Are you who you want to be?

Some might answer that they are generally happy with where they are and what they're doing. For others, the look in their eye speaks for itself. They are lost and have no idea what lead them to where they are today.

Happiness involves constant re-evaluation. Do I really love my job? Am I spending enough time with my friends and family? Am I doing what I need to do to get to where I want to go? Where is that, anyway? It's a tough pill to swallow when you the answers aren't what you want to hear. But why? If the answer is no, then why not change what you're doing? Is it that hard to rid yourself of things that make you unhappy?

Happiness involves risk. While the answer to the questions might be no, you're willing to remain unhappy because it's easier to remain where you are than to change direction. Worse, we often times sacrifice our own happiness for the sake of others. I guess I'll keep my job because it pays the bills. I'm doing what my parents want me to do, and that makes them proud. I have had a rough life... I should feel sorry for myself. Right?

There is a difference between not being sad and being happy. The middle ground, the in-between of happiness and sorrow is the enemy. Many of us find ourselves in this limbo. We're not completely unhappy with where we are, but we can't bring ourselves to say that ideally we wouldn't be somewhere else.

Happiness is a choice. Many would argue with me, but I have come face to face with this choice and I know it exists. No one can determine what cards they're dealt. We can, however, determine how we play them. This is the first step: accepting where we are and who we are by mere fate. I was born in Dunn, North Carolina to a middle class family. I have blonde hair and blue eyes. My parents are divorced, my mother struggles with narcotics abuse, and bipolar disorder runs in my family. This past October, I didn't get elected to National Office.

Is there anything I can do about it? No. That is my reality. Once we accept reality, we can then press forward. If we're stuck on things we can't control, we lose sight of things we can.

Step two of happiness: What do I want? What can I control? We can control attitude. Many people can control which profession they seek. We control how we spend free time. We can control how we treat other people. We can control who our friends are.

Are you doing what you love to do? For many, the answer is probably a resounding no. Unfortunately, we have created a culture that paying the bills is all that matters. I'm not saying there isn't any truth to that statement. Paying the bills is a necessity. For many it's a day to day struggle just to get by, with hopes that one day through perseverance, they will get to a more comfortable situation and do what they've always dreamed of doing. I commend you, and I truly hope that happens for you. However, there are those who make more than enough to survive, and still aren't happy. They do what they do because of the money, or because they're "good at it"... or because they want to make other people happy.

But Caroline... you don't have a career. You don't have the bills that I do. You don't have children. How could you possibly speak on this topic?

I have watched my father work tirelessly day in and day out to support me. He doesn't get a thrill from going to work every day. He makes money, but he isn't truly happy. While many parents would say that supporting their children does make them happy, many parents don't realize that what makes us truly happy is for our parents to be happy. I would give anything for my father to to pursue something that made him truly happy, instead of something that makes money for me to pursue things that make me happy. I hope that one day he will.

Happiness can be lost or gained at any time. It doesn't matter what stage of your life you are in. We each make decisions. It's never too late to change direction. Many would say that it is... but in reality, it's just hard to do. It's also hard to make decisions for yourself instead of for those around you.

While I've touched on some heavier examples of happiness, happiness can be found in the smallest of deeds. It can be found standing in front of your bathroom mirror as you make the decision to love what you see, telling yourself out loud that you are beautiful. It can be found taking five minutes to call an old friend you haven't spoken to in a while. It can found in a cup of coffee, a book you've been dying to read, taking a run, or playing with your dog.

So, what makes you happy? Why aren't you doing more of it? Why are you waiting?

The moment my name wasn't called, I knew I was going to be okay. I found comfort in what I was coming home to... a blessed life. When I stepped foot on Raleigh ground, the re-evaluation process began. It's still happening today. I'm not where I ultimately want to go, but I'm making plans. I am taking steps to do what makes me happy... and to ultimately be the person I want to be.

I know what I value. I know what I hold dear. I know who I am. I know I have purpose. Everyone has purpose. Don't be unhappy that you haven't found it yet; find comfort knowing that you will. God has a plan for you. He has one for all of us. Just hang on. Things won't always be perfect, but our perception is our reality. That peace brings me happiness. What brings you peace?

Take some time today to do something you love to do. Call someone you haven't in a while. Write in a journal. Write a love letter. Play a board game with your family. Take a risk. Do something you've been putting off. Say what you've always wanted to say. Dream big, and map out the journey it takes to get there. More importantly, start walking that way.

This is your life, and it's yours to define. When we look back, are we going to be satisfied with where we spent our time? Are we going to wish we had done things differently? Are we going to be afraid to die?

Are we going to die happy?

This is my final letter of application in full.

July 23, 2011

2011 Nominating Committee Members

6060 FFA Drive

Indianapolis, Indiana 46268

Dear Selection Committee Members,

If I were to be remembered for anything, it would be my passion, my character, and my heart. I value each of these qualities, and they are brought to life through my everyday actions. I live to serve others and I look forward to utilizing my passion, character and heart to serve the over half a million FFA members across this country.

I believe the most relevant experience that demonstrates why I qualify for this outstanding responsibility is my year of service as a North Carolina FFA State Officer. If you were to ask someone who worked with me during my year of service they would describe me as a dynamic, dedicated, and passionate individual who did the job well and had a tremendous amount of fun doing it. I was always proud of work I presented. I gave everything I was doing all that I could give no matter the circumstances given, what was going on in my personal life, or obligations I had to fulfill outside of FFA. I was confident in my ability yet receptive to constructive criticism in order to grow and meet my full potential. State office is a major responsibility, and I treated it as such; however, it was more than a job to me. I believe that is evident to those who know me now as well as those who knew me during my year of service. Every opportunity I had as a state officer was an opportunity to leave an impact: an impact on my state association, members of my state officer team, and the 16,500 FFA members across North Carolina. I was a state officer, but more importantly I was a listening ear, a warm hug, and a relentless smile. I was a friend, and I valued FFA members as people -- with or without the jacket.

While being a state officer is the most compatible experience, there are other experiences I feel have developed me into a qualified candidate. After my year of service as a state officer, I had the opportunity to explore my leadership in other arenas. This enabled me to grow and develop not only as a leader, but as a person. I am currently a member of the Caldwell Fellows Program, a community driven by service, not self-interest. This scholarship program’s selection process is based upon “academic excellence, critical thinking and creativity; extraordinary promise for leadership; exceptional character; and the desire and commitment to engage in the Fellows rigorous program of leadership development.” I have been blessed with many opportunities thus far, including volunteering for New Sense Studios, an art intervention program for at risk students in the Raleigh community. I participated in a leadership seminar that focused on the meaning of servant leadership and developing my own style of leadership. I traveled with the Caldwell Fellows to a rural village in Mexico to teach first graders English. Having traveled to China before the trip, it fueled my desire to travel even more. This experience allowed me to live out my passion for serving people. There is so much to learn about others. People are people regardless of language, location, or background.

Another relevant experience that has given me perspective is serving as the North Carolina FFA Alumni Association intern. Many people are unaware of how the Alumni Association actually works, and this opportunity has given me incredible insight. In my role I help create various resources that showcase what the Alumni is, what it does, and why one should join. Going into the experience, I had an idea of what the job entailed; however, I had no idea how much this opportunity would strengthen my pride and love for our organization. I came in contact with so many who were impacted by the jacket, whether they wore it or not. When former members pulled out their old jackets, the look on their face said it all. They outgrew the jacket, but they never outgrew the experience. The importance of the Alumni then became real to me. I want my children and my children’s children to be able to pull out their FFA jackets and have the same look on their face. I want to do my part in providing opportunities for members across this nation - whether I’m wearing the jacket or not.

My desire to serve as a national FFA officer is overwhelming. This is my dream.

I remember sitting in the first session of National FFA Convention my freshman year of high school. I wanted to be a national officer right then and it has been an unwavering dream ever since. While the dream has remained the same, my reasons have changed drastically from that first convention. When I’m around members, a spark goes off. I love people. It’s as simple and wonderful as that. I relish the opportunity of getting to know others - really getting to know them - and I value what makes them unique. People bring out the very best part of me: my zest for life, and the happiness that comes with it. I make other people feel warm and special, not because it’s something I should do, but because they are. I want to make FFA members across this country happy. I want them to understand how important they are and that no dream is too big to dream. I desire to encourage, inspire, and empower. And while I understand there’s a lot more to being a national officer than being with members, everything a national officer does is for them.

The FFA is not who I am, but it has helped me find out who that is. I have realized my passions: people and agriculture. I am enthusiastic about others, helping them develop into the best version of themselves, and helping them see what I see. I believe that anyone can achieve their wildest dreams. I have. I have FFA to thank for it. 


Our lives evolve as we influence others. When I retired from state office, a member approached me onstage. He looked me in the eye and told me I changed his life. I had been a person of influence for him. That’s what it’s really all about. Let me be that person for FFA members across the nation. I honestly believe I have the skill needed to be a national officer. More importantly, I have the heart and the character to be one.

Sincerely,

Caroline Elizabeth Yopp

"My desire for the position is overwhelming. If I have ever had a dream, this is it. I remember sitting in my very first session of a National FFA Convention my freshman year of high school. I wanted to be a national officer right then, and it has been an unwavering dream. However, while the dream has remained the same, my reasons have changed drastically from that first convention. When I’m around members, a spark goes off. I love people. It’s as simple and wonderful as that. I relish the opportunity of getting to know them, really getting to know them, and I value what they have to bring to the table. People bring out the very best part of me: my zest for life, and the happiness that comes with it. I make other people feel warm and special, not because it’s something I should do, but because they are. I want to make FFA members across this country happy. I want them to understand how important they are, and that no dream is too big to dream. I desire to encourage, inspire, and empower. And, while I understand there’s a lot more to being a national officer than being with members, everything a national officer does is for them. The FFA is not my life. But, through this organization I have realized my passions: people and agriculture. I am enthusiastic about others, in helping them develop into the best version of themselves, and in helping them see what I see. I believe that anyone can achieve their wildest dreams, because I have, and I have FFA to thank for it.

Our lives evolve around how we influence others. When I retired from state office, a member approached me onstage. He looked me in the eye and told me I changed his life. I had been a person of influence for him. That’s what it’s really all about. Let me be that person for FFA members across the nation. I honestly believe I have the skill needed to be a national officer. But more importantly, I have the heart and the character to be one. Thank you for your time, and I hope that you consider me for the position of National FFA Office.

Sincerely,

Caroline Elizabeth Yopp"

The last two paragraphs in my letter of application to the nominating committee. If you want to know why I want to be a national officer, it all boils down to one thing: people.

It amazes me how often we are our own worst enemy.

More times than not, most of us look to other people to verify that we are beautiful, smart, talented, or worthy. And, more times than not, we still don't believe the people we ask when they respond that we are. No matter how many times we ask, or how many times they give us the same answer, we can't bring ourselves to take off the rose colored glasses.

What makes us question if we're good enough? Where does the self-doubt come from, and why do we keep feeding it?

I know more than anyone that it's easier said than done to be confident and comfortable in who we are. No matter where we are or what we do, the monster of self-doubt always finds a way to haunt us. Sometimes, it rears its ugly head but we find a way to suppress it. Other times, we allow it to get the best of us. It strikes and leaves us alone with our negative thoughts. "I look horrible in this outfit. I never look good in anything. I wish I were more like Sally." "Man, I must be dumb to think I can do well on this test. I'm just not as smart as John." "I shouldn't even make a goal like that. People like me just don't become successful."

It's impossible for me to deny that there are days I compare myself to other people. Most of us do, and it may not be intentionally. We want what others have. We wish we were more like them. There's no way that person wants to be with us. I could continue the list, but I have a feeling that you know exactly what I'm taking about.

When you look at it on paper, it almost seems absurd that we are so critical of ourselves. Shouldn't we, of all people, love ourselves? If we can't love and support ourselves, how can we truly do it for anyone else? What is the standard for beautiful, intelligent, or worthwhile anyway? Is it a magazine? An IQ test? Someone telling you that you are? It may be your yard stick. I, however, refuse to accept it any longer.

Every person has something to bring to the table. We each have talents, skills, and abilities that make us unique, beautiful, and worthwhile. We may not have "genius" IQ scores, but we each have something that we're naturally good at, better at than most people. We may not be super models, but who said we had to be one to beautiful? I guess it depends on your definition of intelligence or beauty. To me, the most intelligent people are those who utilize what they have to build a life. They take what they're good at and take the necessary steps to become exceptional. Is that available for everyone? Yes. The most beautiful people in the world are the people with huge hearts, ones large enough to love, hurt, and beat for others. Truly beautiful people understand their impact on others, and strive to make someone else's day a little easier or brighter. Is everyone capable of that? Definitely. Is every single person "worthwhile"? Absolutely.

Let's look at the flip side: our role in building up others. We each face the battle of self-doubt, sometimes on a day to day basis. So, isn't it safe to say that everyone around us is as well? More than likely, a majority of the people you come in contact with are going through the same thing. We are constantly yearning for others to make us feel special. Why can't we do it for someone else? We love how it makes us feel... doesn't it only make sense to pay it forward?

When we spend a majority of our time picking ourselves apart, making a mental note of things we'd like to change, we lose time that could be used making other people feel great about themselves. Ironically, it doesn't take much time at all to make someone else's day. Could be a comment, a post-it note, a smile... Think of how many things we can do for others. Is that too much to ask of ourselves? I don't think so.

When we start noticing the beauty in others without tearing ourselves apart first, we find what it really means to love. Most importantly, we understand that love isn't just something we give to others... we must first give it to ourselves.

What are your inhibitions keeping you from?

"When you are strong enough to love yourself 100%, good and bad, you will be amazed at the opportunities that life presents you."

- Stacey Charter

It only takes a minute. It only takes a moment to close my eyes, and instantly, I'm right there.

The music is loud, so loud that it sends vibrations through my body. I'm swaying side to side, my heart and mind racing. There's a constant buzz of people in the background, but I can only really hear one. And then, it happens. "From the state of North Carolina..."

I can't even tell you how often this happens. It's almost as if the scenario is on repeat and I'm not controlling the remote. I try to picture the moment after my name is called, and I never can quite get it right. Nothing I can imagine, including crying, jumping for joy, or screaming, can even come close to how I know it would feel if the dream were real. But, my vision doesn't stop there. I picture my loved ones in the audience... the people who have experienced my relentless pursuit of a dream, and have been there for every step of the way. I also think about the members from North Carolina sitting in the audience. How would they feel? They haven't heard "From the state of North Carolina" in 15 years. I want to hear it. I want them to hear it.

Here at FFA camp, we have a building that houses articles of history important to our state association. They have old manuals, paraphernalia, caps, and pictures. But, one set of pictures keeps me coming back. I remember the first time I saw them. It was my very first summer of camp, the summer after my freshman year of high school. Around a large, fixed FFA emblem sit 13 pictures, many faded and tarnished with time. Amidst the pictures is a 14th spot, a reflective piece of metal with the words "Your Name - National Officer" That first summer, I examined the sole 13 national officers from North Carolina in awe of the men who wore a jacket with nothing on the back. Yes, men. There has never been a female national officer from North Carolina. Looking at the pictures today, five summers and a whole plethora of experiences later, they still stop me in my tracks. I zone out, and someone presses play. I'm swaying, and the music's loud...

It's a strange feeling I'm not sure I can articulate. In October, I'll have the opportunity to join the 13 men who surround that FFA emblem. The largest dream I've ever had may come to fruition. I could serve half a million members, members of the premier leadership youth organization in the country. Wow. It literally takes my breath away.

Sitting at FFA camp gives me time to reflect, the whole purpose of this blog. Last night, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with two people who have impacted me significantly, each mentoring me in different ways... whether it be knowingly or not. After the conversation, fireworks erupted across the sky, and we sat on the pier taking it all in. I couldn't help but get lost within myself, thinking about who I am and how I've gotten to this point in my life. I couldn't have done it without people who have mentored me along the way. Good mentors answer the questions. Great mentors ask them.

I've learned so much in two years, and the most valuable thing I've learned? Keep on learning. I value growth, and it stops me dead in my tracks when I evaluate my own. Oh how far I have come. I once was a "shy, introvert" who had no idea she was neither of those things. I once believed I had to force myself to talk to people, and that making conversation was hard work. I was unknowingly lying to myself. I had no idea what actually gave me energy or got me up in the morning: people. It took someone else to point it out, and that started a whirlwind of self discovery, personal growth, and reflection.

It is so important to have someone who knows your heart, and whose sole intention is to help you grow. It's important to have people who have your best interest in mind, and for you to understand that. Seeking constructive criticism then becomes something you want to do, rather than something you're offended by. When you get over your own desire to be perfect and let your defensive nature slide, you can benefit tremendously from the teachers in your life. Too often we rationalize things and refuse to accept the fact we could be better. But, there's always room to grow, and when you also know your mentor's heart, it makes that growing process fulfilling... and much easier.

I have said it many times and I will say it again... the FFA is not who I am. It is by no means my life. FFA did, however, help me discover who I am, and undoubtedly instilled within me the value of personal growth. It also brought me to people who want to see me thrive and be the best I can be, and the self awareness that came with that is something I want others to find.

Every person is beautiful, talented, and inspiring. Sometimes they can't see it, and most of the time it's because they haven't looked. They need someone to believe and care enough to not just tell them... but to get them to see it for themselves. Every person deserves to show who they really are to other people. Every person should let their light shine, and when that happens, you give others permission for their's to shine as well.

Whew. Well over a week of not writing. I assure you the past couple of weeks have been filled to the brim, and writing this next blog has taken me so long only because I have TOO many things to write about. Yes, too many things. It’s been a whirlwind... but should I really expect anything else? I will dedicate a post a day to events that occurred throughout the week.

Let’s start off at the beginning: State FFA Convention.

Most reading this blog are very much aware of my involvement in FFA, and how much happiness that involvement brings me. Most of you are even very familiar with FFA, but if you aren’t, let me paint a picture of state convention for you. nearly 3,000 FFA members from all across the state come together to celebrate a year’s worth of successes. Thousands of blue corduroy jackets overwhelm the streets of downtown Raleigh. State convention is a time to compete, listen to inspirational speakers, mingle with state officers, and enjoy the company of friends you’ve met throughout your years as an FFA member. This year, I was responsible for three things: facilitating workshops, helping with the Alumni Annual Meeting, and hanging out with FFA members. Yes, the third one counts just as much. I wish I could fully articulate how much joy it gives me to be around FFA members. They are such beautiful people with so much to offer the world. I can always count on a hearty laugh, intelligent conversation, or warm hug when I encounter an FFA member. They’ve given me so much more than I could ever give back to them, and I want them to know it. I am proud of my jacket, and I’m extremely proud of the thousands wearing it.

My favorite session of state convention is the very last. Not only do members get recognized for achievements in Career Development Events (or contests) on stage, the six state officers retire and six other people’s lives change forever. I sat in the crowd of thousands to experience that last session, something I haven’t done in a while. It made my heart swell to see the excitement of an FFA member who won their very first CDE, or a team embrace on stage when they realize they finally did it. I couldn’t help but smile when a first year FFA member presented the FFA creed, five paragraphs that embody what we as an organization believe in. Countless hours of hard work and dedication paid off, and you could see it on their faces. You could see it on mine as well.

One of the final business items is the election of new state officers. State officer candidates go through a rigorous interview process the weekend before state convention that tests their knowledge of agriculture, education, agricultural education, and FFA. They take a written test, participate in a writing exercise, have a six minute one-on-one interview with each of the 12 nominating committee members, and facilitate an eight minute portion of a workshop (which they plan in twenty minutes prior to presenting). Candidates also given 30 minutes to prepare a 5 minute speech based on a topic they are provided. They then immediately give the speech to the committee, and answer three minutes worth of questions about the speech. The potential state officers participate in a round robin, an interview simulating a conversation with a leader in the agricultural industry. Finally, on the last day of interviews, the candidates go through the personal round consisting of 4 questions that heavily reflect their commitment to FFA, passion for success, and character. I am explaining the process to you for many reasons. One, to demonstrate the hard work required to prepare for the process. Two, to demonstrate to you the relevancy of FFA, and yet another example of how they are preparing students for life. Thirdly, I explain this to you because it is modeled after the national process that I will go through in October, in case anyone was wondering what it’s going to take for me to become a national officer (much bigger scale and more to be learned... but same process.) Needless to say, by the end of the last session, the 17 candidates running for the six positions feel beyond nervous. The last session is a blur to them... They finally zone in when the Pirates of the Caribbean theme song starts playing and they begin calling out the names. As this was happening, I saw six candidates lives change before my eyes. I saw tears of joy as they ran onto the stage and embraced their new teammates. Watching the stage, you feel the new officers' happiness as it oozes onto the audience. However, many people never look just to the left of the stage. They never look to the candidates who embrace each other with tears streaming down their face not because they they were chosen, but because they were not. Each worked hard and wanted state officer more than anything... but there can only be six.

If I’ve learned anything in my life, it’s that everything happens for a reason. I may not know why something is happening, and I may think that it should happen differently, but in the end, I end up right where I’m supposed to be. Hindsight is 20/20, and I can’t count the number of times things worked out for the better by working out differently than I had planned. We may not see it right away, but we will eventually. We are each blessed with 24 hours, and regardless of what happens in those 24 hours, WE control our happiness. It is NOT circumstance that dictates our happiness, but ourselves. We accomplish happiness even in the roughest of circumstances by having a relentlessly positive outlook, and taking what life throws at us and dealing with it... really dealing with it. We control our happiness by viewing missed opportunities as other opportunities in disguise. We will never always get what we want, and don’t even pretend that there are others that do. We all have our own battles to fight. Make the decision to be happy for others instead of angry at yourself. The question of whether or not you were “good enough” is irrelevant. Everything happens for a reason. Have faith in that.

If I don’t get national office in October, I will be undeniably disappointed and upset. But, the FFA isn’t who I am. If I were to judge my worth on one event, I would be cheating myself. I will be upset because it is something I am deeply passionate about and have worked hard for, but not for one second will I believe that I wasn’t good enough for something. Everything happens for a reason. If it’s not this opportunity, it will be another. I will live out my values and pursue my passions every day I live, and that will never change... blue jacket or not.

We can all live successful lives as good people... regardless of circumstance. We can’t control the cards we’re dealt, but we can control how we play them.

It's almost impossible to believe that 2 years ago tomorrow I was on the verge of a life changing experience.

I was interviewing to be a state FFA officer.

I had dreamed of that very day since I was a freshman in high school. I was relentless in pursuing that dream, and I did everything I could to prepare myself to serve. I knew who I was, and was ready to tell 12 people on the nominating committee how that person would be a great state officer. If nothing else, I could almost guarantee them I wanted it more than anyone in the whole wide world. I envisioned answering their questions perfectly, delivering convincing speeches, and nailing the knowledge test. I was ready. I could feel it.

It was the last session of state convention, the music loud and 21 FFA members' arms linked, all in hopes of hearing their name called on stage to serve the 16,000 members in North Carolina. My heart was racing, practically jumping out of chest. I remember closing my eyes, blocking out everything but the sound of the member reading the names. Then, the ultimate disappointment. I felt as if I'd been kicked in the gut, but I managed to put on a smile.

Don't let me mislead you. My name was called, and I was elected as a state officer. Why was I disappointed? My name wasn't called last. I wasn't the president.

All of the times I dreamed about that moment, the moment of hearing my name being called on stage, it was always called last. Always. I wanted to be the president for as long as I could remember. One of the greatest moments of my life was tarnished forever, merely because it wasn't how I'd always pictured it. I felt I let myself down, and I felt I let others down.

Some reading this are completely confused, and can't even begin to relate to the way I felt. It's hard to put yourself in my shoes at the time, and it's difficult to understand how someone would be unhappy at all being elected as a state officer. And this, my friends, is where you must bear with me.

I was closer to cocky than confident, and more focused on winning than succeeding. I had a completely distorted view of "being the best" or "being a leader". So, when I didn't get that position, I felt insecure, defeated, and flat out not good enough. I was bitter and it showed.

And I thought I knew who I was then... Bless my heart.

Being elected as a state officer, specifically as vice president, was the best thing that ever happened to me. As a vice president, I learned about teamwork. I valued other people more, and the talents they brought to the table. I realized that leadership is influence, regardless of position, and that the 5 other people around me could make me better if I took the time to learn. We each have strengths, and we each have weaknesses. We can't be the best at everything, and often times the word "best" is completely irrelevant.

I can't pinpoint the moment that it happened, but I only struggled for a little while. As soon as I realized FFA members didn't care what was on my jacket, neither did I. They cared who Caroline Yopp was, and they deserved to see the real her. I owed it to them and I owed it to myself to figure out who I was. Thank God for that.

My year as a state officer was the best year of my life. I came to understand what real values are. I'm not just a junior at NC State who's majoring in agricultural sciences and likes to play tennis on the weekends. No. I am so much more than that. I'm someone who values others, and loves to watch them grow and develop into the people they want to be. The investment you make in others is the most expensive and rewarding there is. I'm passionate and insanely outgoing. I'm relentlessly optimistic and enthusiastic, and I love having meaningful conversations. I value building relationships. I'm expressive, loud, and sometimes in your face, but it's only because I wear my heart on my sleeve. I want to get to know you... really know you. I understand that everything has purpose, and what you think may kill you may in fact be your saving grace. I'm competitive, analytical, and have a hard time making the decision between a cheeseburger or chicken nuggets at McDonald's. I want you to know who special you are. I wake up in the morning to leave things better than how I found them. I know that the seemingly small and unimportant things we do in our day to day lives tell others who we are, and even a smile can be so much more than that. I make plans in vain, because I know I'm not the One who is really in control. I know I am given 24 hours in a day, and it is my job and my job alone to make the very most of them, regardless of circumstance.

I knew none of those things the day I was elected as a state officer. But, they always say experience is the best teacher. From 40,000 ft, the past 2 years can be summed up in just one word: growth. I look back on the girl who went into those interviews and can't help but smile. She thought she knew who she was but she'd soon discover it was only the beginning.

Does anyone really know who they are at 18? I didn't, and I think it's safe to say that no one does. By the time I was 18, I'd experienced more life than many do at 70. I was an old soul, and far more mature than my age indicated. But, I never contemplated who I was, or how my brain worked. I never intentionally studied my own personality, or how others perceived me. I didn't know what gave my energy, or got me up in the morning. To this day, I still try to analyze the answers to these questions. I don't have all the answers, but I can assure you I know more about Caroline Yopp than I ever have.

The members who are interviewing to be state officers are in for the ride of their life. The next few days will be filled with anxiety, emotions, and nerves. Each will pour their heart out to a group of 12 people, and each desperately explain to them why they want this dream more than anything. Six will see that dream come true next Thursday. More than twice that will not.

For those that will become state officers next Thursday or in the years to come, your year is what you make it. You can chose to make it about you or you can choose to build others and grow yourself. You can make it a contest or you can enjoy the beauty of a team. You can enjoy the title, or you can enjoy FFA members. It's your choice.

For those of you who aren't elected, it isn't because you aren't good enough. It's hard for me to tell you what it feels like because I don't know. But, I can tell you that each of you are beautiful, talented, and amazing individuals who have a lot to bring to the table... even if you don't know it yet. You don't need state office to figure out who you are or to make you worthwhile. Everything happens for a reason. Have faith in that. If it's not this opportunity, it will be another.

Everyone has their moment in the sun.

Life is what you make it. I'll never be able to thank my teammates, mentors, family, friends, or FFA members for what they've done for me, and what they continue to do on a daily basis. I thank them for picking me up and forcing me to be better. But, I had to make the decision to let them.

Always remember my favorite quote: "I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou.

It's not about a title... It's about who you are. And more importantly, how that person makes others feel.