Prepare for the time of your life!

It’s finally one of my favorite weeks of the year! No, it’s not my birthday, the end of the school year, or a holiday; it’s FFA State Convention time! My roles have transitioned from eager high school freshman to has-been college student/future FFA advisor, so I’ve experienced many sides to it.

To the members:

Whether this is your first or your sixth convention, make the most of it and try something new. You should make new friends at every convention, because they will last you a lifetime. As an extremely shy and quiet freshman, I met some of my closest friends in unexpected places during my first state convention.

Be outgoing! In addition to making friends, network! Introduce yourself to workshop presenters, because they are eager to meet you. Attend receptions or the career expo to engage with FFA supporters. You will learn and potentially find something exciting for your future career or college!

Listen to your advisors and chaperones, but have fun. Try a new restaurant. Watch a competitive event that interests you. Go to the dance (that one is especially important)! One of my favorite convention memories is watching Miss Congeniality with my roommates on the last night of convention and eating all of the snacks that we had accumulated.

Above all, do your best. You are here for a reason and have proven that you deserve to be here. Take your competitive events, leadership academies, and delegate sessions seriously. Don’t miss out on a single opportunity for growth. You could be the only interaction that someone who lives in your convention’s host city ever has. Tell them what FFA is. Be respectful.

To the volunteers:

Convention could not happen without you. What may seem like a small part of your day makes all the difference to FFA members. If you were a member yourself, remember how the volunteers made you feel. Whatever event you help with is a huge deal for some members, and by you making sure that it runs smoothly, you are helping them succeed.

Don’t get frustrated when the sea of blue overtakes campus. Be welcoming to them and be a friendly face if they need help. State convention is a great way to recruit students to join your school’s traditions and family!

Coffee was probably invented for finals week and conventions.Use it wisely.

FFA State Convention: the best week of the year. Enjoy it from whatever perspective fits you, and I promise that you are effecting many people by being present.