Two years ago, our five lives were changed forever. We were elected to serve as Illinois FFA State Officers, where we took a year off of college, lived out of suitcases, and represented Illinois FFA. We worked together, lived together, and pushed each other's buttons sometimes. We grew from being five teammates to being friends to being a family, and I am so thankful I gained four brothers in my life.

I remember when we are all first elected, and people wondered how a team of four guys and one girl would go. I wasn't too worried because of growing up with two older brothers, and after reflecting on our year, I know everything worked out for a reason. I may have been the only girl, but you guys tried to make sure I was included in planning but also with trying to find things to do after work. We discovered a nice balance of playing football in the pool, NHL tournaments, and spa nights full of mud masks and nose strips.

You guys were and still are like personal bodyguards wherever I go, whether it was during walking around town at night or making sure I make it to my car safely.

There are countless benefits to gaining four brothers in my life, like the regular ab workout of laughing so hard till I cry or always having a buddy to take selfies with. Even though there was that one time a few of you relived one of my worse nightmares, I am so happy you guy are in my life and miss all of our adventures together.

Just like any family, it was not always "rainbows and sunshine," but the biggest thing about being a family is working together through the difficulties. Sometimes we just needed to have our "come to Jesus" talks and give each other some space, but we overcame the difficulties we faced. No matter what we were facing, I always tried my best to be a listening ear and be there for each of you. Being the only girl on the team led me to be the psychologist on the team, from listening to why you were frustrated about something, making sure you all followed some fashion guidelines, to giving girl advice.

Our year of service together is one of the highlights of my life so far. Looking at videos and photos from the year, I can't help but find myself wishing to relive some of the memories. We all may not wear the blue corduroy jacket anymore and drive a minivan with corn all over the doors, but I look forward to the chance to see each other and catch up. I still cannot believe we were elected two years ago and celebrating our one year anniversary since we retired at last years convention, but I look forward to the future that we all are facing.

We might not see or talk to each other every day anymore. Our lives might take us on different paths in life where we aren't as close as we use to be. Please know that no matter how much time has passed or how many miles are between the five of us, you are not just teammates to me, we are a family.