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Thoughts From A Former FFA Member

One of the best decisions I ever made was in sixth grade when I joined my school's chapter of the National FFA Organization.

When I was in the first grade, my dad answered the call to start an agricultural education and FFA program at the small private school at which I was attending. The school, having students in from kindergarten to twelfth grade, was composed of a large population of students from rural America- many of which made up our agricultural program.

The summer between my fifth and sixth-grade year, my dad took me with the chapter to the North Carolina State FFA Convention, where I was able to hear the retiring address of one of the FFA state officers. And although I can't remember her name or face, I do recall that the officer's address was about the importance of making a difference in the lives of others, even if it is difficult. To the surprise of the audience, the officer closed her speech by pulling her hair into a ponytail, pulling a pair of scissors out of her pocket, and snip. She cut her own hair in front of five thousand students to use as a donation to a company that makes wigs for children with cancer. This officer made a difference in someone's life, just like she had been telling her audience to do her entire year in office.

At the sound of the scissors, I knew I was going to be joining this organization, which makes a difference in the lives of students daily through agricultural education.

It has been eight years since that day, and I would not go back and do anything differently. The National FFA Organization and the 60,000 members who wear the blue jacket has allowed me to travel across the country and make friendships that will last forever. Even though I retired my official dress this past October after receiving my American FFA Degree, I will never retire the lessons FFA has taught me.

As I start the next phase of my life, I wish the present and future members of this organization the best of luck. Take every opportunity presented to you; make as many friends as possible; try out for that officer position; work hard to prepare for that competition.

And, most importantly, regret nothing.

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