National FFA Convention Reflection

My first FFA Convention

2012: National Horse Judging CDE
2013: Southington FFA Vice President
2014: Connecticut FFA Delegate
2015: American Degree Recipient
2016: National FFA Facilitator
2017: Penn State ATA Parli Pro contestant
2018: Penn State Parli Pro Intern
2019: Advisor with Conrad Weiser FFA

For the past 8 years I have attended the National FFA Convention and Expo.Each year I see the convention in a different form from member to alumni and colligate member. This year I got to look at the convention from the eyes of an advisor.

I attended the convention with Conrad Weiser FFA who took 3 students in agriscience fair and 4 students as chapter delegates. Part of my job this year was to help those students get the agriscience fair contest as well as keep tabs on the other 4 students.

I learned so much in the short few days their about attending convention with students.

Students Kissing the bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

1. Letting students pick the attractions in the area they want to attend: This adds variability to the trip and changes it each year for the advisor that attends. Letting students research the area and pick makes the trip interesting for them. 
2. Allow for down time. Students are constantly going during convention and can become overwhelmed with everything. Giving them some down time in the day to go back to the hotel before dinner isn't the worst thing in the world to help them and myself out! 
3. Be flexible: Sometimes things can change at the drop of the hat. Sometimes things do not go according to plan and that is perfectly okay. Just role with the punches.
4. Make connections with other professionals. One of the best thing I got out of this convention (especially as a student teacher) is being able to talk to my mentor team, other teachers at banquet and my cooperating teacher. Having so many different conversations allowed me to grow as an educator and see several view points on topics.

Attending the National FFA Convention this year was different than any other year I have attended. I saw so much of Indy and was able to help students along the way. 

One last question I have is: 

How do you determine how often you go to convention if you do not have students competing?