Out with the Old; In with the New!

It has been a LONG time since I posted on this blog page… I’m horrible I know. Last year has come to an end and a new year has already begun. It was sad to end last year and say good bye to a lot of our Officers. We only have 3 repeats this year which is bitter sweet. It’s sad not to see their smiling faces but exciting to be able to bring some insight and training into beginners and watch them grow and aspire as leaders not only for the organization but in their own lives as well. It has amazed me at how much personal growth comes from being put in a leadership role handed some responsibility and held accountable for that responsibility. I love watching the Officers start as newbies and aspire on to many great things. To my dear Kiddos of last year I miss you dearly but I also have a firm knowledge that you have what it takes and will go far. It is time for me to let you take flight and sore. Now on to my Newbies…. Last week we started off the year by attending the state CTSO conference with the State Officers from the other CTSO organizations of the state. We all met up at the Holiday Inn and Suites in no mans land out by the airport and enjoyed a few days of training by the facilitator they brought in Andrew McCrea. Usually at this conference our officers take off and there is no stopping them this year however was slightly different. As I previously stated all but 3 of our officers are new not only to being State Officers but to SkillsUSA as a whole. Bob and I quickly realized that this year was going to be fun in the fact that these students have so much room to grow and so much potential and that it is our job to get them there to open them up and show them the way. Also let me mention that out of the 14 team members we have only 5 are girls… that’s a lot of boys! I didn’t get to spend much time with the students while they were with the presenter as I had to trek off to work for the mornings but Thursday night Mr. McCrea gave an extra session on public speaking and being in front of an audience which our group took full advantage of. The conference was as a whole a success. A slow start to our year but you have to find the beginning before you can start the climb. I am excited to see where this team leads us and I can’t wait to see each and everyone of them discover for themselves who they are and exactly how much potential they really have. The ropes course is coming up the end of July and this activity and meeting always proves to be a major eye opener into the different types of leaders we have in the group. I can’t wait! Also quick shout out to all our National Competitors. Good luck. We know you can do it. Bring home the Gold!