Beyond the Corduroy: McKayla Fisher’s Story in FFA
Getting elected as my Chapters President this year!
My FFA journey has been a lot more than just an organization I joined my freshman year. It has shaped me in ways I never expected.
When I first joined FFA, I didn’t think much of it, but over time it helped me gain confidence, find my voice and step outside of my comfort zone. Along the way, I’ve faced challenges that have shaped who I am today. Instead of letting them hold me back, I’ve learned how to grow from them and keep going.
Balancing everything
This year has been really busy with cheer, yearbook, and FFA all at the same time. Learning how to balance everything hasn’t always been easy. There were days when I went from one thing straight into another with barely any time in between. I remember one night competing in an FFA competition, then later going straight to cheer for my school’s basketball team’s last game. It was a lot, but it showed me I can handle more than I thought I could.
Going from FFA to Cheering on my school’s basketball team for their last game.
Challenges this year
On top of balancing everything, I’ve had scoliosis since the third grade. It’s something I’ve grown up with, and it has taught me a lot about being strong and pushing through hard things. I now serve as a Shriners Ambassador for my hospital, which is such an honor because I get to share my story and spread scoliosis awareness. This year also came with setbacks in FFA competitions, and that wasn’t easy. I care a lot about what I do, so losing definitely hit hard, but it also pushed me to learn from it and keep going.
Me representing Shriners Hospital for children at a media event for their hospital.
Finding my voice
FFA is where I realized I actually enjoy public speaking and agricultural communications more than I thought I would. Being involved in reporting and telling stories has helped me become more confident in using my voice. It has also made me realize that my voice matters, even when I don’t always feel confident.
I got silver ranking as Chapter Reporter and got to be a flag bearer for the first session of my State Convention last year.
Where I Am Now
Being an FFA in the USA reporter has been such an honor, and I’m excited to keep writing more stories next year. I really enjoy getting to share other people’s experiences and tell stories that matter.
Looking at where I am now, FFA has helped me become more confident and more open to opportunities I never expected. From public speaking to agricultural communications, I’ve learned skills that will continue to help me both inside and outside of FFA.
Looking back
Looking back, my FFA journey has been about growing, learning how to balance a lot at once, and figuring things out as I go. Through FFA, I’ve gained confidence, found my voice, and stepped outside of my comfort zone more than I ever expected. Not every part of my journey has been easy, but every challenge has helped shape who I am today. I’m really grateful for everything FFA has taught me, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next.
