Where’s Jodie?! -- Life Update: Summer 2021

Jodie Weyland

Jul 8, 20213 min read

The Journey with Jodie Still Continues!

I have mainly been updating the Journey with Jodie Facebook and my personal Facebook page with the activities I have been involved in, but here’s the overall scoop!

It’s National Ice Cream Month, so there is NO DOUBT I am indulging in a bowl of ice cream!

Aside from that, this past week occurred the 2021 Wisconsin FFA Convention. Seeing new photos and reliving old memories through social media stirred my brain. I miss being an FFA member and attending so many conferences and events, just like many other FFA alumni. My FFA experiences didn’t end how I had always dreamt, and sometimes that leaves a sour emotion in my stomach. However, I then stop and redirect my thinking to 24 months later: July 2021. I have the opportunity to work with some of the most dedicated leaders as the National Professional Agricultural Student (PAS) Organization President. I am making memories for our local veterans and youth in the community through Project Fleece and Farmer for a Day while serving as the 2021 Winnebago County Fairest of the Fair. I am making strides in developing my career and professional network while earning multiple agricultural industry certifications and speaking with news stations.

There have been numerous times that I have spent hours drafting and scheduling emails late at night, surviving an early morning at work in the extreme cold or heat, and attending meetings late at night. As everyone says, “Well, you choose to do that.” You’re right, I did choose this path I call “stressful but impactful”. However, it makes me happy.

I’ve always preached the word RESILIENCE, and many are probably sick of hearing me say it. Although, resilience is why I am here 24 months later. It is why I get to work with some of the top organizational leaders. It is the reason I get to connect with some of the top agricultural industry representatives. Resilience has built my confidence to continue to make an impact.

The point being, while I still have a lemon in my stomach about the ending of my FFA experiences, my resilience led me to today.

In July 2021, I’m making an impact in my community, agriculture, and even myself in ways I could have never imagined.

Unfortunately, at some point between me serving as the 2016 Miss Rural Winnebago, writing my first blog about little moments to now, I had lost sight of my value/moral that it’s not about the title you hold, it is about the impact you make. The title most definitely makes advertising easier, but it’s not required.

As I look ahead, more opportunities are approaching. In a couple short weeks, I will be in Minneapolis with National PAS, Indianapolis for the National FFA New Century Farmer Conference, host the Winnebago County Fair, and travel to La Crosse for the CROPP Cooperative annual meeting. A full-time agricultural career looks promising in the future, and somewhere in between all this, I will have the opportunity to recharge on a vacation to Arizona.

As Fall 2021 approaches, I aspire to host a collaborative event with the local county Fairest of the Fairs. In 2022 I will compete for the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs title and complete my term as the National PAS President with hopes to continue in a different position of the organization. The words busy, stressful, fun, and exhilarating are all understatements.