What influenced you to join FFA?
I joined FFA because it was something that just seemed natural to me. My parents & some grandparents had been in it, and in a rural community, agriculture is a part of my everyday life. I was put in the middle school quiz bowl competition in my 8th-grade year and ended up making it all the way to state. I believe if I wasn’t a part of that team, my passion for this organization would not have blossomed the way it did.
What inspired you to serve as a State Officer?
Throughout my Senior year and chapter presidency, I did a lot of reflecting on the impact or legacy I wanted to leave behind in my chapter. I thought about all the people who had impacted my life and journey in FFA, from past advisors to state officers. I wasn’t sure I had a place in FFA or Ag when I started my journey, and the people who helped me made a profound impact on my path. I had a desire to make an impact beyond just my chapter and help other unsure members find their place. After National Convention that year, I was even more sure of my desire to serve because I knew I wasn’t ready to hang up that blue jacket yet.
What are your favorite FFA experiences?
One of my favorite experiences in FFA has been competing at the National Land and Range competition in Oklahoma my Junior year. It was something the team I was on had worked really hard towards. I had only been soil judging for two years, but the first year we came just one point short of qualifying, it really motivated our team to put in the extra effort to get there. Besides just getting out of a week of school, it was so cool to meet FFA members from across the nation there and travel with my chapter.
Another experience of mine I really value is the skills and values learned through my SAE. Just like section 4, I’m very proud of my traditions and roots! I don’t know everything about agriculture, but FFA and my SAE gave me a chance to actually get involved on our farm and learn more about our operation. As the 6th generation on an almost 150-year old farm it made me realize how much care is put into the land and herd to ensure it will be here for 150 more and continue to be passed down.
What are your future plans?
I will be attending the University of Wisconsin - Madison to major in Food Science. This is actually an interest of mine I discovered through FFA. Part of me finding my purpose and place in the organization was realizing there were challenging and rewarding degrees that I could pursue relating to agriculture. Just because my plans after high school weren’t to work on the farm the rest of my life and be heavily involved in the showing industry didn’t mean there wasn’t a place for me in the organization.
What is something members should know about you?
This organization has had such a transformative impact on my life. My freshman year, I was unsure of myself and had no confidence. But I was given an opportunity to join the chapter officer halfway into my sophomore year that forced me to go through a lot of growth in a short span of time. I didn’t have belief in myself then, but others saw potential in me. Without that year of growth and development, I know I never would have even entertained the idea of running for state office, let alone chapter president my Senior year.
My purpose behind my year of service is the members. I’m here to serve you, please don’t be afraid to say ‘hi’ or reach out at any time! We are a true testament of what this organization can do for its members. I want to help others, especially where I can see parts of my freshman self, find their voices and passions.