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 (https://www.ffa.org/about/who-we-are/ffa-creed).

Future Farmers of America (FFA) was such a huge part of my high school experience. It gave me the skills I needed to come to college as a leader and hard-worker. In honor of National FFA Convention this month, here is a list of reasons why FFA will always be in my heart:

1. I learned the importance of hard work.

Working with show animals all summer showed me what hard work was. Hard work is working with your animals in the heat but knowing you have to put in the time to get the results you want. Hard work is also getting up early before you show to get your animals perfect and ready to go. This all taught me that to get what you want, you have to work for it.

2. I learned the value of agriculture.

Agriculture means food security. It's important to know where your food comes from. It's sad to say, but some people have no idea where their food comes from other than the grocery store. Being in FFA and having my dad as a farmer brought me to appreciate and understand the value of agriculture.

3. I improved my communication skills.

Thanks to the multiple speeches I gave, I slowly but surely improved my ability to communicate effectively. The feedback I got from each of those speeches helped me in my first college presentation, job interviews, and making connections. FFA helped me grow as an overall person.

4. I learned how to become a leader.

FFA taught me how to lead and be a role model. It gave me the skills I needed to come into college and succeed. I will forever be thankful for everything I gained with being involved in FFA.

5. Best of all, I made so many memories.

From livestock judging contests, showing pigs and sheep, state convention, national convention, and the many other smaller events, I will always look back on my high school experience and remember FFA.