Zipping Up Confidence: Lillian Hulse’s Leadership Journey
Lillian Hulse, state president of the Kansas FFA.
Serving as the state president of the Kansas FFA Association has provided valuable opportunities for Lillian Hulse to grow as a leader while balancing the responsibilities of college and statewide service. Throughout her year in office, Hulse has reflected on the confidence, leadership skills, and personal growth she has gained through the organization.
One of the most meaningful symbols of her experience is the iconic blue FFA jacket. When asked what the jacket represents to her now while serving as state president and balancing college life, Hulse shared that it continues to represent confidence and unity among members.
“The blue jacket definitely represents confidence for me,” Hulse said. “Honestly, just zipping up the blue jacket feels like putting on literal confidence. It brings confidence to everyone wearing it. When everyone is wearing the blue jacket, we’re all on the same level. We’re equal, and we can work together to accomplish whatever it is we’re doing.”
Lillian Hulse attends college at Kansas State University, balancing college life with the responsibilities of state office can be challenging, but Hulse says the purpose behind her work makes the busy schedule worthwhile.
“Balancing college life and FFA has definitely been a challenge,” she said. “But knowing that what I’m doing is helping the members of our state makes it easier to work through anything. The confidence that the blue jacket gives me reminds me that I can do anything I set my mind to.”
The leadership skills she developed through FFA have also helped her succeed as a college student while managing a busy schedule. Hulse credits the organization for teaching her strong time management and communication skills.
“FFA taught me a lot of leadership skills, but one of the biggest was time management,” Hulse said. “In high school I sometimes missed class several times a week for FFA events. I had to learn how to communicate with my teachers and manage my time so I could still keep up with my work and graduate with a 4.0.”
Left to right: Bricen Benyshek, Lillian Hulse, Allyson Rietcheck, Maggie Chandler, Marisa Wasinger and Dustin Denton.
Those experiences prepared her well for the transition to college.
“FFA also gave me the communication skills to email professors ahead of time, ask what I will miss, and go to office hours if I have questions,” she explained. “Those skills help me get the most out of my academic career.”
During her year of service, Hulse also experienced moments that showed her how FFA prepares members for life beyond the organization. One memorable experience came while competing in the National Employment Skills Leadership Development Event at the National FFA Convention.
“In the finals we sat down for a meal with judges and other competitors,” Hulse said. “We weren’t talking about our resumes or career goals. Instead, we had to build connections and hold meaningful conversations in a short amount of time.” That moment helped her realize the long-term value of the skills she learned through FFA.
“The communication and relationship-building skills I learned through FFA are skills I will use for the rest of my life,” she said.
Looking ahead, Hulse hopes younger members understand they do not have to be perfect before pursuing leadership opportunities.
“Sometimes we think someone else would be better at something, or we think we’re not ready,” Hulse said. “But sometimes we aren’t qualified when we start—we become qualified as we grow through challenges.” She hopes every member finds the same confidence she feels when putting on the blue jacket.
“When I put on my blue jacket, it gives me confidence, and I hope it does the same for every member,” Hulse said. “The more uncomfortable situations you put yourself in, the more you grow.”
