The FFA Effect

FFA. Three simple letters that come together to make a strong impact. Three simple letters that little did I know, would change my life forever beginning with my eighthgrade year. Future Farmers of America, that’s what those simple letters stand for to just the average person, but for me? They stand for selfgrowth, responsibility, leadership, America’s lifeline, and so much more.

As a little shy eighthgrader joining the Prairie Grove FFA Chapter, I had no clue what was in store for me. Parking cars and cleaning up at the fairgrounds, to pulling an all-nighter at the lock-in, I was really enjoying my start in my FFA journey. Little did I know, this was only the beginning to a chain reaction of life- changing experiences. I soon joined the Equine Judging team and was pushed beyond my comfort zone learning everything and anything there is to know about horses and making memories beyond belief.

Shortly into my ninthgrade year my ag teachers pushed me to try out for the Creed Speaking contest, I thought they were crazy. There was no way I could memorize that long creed, let alone perform it in front of judges! But, I did. I went all the way to state that year and through that it pushed me past my fear of public speaking and helped me develop skills that I can use in day to day life. Through my teachers pushing me to step out of my comfort zone, I am now successful in competing in the prepared speaking contest.

My FFA experience has allowed the little shy eighthgrader to develop qualities which will always stick with me; however, it wasn’t all just the leadership opportunities that pushed me into a better me. Over the summer, I raised a hog to show at the county fair. From waking up early every morning of summer to care for him, to waking up everyday at 5 a.m. before school to practice showing him, many valuable lessons were learned from that experience. Although many people may not have even heard of FFA, I know that without this organization I would not be the student, leader, friend, and person I am today. Through my FFA experience has come many valuable lessons that I will cherish for the rest of my life. The three simple letters, F- F-A, might not mean anything to someone else, but they mean transformations and growth for me.