FCCLA state competition.

This was by far the best FCCLA event I've been to (with the one exception of nationals obviously... nothing can beat Orlando, Harry Potter World, and the beach). Obviously there are multiple reasons it was so great... so here they are (:

Four of us went: Me, Sam, Caitlin, and Katie. (Sam left a day early for her sister's baptism though)

Here is Sam's post about FCCLA

The day started out snowing, leaving school on Wednesday at 10:30, and of course sour gummy worms, stupid stories, and some crazy laughing out loud moments the WHOLE way up. We even found the cutest lemonade bottles at a gas station on the way. I'm a blogger... I take pictures of my cute packaging.

Then checking into the hotel... Gosh Katie, bring enough stuff there (;

oooppss... accidentally locked her out. our bad.

Dinner consisted of Panera and of course Katie had to get a kids meal. It even came with gogurt!

Then shopping for breakfast foods and snacks! People do not realize how much food four girls can eat on an FCCLA trip.

Then swimming!! However... I was told to never post the pictures we took at the pool.... soooooooooo have a picture of me eating yogurt and granola. oh, and katie eating a whooosh cookie (inside joke, don't worry.)

Thursday meant Katie and I competing!!!

ya can't take a picture without have a few pre-posed pictures!

 

Our presentation went super well. Like, I've never felt that good about how a project has gone before, not even last year with "Hold a Child's Hand". The judges said they wanted us a children. yeah, no big deal.

Then lunch at Woody Creek. and handing out our "you're attractive, pass it on" cards. they've sorta become a tradition because of Nationals.

 

THHHEEENNNN A PICTURE WITH MOSES!!!! Remember Yarnmione from Orlando? yep... that was this guy. frienemies, (friend-enemies) last year because Montrose beat him twice in Advocacy (sorry moses, I couldn't leave that part out) but now we're basically BFFs. It's whatevs.

Right around this time we found out that Katie and I were one of the top four teams in our event, and would have to do a runoff presentation on friday!


Then of course came opening sessions Thursday night! Because I was district president, I got to present our district on stage!

The motivational speaker was the best I've ever had. And you know what? I've heard about 11 before this. Scott Backovich. Look him up. Absolutely amazing, hilarious, but motivating. He talked about how we always need to help others, even when everything is going great in our lives. ugghhhh, it's just hard to describe the feeling you get after amazing speakers. Even a blog does not credit.


Then was our spa night! (although, it didn't end up being that exciting because we were all super tired.)

it's hard to smile with masks on ok? don't laugh.


Friday came along which meant wishing Caitlin and Sam good luck on their presentation and getting ready for round two of ours.

they were 2 hours behind. so we sat there.

and waited.

and waited.

and got starbucks.

and waited.

The second presentation went pretty well... not as good as the first time, but we were still pretty confident any ways.

Then we went back to the room for a few hours. Then the workshop, Rachel's Challenge (that was my last blog post). I can't even tell you how much that meant to me. It sounds corny, but I seriously think it changed my life a little. It definitely changed my perspective on things.

Sam had to leave, but the three of us got ready for the banquet and dance!!

FCCLA dances are the best. Obviously, once again, nothing can compare to the dance at the Gala at nationals, but just FCCLA dances in general are the best. You just dance like an idiot and it doesn't matter because you don't know anyone. ANNDD you are instantly friends with everyone. And it's just fantastic.

Then came Saturday... the awards. Caitlin and Sam got first! and then Katie and I waited and waited to be called. Finally... GOLD FOR MONTROSE. We stood there with like five other teams, waiting to see if we got first and therefore would qualify for nationals.

And there is was.

First Place Gold.

year two.

And then we drove home! Which involved some qdoba and this insanely awesome soda machine.

And then we got home!


Since there really is a posibitity I won't get to go to Nationals because I'll be working three jobs and because my parents paid for the big trip last year, I guess this will be my mini-FCCLA goodbye post (trust me, if I go to Nationals it'll be worse... and if I don't get to go to nationals I'll still probably do an ode-to-fccla post anyways.)

FCCLA was the best choice I made in high school. It really was. Through Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America I held many leadership positions, participated in very wonderful programs (particularly last years "Hold A Child's Hand" and this year's "The Tribe") and met many many wonderful friends. I still want to be involved in FCCLA however possible for the rest of my life. Every teenager should have a chance to learn and experience everything I have through the last four years.
I guess I'll shut up now before I get all depressed and whatnot.

But if you're reading my blog, and you're in high school, and you have the chance to join FCCLA DO IT.

so there we go. Gold again, plus a fantastic overall trip. I could not be more grateful for this experience and for my wonderful Advisor and her husband and for these wonderful girls (:

Sincerely,
Erica Michelle.