A Journey That Sparked a Dream
FFA in the USA reporter Lilia Mendez.
Sometimes in life, you enter a club or an organization just for the experiences. But you never know how much that organization will impact your life until you have spent all your four years of high school making a difference, participating in competitions, and getting recognized for your achievements, and leaving those lasting moments behind.
When I first joined FFA, I originally joined for myself. As a high school freshman, I followed in my brother’s footsteps without truly understanding what the organization had to offer. At the time, I was shy and quiet and struggled to make friends. Even though my first agriculture class was boring, I still participated in the vet science career development event (CDE), but I was unsure where I fit in.
One of my first experiences in poultry evaluation was challenging. During my sophomore year, I competed in my first poultry CDE. At the time, I did not really know what I was getting myself into — I mostly joined for fun and to try something new. In that first competition, I placed 86th. However, through that experience, I realized that I truly loved this CDE and wanted to continue improving. Instead of giving up, I used that experience as motivation.
Through consistent studying, practice and dedication, I continued working to better myself each year. By my junior year, I improved my placement to 63rd, and by my senior year, I placed among the top 15 competitors. By sharing my knowledge of industry standards — from live-bird evaluation to carcass grading — I realized I want to help others unlock their potential, just as I did through FFA. That growth taught me the value of perseverance, hard work and believing in myself even when progress felt slow.
Where It All Started
My junior year became a turning point in my life. I decided to run for chapter office, and becoming an officer changed me completely. Through the encouragement and support of the people around me, I found a place where I truly belonged. I fell in love with poultry evaluation and committed myself to improving through constant practice and preparation. Attending the National FFA Convention & Expo opened my eyes to opportunities beyond my local chapter and showed me the true impact of the organization.
Lilia Mendez holding her ambassador plaque at the Georgia FFA Convention.
During my senior year, I challenged myself to take advantage of every opportunity possible. One of the most meaningful experiences was participating in the National FFA Organization’s FFA in the USA reporter program. Through this experience, I discovered a passion for storytelling and sharing the voices and experiences of others. It inspired me to think beyond the local and state level, and realize that I could make a larger impact through communication and leadership.
I also had the opportunity to coach my poultry evaluation team, which sparked a passion for helping others reach their full potential. Watching younger members grow in confidence and skill reminded me of my own journey and showed me the importance of mentorship. All of my teammates placed perfect scores in different categories.
Stepping up at the State Level
In addition, I stepped into a new leadership role as the first-ever state convention ambassador for my chapter, representing both my chapter and the organization that had shaped me into the person I am today.
I had the opportunity to meet donors, supporters, and alumni that help this organization become so successful and who invest in the future of students. This year, I received my State FFA Degree and placed fourth in my agriscience project, in the food products and processing category.
Coraline Woodall and I point at our FFA jackets at National FFA Convention.
What This Organization Taught Me
Although not every opportunity led to success, each experience taught me resilience, confidence and determination. FFA became more than an organization to me — it became my home. It helped me find my voice, recognize my potential and discover my passion for serving others.
Because of the impact FFA has had on my life, I now hope to pursue a future working within the organization or in a career where I can inspire and support others the same way FFA inspired and supported me. I want to help students discover their confidence, leadership abilities and passions just as I did.
As I became more involved in FFA, I discovered a passion for the organization that I never expected to have. At first, I only joined because my brother did, but over time, FFA became a major part of my life. I started attending field trips, participating in activities and dedicating more time to poultry evaluation. Through these experiences, FFA helped me grow my communication skills and become a stronger leader. I began building confidence and discovering a passion for agriculture, leadership and serving others.
My ‘Why’
I took every opportunity I was given because my brother, who was also an FFA member, along with other family members, were never given the same opportunities I was given. Even though they wanted to pursue their dreams, they were never able to. So seeing them support and push me sparked an interest in being the first person to go to college and my hopes of making an impact on others.
Advice for Students
My advice to younger FFA members is to take every opportunity this organization has to offer. Don’t wait until the last minute to get involved. Step outside of your comfort zone, even when it feels scary, because those opportunities can change your life. FFA helped me grow from a shy student with little confidence into a strong leader who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.
