Lizzy Bosarge with the 2022 Premier Chapter: Strengthening Agriculture award for the C. L. Payne FFA Chapter.

When joining FFA, you never understand just how much it might change your life. 

C. L. Payne FFA Alumna Lizzy Bosarge from Virginia, for example, joined FFA in middle school during sixth grade because she thought it was a cool way to enhance her learning about agriculture, and later fell in love. It was not until high school that she became further involved in what it actually was.

Bosarge and her advisor, Stephanie Loring, at the C. L. Payne FFA Chapter banquet.

Bosarge’s biggest mentor and inspiration in FFA was her advisor, Stephanie Loring. “She always pushed me to work hard and do my best, even when I wanted to quit,” Bosarge says. “She worked really hard to help me prepare for competitions, and was always there if I needed anything.”

During her time in FFA, Bosarge competed in competitions such as hippology, horse judging and various public speaking events. She also helped with many projects in the chapter, including Liberty Elementary Agriculture Day (also known as LEAD). To Bosarge, LEAD had a major impact on her because it allowed her “to see the joy learning agriculture can be to the youth,” she says. 

Bosarge works horses for her SAE.

Bosarge’s Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) was in equine placement and included working on a horse farm. She managed working horses, feeding, providing medications and much more. 

Being in FFA helped Bosarge learn patience and communication skills, allowing her to work with people more comfortably and know that if there is an issue, she can effectively talk it out. Through FFA, she also learned to stay focused and dedicated to a specific project. 

One of Bosarge’s favorite memories was during her demonstration project for the State Fair of Virginia. “I did a demonstration on how to prepare for a barrel race,” she says. “This was very fun because I was able to relate a competition to something I am passionate about.”

Bosarge with her American FFA Degree at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo.

Bosarge’s biggest achievement through FFA was receiving her American FFA Degree at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. “I worked insanely hard to receive it, and am beyond grateful to have earned it,” she says.

After her time in FFA, Bosarge decided to attend Virginia Tech to become an agriculture teacher. She originally planned to go to school for equine veterinary medicine, but soon learned that was not her dream. “Once I graduated high school, I realized that I did not want to end my time in FFA, which struck my realization that I was meant to be an ag teacher,” she says.

“My FFA experiences have allowed me to be able to put myself in my students’ shoes,” Bosarge adds. “From my experience, I understand how stressful FFA can be. If I can understand how they are feeling, it allows me to connect with them, making me a better advisor. I hope to teach future FFA members how much hard work and dedication can pay off.”

Her advice to members is “to join FFA with an open mind and to enjoy it as much as they can,” she says.

“FFA is my biggest accomplishment in life. I am so grateful for everything it has taught me, from life skills to career development,” Bosarge adds. “I give FFA credit for allowing me to find my dream career and giving me many opportunities I never would have guessed I would be blessed with. FFA is the best decision I have ever made.”