Reese Hartman shows her pig, Daisy, during her eighth-grade year in FFA.
We have heard the lines, “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.” When I was asked to write an article about someone who embodies the final line of the FFA motto, I knew Reese Hartman was a perfect example of someone who truly is living to serve.
Hartman from Jenks, Okla., has made an impact on every Jenks FFA member. She is a perfect example of a true leader who pours her heart into everything related to FFA, especially community service projects.
Hartman comes from an extremely urban background and had no prior experience with agriculture before she joined FFA. During her first year, she tried a little bit of everything, from Opening and Closing Ceremonies to prepared public speaking, the food science career development event and showing pigs. While participating in Opening and Closing Ceremonies her freshman year, Hartman’s FFA advisor asked if she was interested in the Greenhand Quiz. She confidently agreed and was able to qualify for the state competition.
To better understand what makes Hartman the ideal candidate for this article, I decided to ask her a few questions about herself. When asked, “What does ‘Living to Serve’ mean to you personally?” Hartman said, “Using what I’ve learned to help others and make a positive difference in my chapter and community. FFA has shown me that service isn’t just volunteering; it’s about caring for people, animals and the environment in everything we do.”
One example of Hartman’s dedication to service is her volunteering at food banks and the Memorial Park Cemetery. When I invited her to a Halloween party at my house, she declined because she was volunteering at a food shelter on Halloween night.
Additionally, every summer, Jenks FFA spends three days volunteering at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, where they distribute welcome bags and flags to visitors entering and exiting the cemetery. These examples may seem small, but they demonstrate how small acts can lead to great things for hundreds of people.
“FFA helps us become better leaders by showing that leadership isn’t just about being in charge or having a fancy title,” Hartman says. “It’s about serving others and creating a positive impact.”
Hartman has made an incredible impact on Jenks FFA members. “Reese is someone who will always have your back, no matter the scenario,” says Jenks FFA Sentinel Sutton Brown.
“Reese is one of the most kindhearted people I have ever met,” adds Jenks FFA Chapter President Kate Ezell. “I truly don’t know what the chapter would be like without her.”
For Hartman, “Living to Serve” is more than just a line; it’s a way of life. Whether she’s walking her show pigs, giving a speech or spending time volunteering, she has made a significant influence on her community and state.
