Thinking about Dr. Burl Long's presentation on the value of reflection. This George Eliot quote made me think of his lesson: "The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us and we only know them when they are gone."

Thanks to all of you who will be helping me see those golden moments and recognize the angels in the next two years.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Michael, Jim, Will, Staci, Marcie & Jeremy about to take off and tour Gainesville.

Fellow Class VIII members-


WOW! What an amazing first week! From the ropes course to our airplane ride and all those presentations. You made the class fun and exciting. Just think, this is only the beginning.

Greetings WLI Alumni and a big welcome to Class VIII! Last week we had a wonderful experience in Gainesville getting to know everyone and getting reintroduced to the concept of leadership. Though I wasn’t part of the group, I personally took away much from being around Florida’s greatest leaders in its strongest industry.

To begin the blogging adventure for Class VIII, I have decided to post two photos. Both photos are of Stanley Perry conquering the high ropes challenge course. The first photo shows him about to jump off the platform to in order to hit the bell. The second shows the support structure of fellow class members.

It amazed me that thirty strangers could come together the first day, and begin to COMPLETELY trust eachother within the first few hours of knowing one another. Stanley knew that when he jumped, he would not fall, since Jeremy, Jenn, Jaime and others provided reassurance.

In agriculture, in our occupations, in our community involvement, and in life, we need to be reminded that someone is there to catch us and support us. We can attempt something new and take a risk, and those who surround us will not let us fall, and aid us in hitting the bell.

Have we surrounded ourselves with people that will support us? Will we support others during times of risk?

Happy Blogging!