with my life. However, the lessons I’ve learned this year and in prior years have prepared me for whatever comes next. I hope that reading this story, though it’s simple and short, has given you a new outlook. I encourage all of you to change the way you look at the “negative” things in your life.
This year has been an incredible journey and my team and I would like to thank you for welcoming us into your camps, schools, and lives.
With regards,
Taft B. Rice
2024-25 Oregon FFA State Sentinel