Ten Things Every New FFA Member Should Know

Two weeks ago I attended the State FFA Convention as an FFA member for the last time and last night I hung up my jacket for the final time at our annual FFA banquet. I am sad to see my FFA career end, but I am incredibly grateful for the past five years! The next step for me is going to college at Chadron State and eventually being "Here by the Owl" as an FFA advisor! In honor of me becoming an FFA Alumni, I would like to share ten pieces of advice to new FFA members!

1. Take chances and try new things!

There are many different opportunities within Agricultural Education and FFA. Agriculture is an incredibly diverse industry and there are many different Career Development Event and Leadership Development Events to prepare you for a career related in agriculture. Some states vary with the CDE competitions they offer, but there is Veterinary Science, Agronomy, Ag Communications, Dairy Quality, and Natural Resources to name a few. Leadership Development Events are one of my favorite parts of the FFA. In these events you can do Public Speaking, Extemporaneous, Natural Resources, Job Interview, Ag Demonstration, Discovery Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, and Conduct of Chapter Meetings. I also encourage you to try new things! You may go into something thinking that you're not going to like it and then find out you love it!

2. Ag Teachers are not like your average teachers!

You will never have another teacher who is more dedicated to your success more than your Ag teacher! Ag teachers will not only teach you agriculture, but about life. Ag teachers are the ultimate example of what it means to live to serve. They are the ultimate support system and are always willing to help!

3. Go to leadership conferences!

The National FFA Organization sponsors the 212 and 360 conferences as well as the Washington Leadership Conference. Each state also offers their own leadership camps and conferences for FFA members. I have been to many leadership conferences throughout my FFA career including the Washington Leadership Conference. At these conferences you will have an amazing opportunity to grow as a person and leader!

4. Make new friends!

One of the best things about being an FFA member is the chance to meet students who share the same interests as you! At State and National FFA Convention it is really cool to mingle with FFA members from different chapters or states and get to know them. Many of the people you meet in FFA will be your life-long friends, no matter how far apart you are!

5. Get to know the FFA officers and members older than you!

Being friends with your chapter officers and other FFA members is a great thing! They can help you and give you advice based on their past experiences. They also serve as great mentors! When I was an eighth grader, I became friends with our then chapter president and she has been one of my greatest life mentors!

6. Mentor younger members!

Since I have recently become an FFA Alumni, I am now finding an incredible amount of joy in mentoring younger FFA members! After being an active FFA member, I love being able to turn around and have an impact on the next generation.

7. Run for an office!

Being an FFA officer has taught me a lot about what it truly means to be a leader and how to work on a team. Running for an office teaches you a lot about yourself. It has also helped me discover what my strengths and weaknesses are, learn how to manage my time, and become a better public speaker. It has also helped me to step out of my comfort zone, and that leadership is not defined by a title or position. The bond that you will build with your fellow candidates and officers is like no other! By the end of the year, they'll feel much more like siblings than teammates!

8. Be as active as possible!

In order to get the full benefits of FFA, you need to be an active member in your chapter and not just pay dues and get a t-shirt. Find ways to help even if you're not an officer. Volunteer at community events, go to competitions, attend convention, or even ask your Ag teacher about ways you can become more active! FFA has a lot of great things to offer, but only if you take advantage of them.

9. Be a lifelong learner!

The agriculture industry is constantly changing and you as an FFA member are the future of it! One of the best things I've done throughout my FFA career is having an open mind and always trying to expand my knowledge base. Having knowledge about the agriculture industry and FFA helps to advocate and educate those that aren't familiar with them! Your non-FFA member friends might think of you as an "Ag nerd", but trust me when I say that knowledge is power!

Soak it all in because before you know it, it'll be over!

10. Soak up every minute of it!

I cannot stress this one enough! Looking back on the past five years, there are many times that I wish I would've just stopped to take it all in. I know that as a young FFA member it might seem like forever till you get to graduate, but believe it or not you're going to miss this time! Make lots of memories and cherish every one!