Finding My Place in This World
There have been times when I really doubted my place within agriculture, yearning for where I belonged in this world. Little did I know, this place was so much more than what I imagined. When I thought about agriculture, animals, crops, dirt and more, it held me back. I wasn’t that person. After school, I didn’t go home to a farm to care for animals, nor did I know people close to me who did those things. I grew up in town, with no connection to the agriculture industry. At least, that’s what I thought.
I didn’t realize that something as simple as watering my houseplants and being curious about different species could take me so far, but it did. I decided to take an introduction to agriculture class my freshman year, hoping to continue those courses and learn more about plants. Within a week of being in that class, I unintentionally changed my direction.
Our first assignment was to memorize the FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany and present it to the class. My ag teacher, Mrs. Lewis, saw potential in me and encouraged me to compete in the freshman Creed speaking competition. Although I didn’t go far in that competition, the desire to do more stayed with me.
With every opportunity I took, every door that opened and every new face I talked to, I found myself wanting more. I craved everything this organization had to offer. Eventually, I realized that plants and animals weren’t my area of expertise, but I was good at talking about them.
That’s when I found my place in agricultural marketing and communications. One of my favorite parts of the National FFA Organization is being able to share the story of agriculture and break the stereotypes about people who aren’t directly involved in farming because they are just as important — and I’m one of them.
Over the years, I haven’t let my lack of interest in farming stop me from learning more. My curiosity has taken me to places like North Dakota, Indianapolis and Philadelphia. Having the opportunity to network and build connections has not only given me more to share, but it has also reassured me that I have a place in this world.
And you do, too.
