The FFA has always been an influential part of my life, and I have my family to thank for that. Growing up, my dad would get out his FFA jacket and let me look at it. Occasionally, he would also try to put on that old worn out jacket that no longer zipped up the front. He would also get out his briefcase from his time serving as an FFA Section President and would talk about every single item and its importance to him. Moments like that were what inspired me to become an FFA member, and it was through my very own experiences, as well as my dad's, that my sister knew she wanted to continue the tradition.

Being in the FFA is a significant opportunity in itself. It is an opportunity that has led me so many different directions. My love and passion for agriculture have grown because of the FFA, and now an unbreakable bond exists between this organization and me. By participating in various career development events, becoming more comfortable within the classroom, and developing skills through the FFA, I learned that my life is full of opportunities.

My freshman year of high school, I took advantage of an opportunity and was selected to be the chairperson of the Greenhand Parliamentary Procedure team. That was a shining moment in my FFA career. I worked so hard to be the best chairperson I could be. My hard work eventually paid off, and I received first place chair at the Section contest. Throughout high school, that first recognition pushed me to do my best at every contest and take advantage of every opportunity within the FFA. For me, that success was a constant reminder that hard work and dedication could lead to something great. Taking advantage of an opportunity sets off a spark, and that spark can make a huge impact on your future.

Throughout my time in high school, I always felt welcome, comfortable, and at home in my agriculture classroom. As I continue my education at the University of Illinois in Agricultural Education, I work hard to learn from other teachers to ensure that I am the best teacher I can be. I strive to be the one for my future members who lets them know that the opportunity is there for them to be successful. Just as I once tried on this blue and gold jacket, I make certain that they have the opportunity to wear it proudly also. Just like my dad did for me.

I am incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to be in the FFA, and I’m thankful for the impact that it has had on my family. I believe that it has brought us closer together. The opportunities in FFA have helped me get to where I am today, and I hope that my sister and I can continue the family tradition.