How FFA Has Impacted My Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

How FFA Has Impacted My Life

I believe...

530
How FFA Has Impacted My Life
Emily Rogerson

"I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds - achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years."

I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe, I believe.

In the Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA), the FFA Creed starts every paragraph with "I believe". This creed is what us FFA members believe in.

I was a sophomore when I joined FFA. Although I didn't know what exactly I was getting myself into at the beginning. I was shy when I first joined and wouldn't really talk to anyone in the chapter. As time went on, I got involved more; made friends within my chapter and taught my family what exactly FFA is.

"Isn't FFA just for farmers?" This was a common question asked by my family when I told them that I was an FFA member. After a while, this question aggravated me. There is a stereotype that FFA is just for farmers, but that is not true. FFA is for the people who are passionate about agriculture, leadership and making a difference.

When it comes to competing, FFA can make the shyest person, confident. My advisor, "Mama B", used tactics to improve our public speaking that normally wouldn't be done. My sophomore year, I competed in the FFA Creed competition. All I had to do was memorize the FFA Creed. Sounds easy right? Think again. When every paragraph starts with the words "I believe" it is incredibly easy to get the paragraphs mixed up. In order to get me over my fear of speaking in public, I'd stand on the classroom tables and say the speech to my friends while they threw candy at me to make sure that I could say the Creed with distractions; it worked like a charm.

Every time I zipped up that blue corduroy jacket, I was a student who represented not only their chapter but their school. In that jacket, I experienced many successes, failures, sweat and memories. It taught me to be brave, self confident and got me over all my fears. It blessed me with a second family and an amazing advisor. It gave me the opportunity to make my school proud. It helped me figure out what I want to spend my life doing; defending agriculture.

"I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task."

I believe that I can continue to make an impact on agriculture without wearing the blue corduroy jacket because I will forever be an FFA member.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

18868
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8016
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5858
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5070
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments