Random Acts of Kindness

A few weekends ago, some of my teammates and I completed a COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training) Conference for the Milton FFA Chapter. We paired up and presented workshops on things like team dynamics, retention and recruitment, and how to take a project in your chapter and make it yours. Two of my teammates, Jamie and Molly, chose to do their workshop on community service. Prior to our day in Milton, I only knew the topics that my teammates chose, but not what they were doing in the workshop itself.

Jamie and Molly talked about a number of things in their workshop, but the one thing I took away from their workshop as I sat in the back of the room and listened was how you can do community service each and every day. They talked about how a simple smile or random act of kindness can truly make a person's day. I could not believe how incredibly true their words were and I just hoped that the members of the two teams we worked with that day took them to heart as much as I did. What do those things, a simple smile or random act of kindness, cost us? Absolutely nothing. That is why they are so important, and I firmly believe that if everyone tried to do a simple random act of kindess each and every day, this world would be a much better place.

These random acts of kindness could be as simple as holding the door for the person behind you. Who knows, they could be a germ-a-phob (like me) and really appreciate the fact that they did not have to touch the door handle that thousands of other people have touched. It could be letting a person in while driving who could have been having a bad day. We will never know it, but letting them in during rush hour traffic may have been the only thing to bring a smile to their face that day. It could be paying for the person's meal behind you in the drive thru at Burger King or McDonald's. Maybe they really are scrambling for money during these tough economic times, and the $7.38 they get to keep could mean the world to them. It could be helping someone carry their groceries to their vehicle. Maybe they are elderly and it takes a large amount of energy for them to do that. While carrying their groceries, you instill a a positive image of the youth in their brain and later share the experience with family and friends because it had that much of an impact on their day.

The night before the workshop, my partner in crime, Nick, and I went to Wal-Mart to get some last minute supplies. We were only buying a few pieces of tag board to make flip charts. The lady in front of us in the check-out had a cart full of purchases, and she smiled at us and told us to go first because she would be a while. Her kindness brought a huge smile to my face. Her random act of kindness cost her nothing. When she did this, it made me realize that it had been months since someone had done a random act of kindness like that for me. It stood out a lot to me, and had me leaving Wal-Mart with a smile on my face. It gave me a hope that there still are those generous people out in the world.

When I was younger, my family and I were on a trip together. We were in McDonald's and the place was packed. We just got done filling up our cups and were about to find a place to sit. There was a man behind us who had his tray in his hand and a few little kids to keep track of. My dad noticed that he was struggling, so he grabbed his cups and said, "Here let me help you, what kind of pop would you like?" The man was so grateful; he smiled at my dad and said, "Thank you so much, the world would be such a better place if there were more people like you here." My dad handed me the cups as he filled them and I put caps on them before placing them back on the man's tray. I even reached and grabbed straws for him. I will never forget the smile on his face or the way he looked me right in the eyes, and he said to me, "The world needs more people just like you, too." I was only in third grade, but this experience has stuck with me forever because of the way the man had smiled at me. Since then, I have always been a person who has fully believed that serving others is so rewarding. Very few people do it. But the ones that do truly do make this world a much better place to live in.

Think of the time that someone did that simple random act of kindness for you. They did not have to do it, but they did. Think of how you felt. Maybe it gave you a renewed faith in humanity. Maybe it made a bad day great. Maybe it simply gave you the urge to take this act and "pay it forward" to someone else in the future. Are you the person who serves others? Are you a person who is making this world a better place with these acts? How can you add a random act of kindness to your day everyday? How can you encourage others to do the same?

What I Like Most About Animals

During my animal science lecture last Friday, my professor passed out a piece of paper to everyone in the class and asked us to write down what we enjoy most about animals. I am very much an animal lover and I thought it was weird that never in my life had I ever been asked this question by someone who personally knew my love and passion for animals. I immediately thought about my horses and my dog...and even a lot of other animals I have been really lucky to have in my life over the years. To me, there are a number of things that I like most about animals. However, when I stop and think about it, there are two things that rise above all the others. The two things that stand out the most to me are: how rewarding they are and how calm I feel when I am around them.


First, the rewards. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I purchased a four and a half month old filly. It was something I decided to do because my previous horse had destroyed my confidence I had in my riding skills. I searched for a new horse for over a year and a half, but was having no luck finding one. I decided that I should try raising up a foal for two reasons. One, it was a challenge that I was willing to take one, and two, it was going to put the stalls and pasture my parents put up at our house to use. Five years ago, Vogue arrived at my house with a friend of mine, as well as two of her "tough" guys friends. When the trailer door opened, the guys went in and had to force Vogue out of the trailer and into her stall. The moment of her arriving at my house was something I anticipated for over a week. I was scared. All I could think was, "What did I just get myself into?" Within a week, I started to develop a very close bond with Vogue and everything came very naturally with her. Over the last five years, we've definitely had our ups and downs, but it is crazy to think that she knew nothing, and now she is a horse that knows so much and is very confident in the things I ask her to do. Sure, I got lucky. She is an incredibly smart horse, but the rewards I feel every time I am around her are immeasurable. Vogue has been the most rewarding thing in my life. The rewards keep on continuing; she makes me so proud.


Another thing I enjoy most about animals is how calm I feel when I am around them. Animals always provide this endless amount of love, and it is almost hard for me to understand how anyone cannot do anything but love them. There have been so many times that I will just go out by my horses and watch them graze, listen to them eat hay, or just go sit on them...there really is not a feeling that compares to it. I feel so calm in moments like that. Then there is my dog. I swear, if she were a person, she would be the happiest one I know. She is always excited to see anyone and everyone no matter what type of mood they may be in, what they look like, or if they have had a good or bad day. Just watching her and how she is always so happy just relaxes me and often brings a smile to my face. And it reminds me how I should be the same each and every day.

I have always loved animals and I know I would feel like I had a huge void if they were not in my life. I am really luck to have Vogue up with me at school, but I still really miss my dog, Charlo, and my other horse, Sage. I wish I did not have to leave them back home. If you're an animal lover like me, what is it that you enjoy most about animals? All I know is that I would not be the same person if I did not have animals in my life because of how rewarding and calming they are.

Positively Changing

Change has always been something I really liked. I like getting a new job, meeting new people, going different places, taking a different way to work, etc. To me, change has always been a positive rather than a negative.

Yesterday marked my first official day of going back to college after a year off serving the FFA. It was odd, I have to admit. My life is completely different in so many areas. First, I won't see my family on a regular basis. Second, I have one horse up at school with me and one back home. Third, I won't be working at the Hampton Inn unless I go home on breaks. Fourth, I have to study a lot more again to keep up good grades. Fifth, I am living in an apartment. Sixth, I won't be serving the FFA on a daily basis like I was. All of these are not necessarily good changes; however, they are all changes I am ready for.

I miss my family a lot but I am pretty good about calling home and checking in. It is a good thing for me to get out and stretch my wings to be fully independent. It's weird to have my own place. I love my apartment. My room overlooks a lake so you would never even guess I am living in a college town. Plus, I am so close to campus. I enjoy having Vogue up at a stable because I ride more when I board. It's weird to think about, but I think in my head I feel like I am getting my "money's worth" for board when I go up and ride 3-4 times a week. I had my first "real" ride on her that I had in a long time (a year)--she was awesome. There are so many times that I do not give her enough credit and then she turns around and surprises me. I am really looking forward to that happening on a more regular basis. She's what I plan to refocus my energy into this year, and I am very excited about her training progressing. I miss the FFA so much, but I know that I am ready to do other things in life. And I am continuing to serve the FFA in different ways behind the scenes which is still very rewarding. Lastly there is school, which is ultimately the main reason I am here; however, it is the part I am least excited about. I love learning, I enjoy going to classes; however, this past year I have learned that it's the people in your life that make everything worth it. Which is why I would rather spend my time with these people than studying--but don't worry, I know why I am in River Falls and that is to get an education.

All of the changes that come along with school are the ones I am going to make the most of (which of course includes studying). Most people do not like change, but it really is a good thing because it's how we all grow as people. I would not get to discover other passions in life as soon as I am if I was not up here, I would not get to continue my education and reach my goal of becoming an Ag Ed Instructor, I would not be riding again. Really, change is a great thing even though most of the time people do not focus on the positives of change. If there are any drastic changes happening in your life at the moment, focus on how they are all positive and enjoy them.

A Natural Born Leader

Who do you admire? Who do you want to be like? And more importantly, why is it that you admire this person and want to be like them?

One person I have always admired and wanted to be like was Matt Anderson. If you're reading this, chances are you know who Matt was. He served as the Wisconsin State FFA President during my senior year of high school. He had a huge impact on my life not only because of his passion for FFA, but because of the person he was. He was fun, sincere, and showed a genuine interest in others. Whenever I talked to him, I felt like I was the only thing he was worried about, even though I am sure he had a ton of things on his mind during some of the events we spoke at. Matt was a great person and he always knew just what to do in every situation. For these reasons and many others, I truly admired Matt and wanted to be just like him...and still do.

Two years ago today, Matt passed away in a tragic farming accident. I'll never forget the moment I heard the news and I instantly broke down. How could someone so wonderful who had a passion for life and the things he did pass away? Especially at such a young age? These questions are ones that will never have any answers. Matt's legacy truly does carry on. Bracelets were made in his memory and I have never taken mine off since I got it. It serves as a constant daily reminder for me to live the life Matt lived. He was a great person and I do not know one person who could say a bad thing about him.

So who is it that you admire? Who is it that you want to be like? This person is different for each and every one of us; however, I think that there is one person in each of our lives who will always have that impact on us and the things we do. But more importantly, are you living a life that makes others admire you and want to be like you? If not, how can you change your approaches on a daily basis? If yes, continue to make that positive impact on others because you never know who is watching you in complete admiration.

Life' Simple Pleasures

When I was really young, I use to read the horoscopes with my Grandma. My birthday falls right on the cutoff of being either a Libra or a Scorpio. I was young and did not understand horoscopes, and depending upon which one I read depended upon if I was a “Scorpio” or a “Libra.” My Grandma explained to me that I was a Scorpio because I enjoy the simple things in life. That moment has always stuck with me and whenever I find myself getting caught up in one of “life’s simple pleasures,” I always think of her and how right she was. The following are some of the things in life that I consider to be simple pleasures in life...and the best part: they are free!

1. Fall colors. I really just love this season for a few reasons. It is my birthday. It is beautiful. And National FFA Convention falls during this time. I also love the anticipation of school starting again.
2. Finding money in your pocket. I know that technically I had the money all along, but it makes me feel like I am $20 richer or $5 richer. Maybe even $1 richer. No matter how much it is, I love finding it.
3. Having someone tell you they love you. I just love hearing those words because who does not want to be loved? Plus, this one is self-explanatory.
4. Getting a hug from someone you have not seen for a while. It is a pretty cool feeling to get a hug from someone you have not seen in over a month.
5. Using a towel fresh from the dryer after a shower. When I was younger my mom use to do this for me all the time. It is one of those feelings that bring back childhood memories.
6. Being mischievous. I’ll let you think what you want with this. I like getting into some trouble every now and then. And believe it or not, I have done some crazy things before.
7. Walking barefoot on the beach in the surf. It just feels so free. And it is another one of those things I did a lot when I was younger so it makes me feel like a kid again.
8. Music that has a violin in it. This one is kind of odd, but I love when rock music especially has a violin used as an instrument. It just adds a lot to it for me. Plus I’m a big fan of Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
9. Being naked. Take this one as you like.
10. Waking up to the sound of rain. I have always found rain to be very relaxing, and it is a great way to start a day off…especially if I happen to be running late because it relaxes me right away.
11. Sleeping in. Sleeping has to be one of my favorite past times. I need my sleep so I love those random mornings when I do not have to set my alarm.
12. Hearing a song you love. Have you ever been driving somewhere, maybe to work or to go out with friends and a song that you love comes on? It instantly puts you in a good mood and most of the time with me, it makes the day that much better for me.
13. Pulling through to a parking spot. I know this one is weird, but I love when I am going to park and when I turn into a spot I find that the one in front of it is open and I get to pull right through. Maybe that is just because I hate backing up.
14. The feeling you get when you rocked something you put a lot of work into. This is something I have come to enjoy during this last year serving as a state FFA officer. I loved the feeling of heading back to my seat after a banquet speech with the feeling like I had really left an impression and impact on the audience.
15. Laughing. Who does not love laughing?
16. Having a good workout. I love those workouts that seem to just be better than the one the day before.
17. Smiling. It just makes you feel that much better and puts you in a better mood. I also love when someone smiles at me.
18. Not hitting a red light on your way to work. Let’s face it; no one likes to be delayed when traveling from point A to point B. I do not have to travel through a ton of traffic lights on my way to work, but that days that they are green when I arrive at them really stand out to me.
19. A gorgeous view. I live out in the country and I always love those nights where it seems like I am witnessing the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. Nature and the outdoors are so beautiful.
20. Waking up and realizing you have two hours left to sleep. I am not normally one to wake up before my alarm, but when I do wake up, I love to discover that I still have two hours left to sleep.
21. Feeling clean. This is usually something I appreciate a lot more when I am coming in the house from doing chores or from a workout. I just love the feeling of being clean after being sweaty.
22. The smell of home. Have you ever walked into a friend’s house and noticed a very distinct smell? Well, I have come to the conclusion that our homes all smell a certain way but we do not tend to notice ours unless we have been gone for a while. It is comforting to come home and know that you are home just based off of the smell.
23. Getting an actual handwritten letter in the mail. This is something that always means so much to me because I know that whoever wrote it took the time to sit down and put thought into a letter for me. It does not seem to happen too often, but my day is always made when it does.

I am sure I will make another list of simple pleasures in life, but for now, these are the things I love and enjoy. Hopefully you can relate to some of them.