Saying Yes: Advice to a New Generation of FFA Members
Lulu Fitzgerald, an FFA senior.
As the school year comes to a close and tassels begin to turn, many FFA seniors are hanging up their blue jackets for the final time. At the same time, younger members will continue wearing theirs proudly, while others will put on the iconic jacket for the very first time.
For many students, FFA is much more than an organization. It becomes a place to grow, lead, compete and build lifelong friendships. From seniors and state officers, to recent alumni, members from across the country shared advice for those continuing their FFA journey or considering joining for the first time.
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
One of the most common pieces of advice shared by FFA members was simple: step outside of your comfort zone. As many members emphasized, growth never happens when you stay comfortable.
Florida FFA President Hope Storter encourages members to “do it scared.”
“Starting in FFA, it’s likely that you don’t know anything about a certain SAE, CDE, or LDE that you may be interested in,” Storter says. “But do it anyway! If we never step out of our comfort zones, then we’ll never know what we can accomplish. So, in all things during FFA, dive in with your whole heart and do it scared!”
Erika Martinez from the Eagle Pass FFA Chapter reflected on the highs and lows members experience, reminding others that “it’ll be worth it,” she says. Competitions, officer positions and events may not always go as planned, but every experience teaches valuable lessons.
Lydia Fuchs of Barnesville FFA shares similar advice: “Say yes to everything!”
Charlotte Harman adds, “Say yes, even if you don’t know where that will lead you!”
By saying yes to new opportunities, members open doors to experiences, friendships and personal growth that may never have been possible otherwise.
Make Your FFA Journey Your Own
Another important reminder from members and alumni is that no two FFA journeys look the same.
Lulu Fitzgerald from the Turner Ashby FFA Chapter wants new members to know that “you don’t need to come from an agricultural background to get involved in FFA and agriculture!” FFA welcomes students from all backgrounds and interests.
Lulu Fitzgerald, a Turner Ashby FFA senior in her senior pictures.
Samantha Selliers, an FFA alumna and agriculture student, says, “There isn’t always going to be a clear-cut path to follow. Sometimes you have to make your own, and sometimes you have to wait for things to fall into place. It won’t all come at once, and what is meant for you will happen for you.”
Every member’s experience in the blue jacket is unique, and those differences are what make the organization so special. Different stories, experiences and paths all contribute to the organization. As Lakeland FFA Senior Zoe Gould puts it, “Make your journey special to you.”
Build Meaningful Connections
Gould also says that “the best part of FFA is meeting new people.” Members are what make the organization special, and the relationships formed through FFA often last a lifetime.
Claire Myatt of Monroe FFA and Meg Coble, a Mechanicsville FFA alumna, encourage new members to talk to everyone and make as many friends as possible. The friendships and connections built in FFA often continue far beyond high school. The people you meet today could become future teammates, roommates, coworkers or lifelong friends.
Sophey Errington of Greene County FFA offers one final reminder: “Wear out that jacket and make those memories,” she says.
To new members everywhere: enjoy your time in the blue jacket, and make the most of every opportunity. Celebrate the wins, learn from the losses and soak in every moment because your time in FFA will shape you for years to come. Make memories and leave an impact on yourself and others that you will carry with you for life.
— Sincerely, the Class of 2026
