Growing Leaders Through Experience
Delhi Charter FFA show team members Kaydence Daniels and Maddie Wilkins show their rabbits at the annual DCS STEM Day, along with President Annabelle Olivoe, to inform participants about rabbit care and opportunities within the National FFA Organization.
For members of the Delhi Charter FFA Chapter in Delhi, La., competing in career and leadership development events (CDEs and LDEs) is one of the most impactful ways they prepare for future careers. Whether competing at the local, state or national level, these events help members strengthen communication, professionalism, problem-solving and agricultural knowledge that directly transfer into real-world success. Through intentional preparation, practice and community engagement, this chapter sharpens the very skills needed in competition.
One way this chapter prepares members for leadership development events is through STEM Day, a community-wide event centered on agricultural advocacy and education. During this event, members interact with families, students and local supporters while promoting agriculture and FFA. The rabbit show team especially benefits, as members explain their show program, introduce their animals and answer questions from the public.
Experiences like this build confidence in public speaking and prepare students for speaking-based LDEs, interviews and future careers that require professional communication. One of the chapter’s best preparation tips is to place members in real conversations with community members because authentic interaction develops stronger communication skills than practice alone.
Delhi Charter FFA members Crestin Knight, Zachary Bailey and Kasen Simms educate second graders about the life cycle of a bean plant.
Another valuable preparation activity is Let the Education Roll, where chapter officers and members visit classrooms to teach younger students agricultural concepts, such as soil horizons, flower parts and dichotomous keys. This activity strengthens members’ ability to explain technical information clearly, which is essential in many CDEs and LDEs.
Preparing to teach others forces members to master the content themselves, helping them feel more confident in competitions that require agricultural knowledge, demonstrations or presentations. A tip this chapter uses is practicing lessons with teammates beforehand, so members can refine delivery and improve accuracy.
FFA members Coen Guice and Zachary Bailey read a book about agriculture to kindergarteners.
The chapter’s Never To Young reading initiative also helps prepare members for future success. By reading agriculture-related books to elementary students, members learn how to connect with diverse audiences and adjust their message based on age and understanding level. This is an important skill not only for competition, but also for careers in agricultural communications, education and leadership. The ability to tailor a message to the audience is something members carry into prepared speaking, Creed speaking and interview events.
Delhi Charter FFA Advisor Ashlee Sebren.
Even the chapter’s appreciation activity, Never Too Late to Appreciate, contributes to leadership growth. Writing personal notes to the advisor teaches professionalism, gratitude and relationship-building — qualities that matter in both LDEs and future workplaces. Leadership is not only about speaking on stage, but also about showing respect and valuing those who help us succeed.
In Delhi Charter FFA, members believe preparation for competition goes far beyond practice rooms. By using real experiences in the school and community, members build the confidence, communication and leadership skills necessary for success in competitions and future careers alike.
