FFA members across the nation joined together to educate the public about agriculture and FFA during the National FFA Week. As press releases and Facebook updates flood my computer I can’t help but reminisce about my years in FFA.
I knew I wanted to join FFA after my older sister, Courtney, joined her freshman year in high school. Courtney looked like she was having the time of her life – meeting new people, joining contest teams and traveling around the country. Courtney was more than happy to encourage me to join my freshman year.
The summer before freshman year, I began memorizing the FFA Creed. Courtney had let me in on a little secret – the first Greenhand to recite the FFA Creed word-for-word got their FFA jacket paid for by the chapter. The competitive spirit in me desperately wanted to earn that blue corduroy jacket.
So when the time came I got up in front of the class and recited the Creed, perfectly. This was just the beginning of my Creed speaking opportunities. I was then asked to recite the Creed during our annual chapter chili supper in front of about 300 people. I was nervous, yes, but more than nervous, I was honored.
When contest season rolled around I tried out to be the Creed speaker for our chapter. I got the opportunity to do so and so began my public speaking experience with FFA. Each contest season I would public speak along with competing on teams.
There is something very invaluable you learn while competing in FFA. I learned to work as a team, balance many responsibilities at once and learn new facets of agriculture that I didn’t learn from the family farm. Skills I still use everyday. Being engaged in agricultural pursuits really is pleasant as well as challenging, as the Creed states.
It has been years since I recited the FFA Creed and I am not sure if I could say it word-for-word now. As I read back over the Creed many of the words hit closer to home now that I work to promote the future of agriculture.
Many of you reading this probably have similar experiences and memories of FFA and how it shaped your life. And FFA continues to shape the lives of thousands of students each year.
I would like to say a special thank you to the selfless ag teachers across the nation who devote countless hours shaping the lives of ag students. Ag teachers go above and beyond to guarantee our nation has a future in agriculture. I am truly grateful for the ag teachers that made my time in FFA priceless, I know I am not the only one who is ever so grateful.
The next time you see a future farmer in that unmistakable blue jacket, I hope you pause and recall all the wonderful memories you had in FFA or maybe support those who have the chance you never got to have.
Best wishes,
