State FFA President Nick Palkowski Delivers His Retiring Address

“Make Your Own Music”

Have you ever got caught up in the music you were listening to? There are just some songs that cause certain reactions. There are great workout songs. Those that get us to whistle. Others make us want to stretch out and relax, thinking about a warm summer night. Certain ones make us want to stand up and shout. Then there are those that we simply have to sing along to. Yes, music can sure make us feel good. Because music, has a way of affecting our attitude.

With iPOD’s we can have hundreds of songs at our fingertips and hit shuffle so that in one minute we can be rocking out and head banging. Yeah, yeah…

Situations in life can change just as drastically but in order to stay on top of our game and truly experience life we need to “Make our Own Music”

Music can bring out all kinds of emotions. We could be in a bad mood. Exactly. The Same then the right song comes on and our entire attitude changes.

Too often in life we simply react to what happens. We allow the world to hit shuffle, controlling how we feel from situation to situation. Well, I’m saying enough is enough. It is time that we take back control of our emotional playlist. It’s time we stop reacting to the ups and downs of life but instead have an attitude that allows us to enjoy life to its fullest.

The iPOD. It holds all of our favorite songs but more importantly it holds the key to choosing our attitude. I, P, O, D…four simple letters, four life altering ideas. Once we learn and understand these four concepts we will have the power to “Make our Own Music”

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the Osceola FFA Banquet. When I arrived I was immediately introduced to the officer team. These officers were ready and excited to get their banquet underway.

After a nice meal it was time to start my favorite part of a banquet, the awards ceremony. The ceremony was run by the president, Kristine. She did an outstanding job. Everything moved along smoothly and
she was a marvelous speaker.

As we neared the end, it was time to announce next year’s officers. Osceola has a team of ten officer positions and this year there were 19 members running for those ten spots. Now Kristine, a junior, was
up for re-election as president.

It was time. The envelopes were handed out to each current officer and one by one they tore them open and announced the new officer. First the parliamentarian…., then the Historian… music fades out and on and on this went until the whole team was announced. Kristine’s name was called that night….for the secretary position. She was not re-elected as president.

After the banquet, I searched her out, expecting her to be very upset but to my surprise she was happy and smiling. She just kept saying how grateful she was to be on the team, she was excited to have the
opportunity to serve yet another year.

Kristine, she could have been devastated and upset by what happened. However, she made a conscious decision to be grateful. She was not going to let a small disappointment, affect her attitude. She decided to “Make her Own Music.”

We need to be just like Kristine, when we face those hardships or let downs we have to be strong, not letting those situations affect our attitude. While we are unable to choose what happens in our lives, we can choose our attitude, we can “Make our Own Music”

At times it can be hard to remember to choose your attitude or maybe you are not quite sure where to begin but do not worry because the answer is at our fingertips.

The iPOD, it provides us with easy access to our music and the iPOD philosophy allows us to easily remember the simple keys needed to choose our own attitude…it reminds us that we ultimately are the ones responsible for our attitudes, blaming our attitudes on situations or people is nothing more than creating excuses. There is good in every situation, there are always lessons to be learned. Remember we have a choice…remember that our attitude is up to i..its all about staying positive. It has been proven that positive people live healthier, happier and more productive lives. Kristine’s ability to stay positive is a perfect example of what we should all strive for. It is amazing how a simple smile can impact another’s attitude.

How many of you have finished second? Who here was not elected to that officer position they wanted so badly or won that speaking contest? That is a big hand raise for me. I have come up second numerous times in my life, in fact for awhile I thought I was cursed. One year after back to back track meets I had eight silver medals, 8! I was second in the National agriscience student recognition program, second in agriscience star, salutatorian by one-thousandth of a point…I mean come on. I could not believe it. Coming in second, it can be extremely frustrating and even upsetting but it can also be a great opportunity.

Every chapter has a different procedure for electing officers. My home chapter first elects the team and then the group determines which office each member will hold. I was a three year chapter officer. My first year I ran for president and missed it by only one vote. The next year we had a great senior leader so I decided to sit back and wait until my senior year. My senior year came, I was so excited, I was ready to step up and lead the chapter. I had plans, I had goals and I was ready to get to work. I lost. I was not chosen as president… in fact my best friend was selected.

At the time I was very upset that my teammates did not elect me president. It did not make sense to me. I had won more competitions; I had been on the officer team longer. I was more active. It took me three weeks, before I could think about it without getting upset. I started to wonder why my teammates had not chosen me. I began to honestly evaluate myself. I realized that for my entire high school career, I spent the majority of my time focused on one thing…me.

I was lacking one of the most essential pieces of being a leader. Developing Others. Being able to choose our own attitudes is not enough; we need to take it one step further. I was so busy working on MY agriscience projects, MY speaking contests and focusing on MY athletic activities that I did not take the time to do what really mattered most. Helping others grow and achieve success. My teammates were able to see that years before, but I did not realize it.

Trophies, medals and those other awards, they all fade away after awhile but the impact we can have on others can last a lifetime. Often times, it is that small gesture that means the most. Just that little act to
show that you truly care. It can be as simple as writing a short note or saying hi to a younger student. That can make an incredible difference. The D in iPOD, is the most important component. It stands for Develop Others. We need to take the focus off of ourselves and do those small, meaningful acts that can make a huge impact in another persons life.

How many of you can remember why you joined FFA in the first place? Maybe you always had a strong background in agriculture so it was a natural step. Was it an older sibling that was involved and you wanted to follow in their footsteps? For me, it was neither of those. In seventh grade my best friend Mark told me that he was joining this club that his brother and sister had been in. I was a little hesitant until he said the two magic words that make any seventh grade boy come running…Free Food. The next thing I knew I was trying out for the quiz bowl team. I went to my first Quiz Bowl practice and had a great time. It was there that I met Scott. Scott was a sophomore and he would stop by Quiz Bowl practice to help us study and as junior high student I thought that was really cool. Also, Scott would offer rides to and from FFA events. While this was a very small act, I know that I would never have become as involved in this organization if it were not for him. He is someone I still look up to, as he is currently over in Iraq serving our country.

Take a moment to think of one person who has spent the time to help develop you? These people have made a difference in our lives and now it is time for us to return the favor. It is time for us to pass it on…Time for us to Develop Others. Go get out of your comfort zone and sit with a new group of students at lunch. Step out of your box and help that seventh grader learn the ropes. Help someone else realize the value of Making their Own Music.

For the past two years I have been privileged to serve you as a state officer. It has been an incredible experience, but it has not always been an easy one. There were plenty of challenges along the way. FFA
members I want to thank you for teaching me, Kristine and many other members like her have helped me realize that it is truly up to us to “Make Our own Music”

Because of all that you have taught me I want to give each and every one of you an iPOD. This little acronym has helped me remember to always make my own music and I hope that it can serve as a reminder for you as well. Remember that i have a choice, stay positive no matter what challenges you may face, seek out and find those opportunities to learn and take the time to develop others.

An iPOD, it saves our music allowing us to carry it wherever we go. If you look under your chairs you will find your very own iPOD. Use this card to save some memories and carry the message with you. Take the time now to answer the questions on the back. First, by the i put your name as a reminder that you have a choice. What is one thing you can do on a daily basis to stay positive? What challenge in your life can be turned into an opportunity? What is the name of one person you can help develop? Once you Fade out background music are finished be sure to take your iPOD and tuck it away where it will be safe and serve as a reminder to you of the iPOD philosophy.

These past four days have been filled with excitement and energy, so now as our convention winds to a close let’s take that energy to a new level. When I point out into the audience I want everyone to yell
“Make your Own Music.” Let’s give it a try. “Make Your Own Music.” Again, “Make Your Own Music” One more, “Make Your Own Music”

Our time here at the 80th WI State FFA Convention is quickly coming to a close. FFA members, advisors and guests we are in charge of our lives. We can choose to sit back and let life affect us or you can choose to “Make your own music.” To live a healthier more productive life it is important that you stay positive by remembering to “Make your Own Music” Now you tell me, what are you going to do if you come in second place? “Make your own music” Thank you for two amazing years Wisconsin FFA and remember, now is the time to “Make your own Music”

Nick Palkowski
2008-2009 State President
Wisconsin Association of FFA


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