Personal Narrative: My FFA Career

I joined the National FFA Organization March of my sophomore year in 2015. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into, just that my teacher needed another participant for the Vet Science CDE. I agreed to come to practice and eventually compete at the state contest. This was the beginning of my FFA career. We won the state contest, and worked through the summer to head to National Convention that fall and finish with a gold-rating. Since, I've been involved in leadership contests, entomology judging, parliamentary procedure, and dairy evaluation. It's not always fun and games, but I wouldn't change it for a thing. Through my involvement I've grown to love the blue corduroy jacket, and proudly wear it for what it represents. I've grown

I was always on a sports team my whole life, whether it be basketball, softball, tennis or something else, but I've never known true team work until I joined the FFA. As chapter treasurer, I carry quite a bit of responsibility on my shoulders. I'm in charge of our finances, sure, but it's more about inspiring others to join the greatest youth organization in the world. It's about motivating teammates to keep studying. It's about seeing potential in others, and in yourself. It's recognizing your flaws as well as your strengths. It's about putting in time before, during, and after school to make winning a possibility. To bear the title of an officer goes beyond you- it's about setting an example in the classroom and in your community. Premier leadership isn't part of FFA's mission statement for any reason, it's there because it's what you learn, what you develop, by being a member of the National FFA

When I first did the vet science CDE, I was pretty set that I wanted to be a veterinarian, but by doing the contest I was able to learn more about the job, and that it just wasn't the career for me. So I started looking into other careers, discovered wildlife ecology, and began to particpate in events and take courses that would prepare me for said career. I tried out entomology judging, and really developed a passion for insects by competing- an interest I would not have known if not for the FFA. I feel that some of the major attributes that I can apply later in life, have come through my