Winston Chandler's 27 years as a dorm parent at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch transformed countless lives through his wisdom, faith, and commitment to helping troubled youth find their path. His simple yet profound wisdom—"you're never going to learn anything unless something depends on you"—became the foundation for developing responsibility, work ethic, and character in the boys under his care.

• Boys Ranch provided structure, responsibility, and purpose for troubled youth
• Winston's philosophy centered on hard work, faith, and caring for something beyond yourself
• Accountability in agriculture teaches valuable life lessons—"if we don't do our job, something dies"
• Giving young people meaningful work helps them discover their abilities and purpose
• Successful mentorship requires maintaining high expectations while showing genuine care
• A strong work ethic, competitive spirit, and faith create foundation for personal growth
• Winston's humility in acknowledging his own mistakes taught the importance of accountability
• The impact of good mentorship extends across generations through those who were mentored

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Dr. Coach Nate Hearne, an esteemed coach, educator, and mentor. They discuss the power of mentorship, leadership, perseverance, and faith in shaping young lives. From his humble beginnings to coaching state championship teams, Coach Hearn shares powerful lessons on building a culture of excellence and standing firm in leadership.

Story Notes:

• Grateful for students and their potential to shape the future.
• Inspired by the educators who mentored him in his youth.
• The power of testimony: "We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us."
• Building a championship culture at Permian High School with an 88.9% winning percentage over 35 years
• Creating the "Mojo" phenomenon that unified an entire community around student excellence
• The importance of knowing yourself and loving what you do, not just being good at it
• Breaking an arrow and throwing it away to protect a good student, demonstrating values-based leadership
• Three essential leadership tips: "Listen, listen, listen"
• The power of creating environments where others can experience personal transformation

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Chip Baker, a dynamic speaker, educator, author, and host of The Success Chronicles. Together, they dive into the power of passion, personal growth, and leadership. Chip shares his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a nationally recognized figure in education and motivation. His story is filled with lessons on perseverance, faith, and the importance of a strong foundation.

Chip’s message is clear—success leaves clues. By learning from others, taking ownership of your actions, and maintaining a strong work ethic, anyone can create a lasting impact. The discussion covers core values, competitive edges, and the importance of staying focused on personal and professional goals.

Story Notes:

• Importance of valuing time and being present
• The role of gratitude in overcoming challenges
• Education as a foundation for character development
• Essential leadership principles: ownership, hard work, and communication
• Encouragement for cultivating a growth mindset
• Discussing the transformational power of mentorship
• The connection between opportunities and outcomes
• The significant impact of storytelling in shaping lives
• Messages of resilience and moving forward amidst adversity

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org