What?In high school I was extremely involved in an organization called FFA. Formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, this organization was like my home. It helped me to develop a love for agriculture and truly began my passion for helping people and leadership. After high school I was fortunate to be a part of the 2011-2012 Virginia State FFA Officer team and in 2013 was elected as the National FFA President. This position was an absolute honor and one that took me over 120,000 miles across 41 states and 5 countries advocating for agriculture and agricultural education. Alongside five of what are now my best friends, I was able to create hundreds of connections, speak to a variety of different groups about a range of topics and further develop my passion for agriculture and youth development.
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So What? |
While the travel was definitely a highlight of my time serving the National FFA Organization, it was a lot more. The many miles allowed for me to interact with some amazing people that taught me some very valuable lessons about the stories of young people. Take Josh for instance, a homeschooler from a military family living in Alaska who found a home in the FFA and really the first true friends he had ever had. In South Dakota I met a girl named Martina who always felt left in the shadows of her older sisters accomplishments. The hundreds of stories that I heard truly had an impact on me and my vision for life. The networking opportunities with these young folks as well as agricultural industry leaders like Jeff Simmons of Elanco and Donnie Smith of Tyson Foods helped me to better understand the agricultural industry and my role in the challenge that is agriculture.
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Now What? |
Leaving such a busy role was an experience in itself but I returned to the college life as a new person with a brand new motivation to grow, serve and succeed. The stories that I encountered from young people while on the road have motivated me to want to become an agricultural education teacher and use the skills that I developed during this year to help students find their own place in agriculture and this world. Beyond that, a renewed sense of my personal leadership abilities and ideas has allowed me to better understand the Virginia Tech community and enact change where I see opportunity.
To find out more about the National FFA Organization visit www.ffa.org. |