Q: You’ve covered thousands of miles during your year of service. What’s something you can’t hit the road without?
“A book! Every night when I was a kid, my mom and dad read to me. I like to think my reading level has improved since then, but in a way I’m still the same 5-year-old Thad who could disappear into a good story. Since I can’t lug my personal library with me on trips, I end up hunting for books wherever I’m traveling. No book lasts too long when I’m interested in it, and I’m always looking for new recommendations and favorites.”
— Thaddeus Bergschneider, National FFA President
“Everywhere I’ve traveled, I’ve made sure to pack my disposable camera. Our phones give us endless opportunities to make sure everything is how we want it to capture the “perfect” moment. However, there isn’t an opportunity to retake pictures with only 30 exposures available. My camera teaches me to enjoy each moment a little more because it will never happen again. This year was full of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, so I tried to live everywhere I went one snapshot at a time.”
— Luke Jennings, National FFA Secretary
“To make sure I always look sharp, I never forget my ‘Official Dress emergency kit.’ My advisors always carried a massive tote filled with supplies, and it saved me more times than I can count. Lint rollers, a portable steamer, hairspray, an extra American FFA Degree chain, safety pins, plenty of extra nylons and shoe shine are some of the first items I pack in my suitcase. When we feel confident and prepared, I think we show up with our best energy and intentions.”
— Mary Schrieber, Central Region Vice President
“When I interviewed for national office, I began daily journaling as a way to reflect and stay grounded. What started as a simple habit has grown into a meaningful ritual. My journal is a space for reflection, creativity and gratitude. It’s filled with words, but also photos, sticky notes from workshops, old boarding passes, ticket stubs and even napkins with quick notes scribbled on them. It’s a scrapbook of moments, conversations and connections that reminds me of where I’ve been, who I’ve met and what I’ve learned.”
— Caroline Groth, Eastern Region Vice President
“I often find myself with long stretches of alone time between events, which are usually spent in hotel rooms, airports and rental cars. My AirPods help me fill the silence with connection and comfort. There’s nothing quite as refreshing as an end-of-day debrief with my best friends or a lengthy FaceTime call with my whole family (pets included!). When I’m not on the phone, music helps replace the quiet solo travel with something familiar and gives me the space to reset and recharge.”
— Abigale Jacobsen, Western Region Vice President
“For my birthday, my teammates gave me a small digital picture frame compact enough to fit in my backpack and powered by a few simple batteries. At every convention, and in every hotel room, I power it on and let the slideshow begin. Faces of friends, family and teammates fill the screen, reminding me of the people who believe in me. It serves as a powerful reminder of how I’m never alone and my community is always guiding me, lifting me up and helping me lead with heart.”
— Jack Lingenfelter, Southern Region Vice President
