Jael Cruikshank: My FFA Journey
Jael Cruikshank’s FFA journey began long before she ever wore a blue jacket.
It started with the retirement of the Oregon state president, her father, and the election of the newly elected state reporter, her mother.
As state president, it was her father’s responsibility to congratulate newly elected officers as they crossed the stage. The moment her mother walked across marked the first time Cruikshank’s parents met. Because of that, she has always believed her FFA journey began long before official membership, rooted in authenticity, courage and connection.
Freshman Year
Freshman year marked Cruikshank’s first year of involvement in FFA. Her first competition was the FFA Creed. Although she did not advance beyond the district level, the experience provided a strong foundation in FFA values and purpose. Later that year, she began competing in parliamentary procedure. Once the team committed to practice, growth followed quickly, and by the end of the year, they qualified for the state level. While COVID-19 prevented advancement beyond that point, the lessons learned remained impactful.
Sophomore Year
During her sophomore year, Cruikshank continued competing in parliamentary procedure while exploring new opportunities. Alongside her sisters, she became involved in showmanship and agricultural sales, and together they started Three Sisters Gifts. She also began working at a local dairy. In addition, she competed in prepared public speaking, allowing her to share her passion for agriculture and its importance. This was her first year eligible for chapter office, and she was elected chapter community service chair. Cruikshank also began taking community college classes, learning how to balance academics with involvement.
Junior Year
Junior year was defined by growth and responsibility. Cruikshank continued working at the dairy while remaining enrolled in community college classes. She competed in parliamentary procedure and prepared public speaking and was elected chapter secretary and district treasurer. These roles strengthened her organization, leadership and service skills. Despite a demanding schedule, she remained committed to her officer responsibilities and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs).
Senior Year
Senior year brought everything together. Cruikshank continued competing in parliamentary procedure, focusing on teamwork and leadership beyond competition. She also began working at a local frozen yogurt shop. She was elected chapter vice president and district president, allowing her to serve members on a broader scale.
For a long time, she questioned whether running for state office was right for her. While her family was supportive and encouraging, it was never an expectation. The decision was entirely her own. Ultimately, she chose to run out of a genuine desire to serve, and the experience that followed brought lasting growth and gratitude.
State Office Journey
Running for state office was not something Cruikshank always envisioned. Midway through the process, she realized her motivation came from wanting to serve others and give back to an organization that had given her so much. During a meaningful conversation, her older brother reminded her, “If you truly want what’s best for this organization, you’ll be happy no matter the outcome—win or lose.”
Throughout her year of service, Cruikshank and her officer team attended district camps, state fairs and chapter visits. While state convention was one meaningful moment, it was the smaller interactions—listening to members, building relationships, and offering support—that mattered most. Serving alongside her team became one of the most cherished experiences of her journey.
Competitions To Conquer
Every competition shaped Cruikshank in a unique way, but parliamentary procedure had the greatest impact. It taught her teamwork, trust and effective communication. These skills carried directly into state office, where collaboration was essential. She continues to use Robert’s Rules of Order and values the lifelong connections and agricultural understanding the competition provided.
A Piece of Advice
If Cruikshank could offer one piece of advice, it would be to live a life of service. In a fast-paced world, servant leadership can be overlooked, yet small acts of kindness—a compliment, a smile or a simple “have a good day”—can change lives. Leadership is found not in titles, but in choosing to serve others.
National Officer Journey
Deciding to run for national office became one of the most significant decisions Cruikshank made. During her year as a state officer, national office was not originally part of her plan. However, through meaningful conversations with mentors, she realized the journey was not about herself, but about serving members. The process required balancing college, personal life and countless late nights while staying grounded in purpose.
This time, she felt at peace trusting that God’s plan would unfold as intended. Losing the first time created space for growth and reflection. During interviews, a fellow candidate shared a personal struggle, and being able to pray together reaffirmed Cruikshank’s purpose. She ran knowing that helping even one person meant success. Now, she has the opportunity to serve even more members and be a light—not for personal recognition, but for others.
