I want to start off by saying thank you, because I know I don’t say it enough. Between tired remarks on early morning trips and constant complaints when I feel like the work I’m doing is going nowhere, I really am appreciative of everything you’ve ever done for me, and I wanted to let you know.

I would not be the person I am today without you, and I’m not sure if you’re aware of it, but you changed my life. When I decided to join FFA, I knew I was diving right into something new, and I had my concerns. You never let those concerns overpower my passion, my curiosity, or my excitement. You guided me through the process of uncovering everything there is to discover in this wonderful organization, and you’re still helping me to find even more. You are responsible for the passion I embody today. I have always been extremely proud of the personal growth I have completed since I became an FFA member, but looking back on everything, I wouldn’t have grown at all without you. You taught me how to spread my wings and expand my abilities to points I never realized I could reach, but at the same time, you kept my feet grounded and helped me maintain a sense of reality. You never let me stay down when I was feeling low, but you always reminded me to stay humble when I was feeling proud. You taught me that the things that scare me are going to be the most valuable and the most fun. You taught me that success starts with the decision to try, and when I feel like giving up, I should only try harder. Perhaps one of the most important lessons you ever taught me was to simply be myself. Whether it be to tame my jitters before a speech, an interview, or just advice to help me prepare a portfolio or application, you repetitively told me to be myself. I took your word, of course, as I always have, but as I grow older, I realize that I wouldn’t be myself without all that you have taught me. Thank you for teaching me in the classroom, on the road, and in learning who I am. Thank you, because I know I’ll be carrying these lessons with me a for a long time.

Through the years, you became even more than just my advisor, you also became one of my closest friends. Whenever I needed help or advice, you were one of the first people I ran to because you had already taught me so much, I was convinced you knew everything. Thank you for putting your best foot forward and for always knowing what to say and when to say it.

Thank you for being a teacher, a leader, a best friend, a sidekick, and a crazy tour guide when needed, your continuous support to me, the rest of my team, and everyone you meet will be something I hold onto long after my days as an FFA member are over. I hope that one day, I can be half the person you are, and I hope someone looks up to me in the way that I look up to you. So once again, thank you for everything.

Sincerely,