All people come into their own in life. For some, this doesn’t happen until college or well into adulthood, but for Addie Weggen, MHS senior (plus the Feature Editor and Social Media Manager for the newspaper), she found herself in high school with the help of her confident personality and the Ag program.
Throughout middle school, Addie envisioned herself as being a lawyer in her adulthood. Which, given her strengths, makes sense. She is well-spoken, pays attention to detail, and works hard, but those dreams were quickly scrapped when she joined Ag One as a freshman.
“I don’t know. I just kind of clicked with Tometich [MHS longtime Ag teacher and FFA adviser]. I instantly found a love of [the Ag] industry. It is one where you can be yourself and it has a lot of strong people in the industry,” said Addie.
If you run into Addie you would think that Agriculture is in her blood. Her outward appearance coincides with a stereotypical Ag kid garb. She loves her Hey Dudes, comfy muted t-shirts, wrangler jeans, and Rocky boots. But other than always liking animals and her mom listening to southern twangy country music, Addie had no real affiliation or affinity for agriculture, but now it is what she lives and breathes.
She shared that when she first joined FFA and showed a keen liking to it, her mom joked and said, “Who’s the boy?” That’s not my daughter.” Insinuating that Addie joined due to a naive love interest. Turns out, the only love interest at play was Ag itself.
Addie notes that some of her peers when they first encounter her may find her a bit intense.
“Someone just meeting me, might be like ‘what is happening.’ I tend to talk a lot,” shared Addie.
Mr. Dave Tometich might have classified Addie the best. According to Addie, he once voiced that Addie is someone who is “always up for anything.” If you know Addie and all of the things she does and takes on, it is evident. Her typical schedule consists of little downtime and leisurely freetime:
- 6: 30 am – wakeup
- 7: 15 – grab a drink
- 7:45 am – drop off little brother
- 8:00 – go to Ag room to finish some tasks or help out
- 8:20 – 12:05 – attend 1st through 4th period and be fully engaged in the lesson
- 12:50 – 2:20 – MCC classes
- 2:45 – home to do homework or back to the high school or Ag Center various FFA responsibilities
- 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm – cashier/kitchen at Caseys
- 10:00 pm – ? – finish up anything not done and hopefully get to bed
Even though there have been times that her crazy schedule and “yes man” attitude has posed challenges for her, she is okay with the occasional failure and challenges. For example, she shared her experience about going to FFA Nationals last minute after being approached for the chance to present on potential solutions to a problem related to agriculture. She had gotten the materials somewhat late since it was spur of the moment opportunity and the task itself was new to you and hadn’t had any previous experience in that particular speaking competition. She didn’t perform quite to her standards. According to Addie, “she bombed it.”
That being said, Addie still doesn’t regret her yes. She learned something from the experience.
Generally speaking, Addie enjoys tending to lambs through FFA and chances for public speaking.
Early on in her Ag career, she realized she flourished in both of these roles and passions.
Ashley Wiebe, Susan Clark Junior High Ag Teacher and MHS FFA adviser, texted over the summer to all FFA members, “if you need any help with feeding, contact Addie.” Showcasing her love for the Ag Center animals and leadership.
For speaking, Addie admits that she likes being the center of attention, but not in a control freak way, controlling what other people do, but giving herself a strong sense of control over herself.
“People always have the choice to listen to me or not, but in the moment personally, I feel so in control.”
Addie is transparent that she has an anxiety disorder and struggles with anxious feelings. She knows that it is part of who she is, but does not let this be a barrier to her success, even though it can be hard. You are probably wondering how someone who struggles with anxiety would thrive in public speaking, but Addie knows.
She first validates her anxious feelings before speaking, but then moves on with positive thoughts.
“It’s going to happen no matter what, I am going to have to talk, so I might as well make it something worth remembering,” said Addie.
Addie herself, especially with her positivity, is someone worth remembering and likely a name that stands out to her peers once they have her in a class.
Her mom, LeeAnn Weggen, agrees that she is memorable.
“Addie is my shining star and brings energy, passion, and a little sparkle to every situation that she is faced with. Addie cares and loves deeply and is always willing to help those in need even if it’s not always the most pleasant task,” shared
Addie knows that not all people will find themselves in high school, but wants people to know their time will come too when faced with the right circumstances, opportunities, and people. Her advice until then?
“Don’t let the nitty gritty details discourage you. It is the big picture that counts in the end.”
