A Guide Through FFA
The Guide
Have you just started your FFA journey? Are you unsure how to make the best of your years in this organization? If so, then check out some tips and tricks from past and present FFA members to help guide your through your time in the blue jacket!
Where to Start
As you begin, you may be wondering, “Where should I even start?” A good way to kickstart your journey is by taking chances. While some may seem too hard and out of reach, taking chances can help you find hobbies and interests that you never knew you had. There is something for everyone within this organization; it just takes time to find what parts of it ignite your passions.
Whether you have grown up in agriculture or not does not determine if you should be in FFA. Most members who have not came from an agricultural background often find themselves questioning if they belong within this organization. Simply put, everyone belongs.
Whether you grew up on a cattle operation out in the country or lived in a large town subdivision your whole life, you belong in FFA. FFA teaches about agriculture and gives members the chance to learn and advocate for different fields of this industry. No matter who you are or where you came from, everyone has plenty to learn while being in this organization.
Supervised Agricultural Experiences
Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) are a beneficial way to help expand on your FFA journey and ready yourself for your future careers. SAEs are hands-on, student-led projects that help members ready themselves for career success. There are six types of SAEs, which include ownership, placement and research.
As a member, you do not have to settle on just one SAE. You can expand and maintain multiple projects, or you can always start from scratch. SAEs do not have to be costly. Some do not require any funds to start, and you can apply for grants. There is an SAE for everyone; it just takes time to find it.
Mindset
Your mindset plays a key role within FFA. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Believe that you can, you are halfway there.” Instead of saying “I can’t” or “I don’t know how,” believe in yourself. Whether it’s giving a speech or trying a new competition team, you can do anything, as long as you set your mind to it.
Failure is also a part of growing in FFA. Everyone will fail at least once, but it is up to them to decide to quit or to use that failure to turn it into a success. Do not let your failures haunt you; instead, let them fuel you to pursue your dreams and goals.
Opportunities
FFA offers many opportunities to its members. Conferences are one example, and most you can attend by submitting an application. Conferences can help grow you as a leader, or take you through a deep dive of the agricultural industry.
One conference any FFA member may attend is the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC), which is held in our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. WLC teaches about leadership, agriculture and service. The National FFA Convention & Expo is another national event. Members from all 50 states, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, attend this convention in Indianapolis, Ind. It includes keynote speakers, competitions and leadership workshops.
On the chapter level, you can also take advantage of opportunities. From interviewing for an officer position to trying out a competition, there are truly opportunities for everyone. One of the most common is career development events (CDEs). These take members through different agricultural careers, such as animal science, plant science and parliamentary procedure, that help inspire members for their future careers. Similar to CDEs, there are also leadership development events (LDEs) that inspire leadership and help grow members public speaking skills. Participating in both opportunities helps build members not only through their FFA career, but also for their future outside of the blue jacket.
Conclusion
This is just a glimpse at some of the things that can help you during your time as an FFA member. Finding what part of FFA inspires you, starting an SAE, believing in yourself and your abilities, going to conferences and participating in CDEs and LDEs are just a few of the ways that you can build yourself as an FFA member. Check out your state association’s website for more ways to gain new experiences during your time in this organization.
Remember, your success is not measured by the amount of awards you receive or competitions you win. It’s about the experiences you’ve had, and the memories you’ve made. Always do what feels right to you, and take a break when needed. Most importantly, keep your jacket blue and your heart gold.
