Why FFA Is Not "Lame AF" To Me

     Within the last day I have seen an article shared on my Facebook feed titled FFA is Lame AF. Many of my friends involved in the organization shared their opinion on how this article was anything but the truth. I would put it on here to show you guys, but I really do not want to give it any more attention than it already has.

     The National FFA Organization is not only about livestock, like the article says. Members can be involved in plant science, public speaking, leadership, ag mechanics and woodworking. FFA helps prepare high school students to not only be involved leaders in agriculture, but to also be responsible citizens.

     Before I joined FFA I really had no idea about how large and diverse the agriculture industry really was. I had only known about the production side because of my family's beef farm, and even then I was not interested. I was in 4H, showing horses and entering in the county fair with photographs and baked goods. I gave the class a try because my dad wanted me to join. My advisor encouraged me to participate in public speaking for the first time. I had no idea what I was doing, I got nervous speaking in front of the class. My advisor helped me write it and he gave me advice when I would practice. I was able to go compete at District competition with that first speech, and I did not get enough of it. I loved the rush before giving my speech and communicating my opinion to the judges, I still love it to this day. 

This was taken right before my first speech competition. 

     After that first speech I did everything I could to be involved. I went to every meeting (that did not conflict with softball and basketball) and got involved with the barn warming committee. I ran for office every year. I was able to make friends in my school and around the area that I would not have normally known. 

My friend and Area President at our last Area Banquet.

     FFA has given me many opportunities that I would not have gotten without it. My sophomore year in high school I applied for the Missouri AgriBusiness Academy  (MAbA). This week long event is offered for the top 30 sophomores in Missouri Agriculture. I was honestly surprised that I had the chance to go, there were great students who I thought should have gone before me. During that trip I realized two things; that I wanted to have a career in the agriculture industry and that I wanted to go to Missouri State University to continue my education in agriculture. Shortly after MAbA I was able to fly to Washington D.C. to be involved with the Washington Leadership Conference. 

     My latest adventure FFA introduced me to was during finals week last semester. With two other students from MSU and three from Nebraska, I flew to Taiwan for a week. This was my first time outside of the country and it was an incredible experience. We visited an agriculture high school and several orchid nurseries, visited the night market in Taichung, and tried food that I never would have imagined about back home. 

Visited a nursery in Taiwan.

     Though I was involved in a lot of organizations throughout high school, FFA taught me the lessons I needed for life outside of high school. I was able to gain confidence in my ability to make sound decisions, lead others to finish a project, and speak in front of a crowd. I learned that nothing can get accomplished without hard work and dedication. That the best solution to a problem can be solved as a team, not by yourself. I learned to believe in myself and my decisions. Most importantly I learned that leadership is not just a title, in it's greatest form leadership is leading by example and serving others. FFA brought out the leader that was in a shy, timid girl. I know that others have not had the same experiences and opportunities as I have, but FFA provides young adults with the opportunities to prepare for life as hardworking individuals.