Closing Doors Opens Others

Kennedy Farden

Idaho FFA Reporter

Since first grade I breathed, ate, and lived for basketball. In fifth grade I joined an AAU team in the treasure valley and started to make big goals on the court. I worked my tail off and spent countless hours before and after school shooting, training, and going to open gyms to set myself up for success. I was lucky enough to secure a spot on a very high caliber varsity team as a freshman.

My hard work was paying off and it was time to set bigger goals; I wanted to play college basketball. The summer between my freshman and sophomore year I pushed myself harder than I ever had. Sophomore season was there before I knew it, and I was ready! The first three games of the season my hard work was paying off as I was at the top of the stat chart. As the fourth game started, not even 30 seconds in, I went in for a jump shot then heard a POP and instantly fell to the ground. I tore my ACL in a matter of seconds. To say I was frustrated is an understatement, but I was determined to reach my goal to play college ball. I trained and recovered for a year. My first full game back after a brutal recovery I heard a very memorable POP. My ACL was gone, again, after fighting so hard to be back. My goals, dreams, and everything I knew was gone. The thousands of hours I put into getting myself to that point seemed useless. I was mad at the world and never wanted to set another goal. Nevertheless, I had to recover.

Just when I thought I saw the light at the end of the tunnel, I began to have complications and needed a third surgery. At that point I realized no matter how frustrated I got or how much I wanted to give up, neither were going to get me very far. I decided to start chasing new goals in FFA and using the time I would otherwise be putting in basketball to become a better leader. I tried out new events and devoted myself to be the best officer I could be. I truly found myself in FFA. I found my passion for agriculture, and love for leading others – which ultimately led me to where I am today serving as a state officer. No matter if a door in life gets shut, like basketball for me, there will always be other doors. It is okay to be frustrated but when you make a change that frustration turns into success. Challenge yourself to open new doors and try new things in life, you never know where you will find your true self. You got this!

-Kennedy, you lead by example in your determination to find the next door to open and try new things! We look forward to seeing what the rest of your state officer year brings as we get to know you across the state!