FCCS News & Insights

Saying Yes Led To Eight New Friends From Another Generation

This past February, I walked into a room full of young college women and found myself reflecting—wondering, “What is someone my age doing here?” and, at the same time, recognizing what a unique opportunity it was to spend time with this up-and-coming group of leaders.

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The setting was a hotel ballroom in Denver, and the event was the Sigma Alpha Sorority Ignite Conference. I had the privilege of serving as a table/huddle coach, spending three days with eight young women who left me genuinely inspired and filled with hope for the future.

This unique conference brought together 18 tables, each led by a coach and filled with eight to nine young women from across the country. Our time together centered on activities designed to prepare these students for life beyond college.

As I reflect on the experience, several meaningful lessons stand out:

Lesson #1 – Take the chance to try something new.

Nine strangers quickly bonded over a shared passion for agriculture, education, service, and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. None of us had participated in this type of a format before. It’s a powerful reminder: you never know who you might meet—or how quickly connections can form—when you simply say yes to something new.

Lesson #2 – Use tools that deepen understanding and connection.

Through the DiSC assessment, we explored how each of us shows up and relates to others. Watching the “light bulbs” turn on was a reminder that tools like these aren’t just informative—they help build stronger, more connected teams and communities.

Lesson #3 – Ask questions and truly listen.

One of the most impactful moments came when someone asked, “What does your chapter do about X?” Without fail, someone at the table had an idea others could use. It reinforced a simple truth: everyone has something valuable to share—but only if we create the space to ask and listen.

Lesson #4 – Say yes to cross-generational opportunities.

If I’m honest, I initially questioned whether I was the right fit as a table coach for a new conference format with young people. Thoughts like “too old” or “not hip enough” crept in. Thankfully, I said yes anyway. Otherwise, I would never have met my new friends Abby, Elley, Ginger, Lawsyn, Lakacee, Lucy, Maggie, and Sidney—eight young women whose passion and potential are nothing short of inspiring.

Kudos to Kelly Horton, Teresa Brandenberg, and the whole Sigma Alpha team for creating a truly unique experience—one that left even a “seasoned” participant like me feeling energized and recharged.

Sigma Alpha is a professional agricultural sorority focused on providing career-connected learning experiences that prepare members for successful careers in agriculture and related industries. The organization promotes scholarship, leadership, service, and fellowship while ensuring members graduate equipped with professional skills, meaningful industry connections, and applied leadership experience. Currently found on nearly 70 college campuses across the United States.