FFA members serve BBQ sandwiches at a local scholarship golf tournament.
When hearing the phrase “Living to serve,” many things can come to mind: the FFA motto, community service, volunteer opportunities or serving in the military. I think of a person who embodies this phrase.
Redwood Valley FFA member Cheyenne Parker constantly strives to follow the lifestyle of living to serve others. Parker inspires me and others in the community, region and chapter to serve others as well. On Oct. 10, 2025, I had the honor of interviewing Parker about her serving experiences. Below is a summary of our conversation.
Q: What are some volunteer services you have provided?
A: Cattlemen’s dinner, road ditch cleanup, animal shelter hours, food shelf donations and a clothing for advocacy rummage sale.
Q: How has FFA helped you serve your community?
A: It has gotten me into the community more and opened my eyes to a lot of different opportunities. FFA has helped me get out of my shell and helped my mental health because I have met a lot of nice people. It taught me to be more grateful for what I have and to work for what I earn.
Q: Why do you volunteer?
A: To help out; I don’t want it to be one-sided. For example, if FFA hosts an event and only the two officers who planned the event show up, I want to help. It also helps me get out and connect more with my community and explore.
Q: Recalling the time you saved a man’s life while volunteering to serve steak at a banquet dinner, what were you feeling in that moment? How has that situation helped you continue to grow as a person now?
A: In that moment, I was definitely surprised about what was going on. All I could think about while performing CPR was what I was taught. My stomach was in knots, I was jumbled up and shaken by the event, and I felt a strong determination to help the man. I was telling myself none of that happened, and one of my thoughts was, ‘I hope I represented Redwood Valley FFA well.’
It opened up my eyes to what I want to be when I’m older, how to react in heavy situations and how important it is to have that basic first aid knowledge since anything can happen. It jostled me up a lot and was very scary. People were moving around, and I am happy that I was there to help. I am also glad that he is still with us. I am still in contact with the man, and his wife gives me monthly updates on how he is doing and where he is at now.
Q: What do you want to do when you’re older?
A: I want to be an emergency medical technician or a nurse for the Army. If those two don’t work with childcare, my backup plan is farming. I just want to help people in every way I can.”
Parker continues to grow in serving her community and inspiring those around her.
