Andrew Roberts’ Journey in and Beyond the Jacket
Andrew Roberts is a junior at South Johnston High School in Benson, N.C. He currently serves as the reporter for his home chapter and the treasurer for the Johnston Federation chapter. Although Roberts is heavily involved in the FFA, his involvement and character extend far beyond the organization.
Roberts grew up on his family farm, where they specialize in forage production, primarily growing coastal hay. When asked where his interest in agriculture began, he said, “Ever since I could reach the pedals of a tractor, I knew agriculture was a passion of mine.”
Roberts has been an active FFA member since middle school, when he joined the Four Oaks Middle School FFA Chapter. During his time there, he served as president for two consecutive years and worked to grow the chapter and increase member involvement. When Roberts transitioned to high school, he became even more involved with the South Johnston FFA Chapter. It was during this time that he realized FFA is not only for farmers, but for anyone interested in leadership, service and personal growth.
Outside of FFA, Roberts is involved in many other activities. For the past 11 years, he has shown goats at the Johnston County Youth Livestock Show and Sale and at the North Carolina State Fair. This experience has taught him that success is not always about winning, but about what you learn along the way.
Roberts is also passionate about technology and technical management. He works behind the scenes managing filming, lighting and sound for school events, such as football games and other productions, as well as local community events like pageants. His interest in technology has also led him to become a member of his school’s yearbook team. Through this passion, Roberts has started his own video editing business, primarily creating farewell videos for pageants. When he is not working with technology, Roberts spends time helping his grandfather on the family farm and is also a member of the Classic Antique Power Incorporated Club.
Through his involvement in FFA and other organizations, Robert has learned many valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork and responsibility. Participating in career development events has helped him strengthen his communication skills and gain insight into potential career paths. While Roberts always knew he wanted to work in agriculture, he was unsure of exactly what direction he wanted to take. After competing in precision agriculture and agricultural mechanics events, he realized he would like to pursue a career that combines both agriculture and technology.
Roberts believes that if every student had the opportunity to experience FFA, it would have a positive impact on the entire generation. Through FFA, he has learned how to communicate effectively, speak in public and confidently participate in interviews. These skills have been valuable in both school and real-world situations.
One important lesson Roberts learned was that it is okay to ask for help. Last year, he helped organize a music bingo event for the South Johnston FFA Chapter. Because of his background in technology, he was responsible for managing the music and creating the bingo cards. However, the event was scheduled shortly after he had planned to take a week-long cruise with his family. Realizing that he could not handle everything alone, Roberts learned the importance of trusting others and asking for assistance when needed.
Roberts has also experienced other times when multiple commitments have overlapped. For example, the day chapter officer interview results were announced, he was already committed to working at a tractor show. Moments like these have helped him understand the importance of balance, organization and teamwork. He has learned that it is impossible to do everything alone, and that asking for help is not a weakness, but a strength.
FFA has played a major role in helping Roberts develop confidence and communication skills. Through activities, such as agricultural sales competitions, he has learned how to effectively hold conversations and present ideas. These experiences have prepared him for future opportunities, as he knows that strong communication skills will be valuable no matter what career path he chooses.
Ultimately, Roberts’ goal is to support and encourage other students. He does not always need to be in the spotlight; instead, he finds satisfaction in helping others succeed and enjoy their experiences. Because agriculture is a declining industry in some areas, Roberts hopes to promote agricultural education and awareness. He wants people to better understand how their food reaches their tables, and to appreciate the work that goes into producing it.
