It feels like yesterday whenever I spent $50 to have you in 8th grade. I was supposed to have you as soon as school started for the Mayes County Fair but I had to use a different one, and I didn't feel like a true member of the National FFA Organization until I tried you on for the first time. For 5 years, I didn't replace you or change you (until you went to the dry cleaners for contests and state convention) because no jacket could replace you. It was our goal to represent the Adair FFA Chapter everywhere we went, and I don't think we ever failed to disappoint.
It's been months since I last wore you, but I still know what you look like. Tucked in the inner pocket, there's a copy of the 2016 Adair FFA Banquet pamphlet, numerous safety pins from the annual labor auctions, and bobby pins. On the outside, the "Oklahoma" embroidery is slightly frayed, your national blue color is slightly faded, and there's two pins on the lapel that identify our membership with the 2016 State Convention Chorus and the fact that I'd receive my State FFA Degree with you.
There's a faint but permanent scent of Pink Oil, cedar shavings, and hairspray on you that immediately brings back memories of the Mayes County Fair, and the numerous contests we participated in. In the warm seasons you were warmer, and in the cold seasons you were freezing, but I wouldn't have wanted you any other way.
With you, I've been taught great things that have transformed me into who I am today. You were with me whenever I learned how to give a strong, professional handshake, deliver a proper speech, and take recognition or rejection gracefully. Through the organization's motto, I learned to do, did to learn, earned to live, and lived to serve. Because of you, I've found that serving others and putting their needs before mine should be one of my top priorities.
We've been to numerous events together. Each year, we'd be at the Mayes County Fair representing our chapter in the premium sale by either being in the sale or opening it with the Star Spangled Banner. We've tried our best at various Career Development Events until I found my niche, which didn't happen until freshman year whenever I realized that my strongest suit was in memorization. That fell into the field of quiz bowl and Opening Ceremonies. Although some contests didn't result in a victory, we still did our best together.
The times that we went to Oklahoma State FFA Convention were spent with the chorus. Those times were probably my favorite; we met numerous talented members, worked with astounding musicians, visited the capital to represent the organization through our voices, and made so many memories. I never thought that we would embark on a musical journey together through FFA, but it was, without a doubt, one of the greatest vocal ensembles I've ever been part of, and you were there with me to experience it.
If I would never have met you, I wouldn't be where I am today. The level of professionalism that you showed me opened my eyes to how important it is to represent something you love and are a part of. It's hard to believe that I may never wear you again, but every time I think of you I'll remember everything we've accomplished together, the great memories we made, what it means to be a member of the FFA, and the life lessons I learned with you. Thanks for everything!
