From Grief to Growth in the Blue Jacket: My Story
Ainsley Davis poses with her agriscience poster at the State Fair of Virginia.
My journey in the blue jacket started long before I was eligible to join the organization. Growing up, I saw the impact FFA had on my dad through the connections, opportunities and education that stayed with him for a lifetime. Watching him, I knew I wanted to be part of the organization too. So, when I became eligible, I joined FFA my freshman year and immediately immersed myself in it.
However, tragedy struck during my sophomore year when my dad passed away.
While grief changed me in many ways, I believe it also changed me for the better. It made me more empathetic toward others and helped me realize how short and precious life truly is. Those realizations gave me a new sense of purpose and passion. Losing my dad inspired me to become better and to leave a legacy like he did, but in my own way. While I would give anything to have him back, that loss shaped me into the person I am today and helped me discover my true passion.
After my dad passed away, I began working with Farmview Creamery at the State Fair of Virginia. There, I made meaningful connections, learned more about the dairy industry, and talked with customers about agriculture. Through those conversations, I realized how many people were misinformed about agriculture. At the same time, I was searching for a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) that genuinely interested me, and I knew I wanted to do something to help educate others about agriculture.
With that inspiration and renewed sense of purpose, I started my Instagram account, @rooted_in_agriculture. Through my account, I share my FFA journey, my grief story, agricultural and FFA topics, as well as fun videos and outfit-of-the-day content. What started as simply an SAE quickly became a true passion. My SAE has helped me develop skills in research and graphic design, but more importantly, it has connected me with members across the country through sharing both my story and the stories of others.
My SAE has allowed me to make an impact while also being impacted by others, just as my dad was. Through my SAE, FFA has given me a purpose for my passion, an outlet for creativity, and opportunities to connect with people I never would have met otherwise.
Ainsley, with her dad, Johnny.
I am incredibly grateful for the FFA in the USA program this past year. It has allowed me to strengthen my storytelling skills, connect with other reporters, and share meaningful stories. Thank you, FFA in the USA, for providing a platform to share the stories of others, and finally, my own.
