What influenced you to join FFA?
I joined the FFA because of the kindness and support I found in my middle school Agriculture teacher, Mr.Beaver. Mr.Beavers made sure his classroom environment was always a safe space for everyone to enjoy, work hard, and share ideas. He promoted us middle schoolers to take on tasks and responsibilities in the classroom, and in the Waupun Area FFA. He helped me connect to my high school FFA advisor, Ms.Costello, who also pushed me to be a part of this organization and I am forever grateful for these two mighty owls!
What inspired you to serve as a State Officer?
There have been many factors that have contributed to the goal of becoming a Wisconsin State FFA Officer, and I am extremely grateful for all of them! Waupun had our very own Cole Hicken representing section six a during the 2022-23 school year. He and his teammates helped me realize the importance of making impacts on the next generation of leaders! I also always loved the State Presidents retirement addresses, and understanding how amazing it was to see Ben Styer, Casey Denk, and Mary Schrieber truly represent the vision of the FFA! I was also inspired to work with kids because of my teacher Ms.Ferron. Ms.Ferron let me work in her second grade classroom as an aid, and showed me how influential one person can be for a classroom of kiddos! Lastly, my chapter moved me to sign the final papers. Witnessing all of their hard work and efforts, pushed me to work harder for them as a leader. Whether it was my advisors, members, or supporters of the Waupun Area FFA, everyone inspired me!
What are your favorite FFA experiences?
During the 94th Wisconsin FFA Convention, Jason Wetzler said, “What we accomplish will never be as important as who we become.”. While I have had experiences where I came out on top, I feel like the moments I was not #1 are my favorite. Whether it was dropping the ball during my LDE competition junior year, tripping over words during meetings, failing to reach the bar of expectation or spilling any kind of food on my FFA jacket, this organization has given me a beautiful gift. That gift is humility! These experiences have led to me working harder, finding new solutions, and learning to laugh at myself!
What are your future plans?
I am going to be partaking in a fire protection technician program, which is fancy words for firefighter school! Through the impacts of the great leaders at the Waupun and Fond du Lac City Fire Departments, I have been inspired to pursue a career in helping others! Working together with a group of diverse individuals, with an understanding of a common goal is something that I have pursued throughout my life, and I can't wait to take it to the next level!
What is something members should know about you?
Members should know that I can't wait to meet them all! I am so excited to see all of the great work you all do for your communities! I love HARDY, Legos, Taco Bell, Reese's, fire trucks and the Chicago Bears! I am a triplet, and no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room. I can't wait to meet you all and hopefully chat over some cheese curds!