Five Ways to Get Involved in FFA
Starting freshman or eighth grade year as a greenhand is always scary and nerve-wracking. When I started FFA I was as shy as ever. Now, I can network and socialize with anyone and everyone. Allow me to show you my top five ways to help you get involved in FFA and cultivate new socialization skills.
1. Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
This concept is one of the hardest things to accept doing, but the most beneficial. Doing things outside of your comfort zone will open new doors you never thought were imaginable.
Whether it is a public speaking contest, showing, or just walking up to someone and talking to them, allow yourself to do things you are uncomfortable with. After some time, you will start to grow your level of comfortability.
When I made myself compete in public speaking contest, I experienced a growth in how I spoke. I grew comfortable with talking in front of a group of people, and I learned new skills that allowed me to “wing” a presentation or a speech in front of everyone.
2. Go to Leadership Camp
Whether it is your Area Leadership Camp, State Leadership Camp, or little leadership camps in between, I cannot express how beneficial these camps are. Not only do these camps teach you leadership skills, but they give you the capability of making choices of your own.
Last year I went to the Area IV Leadership Camp by myself. This experience pushed me to talk to others and socialize. I learned valuable lessons in leadership and made new friends at the same time. Even if all the little games and hype sessions seem “cringey” they are the foundation for many memories.
3. Take Advice from FFA Officers
Talking to different officers in FFA is something I wish I had done sooner. Even as the President of my local and district FFA chapter, there is always something I can learn from someone else. Especially as a greenhand, I would recommend talking to some of your local, district, or even area officers.
Ask them about their time in FFA and how they found their voice. Everyone’s story is different, use this to your advantage. Officers take notice of the passion of younger students. Do not be afraid to talk to someone older than you when you need advice or help.
4. Try New Competitions
Trying something new might be scary at first, but it is worth it in the end. Get with your ag teacher and find a new competition that you might have some interest in. Not only will you grow your intellectual knowledge overtime, but you will gain so many memories along the way.
I have met so many people just by traveling to different competitions. And by the end of it, if you stick with it and practice, you will be one of the best in your chosen competitions.
5. Find a Group of Friends and Have Fun!
I cannot express enough how important is it to have fun. The FFA organization was founded not only for agriculturalist, but for fun times and life-lasting memories. Find a group of friends to stick with and enjoy yourselves. Meet new people, and overall enjoy every minute of FFA while it lasts!