If you’ve ever met me before, you’re probably aware that I am deeply passionate about people, especially my family. This love was instilled in me at a young age when my grandma started the tradition of hosting a family dinner at her house every Saturday night. This January, I hopped in my mom’s car with my parents, excited for a night filled with laughter, games, and a shared meal with my favorite people. After dinner, my grandma started talking about her “younger years” with the family- marrying my grandpa, going to college at the Oregon Institute of Technology, and even her high school graduation. During the conversation she got up, went into her office, and emerged a few moments later with the yearbook from her senior year of high school. Filled with curiosity, my cousins and I gathered close to admire the now browned pages and black and white photos that the book contained.
She flipped through the yearbook and we marveled over the hundreds of precious, fleeting, nearly 50 year-old memories that were captured in small boxes on a piece of paper. She arrived at the section of the book that contained senior portraits, and while we searched for her photo I noticed something. Each senior had their school activities and future plans next to their picture. Some of the future plans listed included “Get a job and see what happens,” “Join the Navy,” “Go to OSU and pursue Animal Husbandry,” and my personal favorite- “Just be happy.” As we pored over the book, a thought pounded in my head; all of these people are now retired, have families, or are even no longer with us. I hope they achieved all they ever wanted.
An intimidating truth that we tend to shy away from talking about is that our time is limited. Instead of being afraid of this truth, we should use it as motivation to squeeze the absolute most out of every single day that we can. Say hi to strangers. Sing loudly, even if it’s bad. Have big dreams for yourself, and don’t just chase them, tackle them. In 50 years when your grandchildren look at your high school yearbook, you’re going to want to be able to tell them that you did all that you wanted, right?
With only three weeks as a State Officer under my belt, I nervously hopped into the mini bus for District Officer Training. Thoughts that made me question my preparedness for the weekend spun in my head, and honestly, I was a little terrified about what the District Officers were going to think of me. Fortunately, I was met by a group of individuals who reminded me to squeeze the most out of life, and those thoughts were instantly silenced. During our weekend of training at camp Aldersgate, I met dozens of eager, passionate individuals with a drive to serve. I watched new friendships bloom over volleyball games, heard lots of outrageous laughter in the mess hall, and have never felt such a sense of pride and security that our organization is in the best hands. The District Officers reminded me that a step out of the comfort zone can result in a booming success, and that a smile at an unfamiliar face can result in a best friend.
I ask you to spend your days like them. Make the most out of the small moments. Dream as big as you can, and know that you are capable of everything that you want to do. Find the good in your neighbors, and take interest in them. Do the absolute most that you can with your days. Live in a way that one day, when your smile lines are deep and your bones creak, you can laugh and tell your grandchildren about all of the fun that you had. One day, these moments are simply going to be a precious memory. Make sure they’re worth it.
With all of my love,
Anna Kliewer
2026-2027 Oregon FFA State President
