Discover your Part in the Circus

This past weekend, September 12-13th, the seven Sectional Leaders attended the Sectional Officer Leadership Conference (SOLC) put on by the Regional Leadership team. The SLO Sectional Officer team includes Hailey Robella, Kaela Cooper, Mikaila Brinar, Haley Simonin, Molly Clark, Lindsey MacLeod, and Ellie Borba. They attended the circus themed conference with Sectional Advisor Ms. Brandi Crivello. They participated in team building activities, a mock public speaking competition, and a multitude of mixers in order to better understand the importance of communication, adaptability, and a positive mindset. They were privileged to hear from keynote speaker, 2014-2015 FFA State Vice President Haley Warner. Her message to the leaders: “Your light is your passions, and the light that shines from you is your impact.”  They also participated in a public speaking workshop entitled “Snap, Crackle, and Pop to the TOP,” based off of Rice Krispie treats! This was put on by SLO FFA members and Regional Leaders Kalena Cirone, Amber Bjerre, and Luke O’Leary.

SLO Section Leaders participated in a team building activity conducted by State Sentinel, Tim Truax.

Sophomore SLOHS sectional officer Lindsey MacLeod stated, “SOLC taught me how much I can accomplish without fear. As I decide which teams or committees I want to join, I’d like to focus on getting out of my comfort zone. The only thing that has stopped me before is the fear of not being good enough… But by not trying, I will never see how much I can achieve.”

Members of SLO FFA at SOLC included (from left to right) Amber Bjerre, Lindsey MacLeod, Hailey Robella, Joelle Lewis, Kalena Cirone and Luke O’Leary. Great job to all of these leaders!

SOLC took place at Mountainbrook Church on Saturday and at Cal Poly on Sunday. The California State FFA Officers were also in attendance and conducted workshops for all attendees. San Luis Obispo FFA members in attendance were Luke O’Leary, Amber Bjerre, Kalena Cirone, Hailey Robella, and Lindsey MacLeod. Alumni and California State FFA President Joelle Lewis was also in attendance from the California FFA Association! Also San Luis Obipso FFA Alumni Caitlin Stanton served as the photographer for SOLC and put together a great pictorial review for the whole weekend, which you can view here.

This photo showcases all leaders that attending the 2015 SOLC and found their part in the circus!

All FFA members in attendance at this one of a kind conference gained communication skills, new friendships, and leadership strategies to bring back to their own chapters.

Written by: Hailey Robella

President of San Luis Obispo FFA Section