Why Choose FFA in High School?
There are many organizations and clubs to be a part of in high school. Let me give you an insider of my personal favorite and why.
Before I got into high school I knew the exact organization I wanted to be a part of. I grew up in the agricultural industry, so I knew that FFA was for me. Little did I know FFA would become much more than just an organization to me.
My high school is definitely not the biggest, with only 30 kids in nearly every grade. Even though we are a rural town, there are not many ag kids. Mostly every student bonds over sports. I have played numerous sports for many years before high school. But, in eighth grade, I had to make a decision. I decided that I was going to get out of sports and focus on stock showing and ag competitions.
This decision threw me to an outcast. To this day, I am not like every other student who can talk about athletics, complain about practices, or talk about who they are playing next. Instead, I am just the student who sits on their computer and does their work. It’s not like I have someone to talk about the next cattle show, meats judging, or what Red Angus calf won Fort Worth.
This experience has made me realize how much FFA has become a home to me. At any FFA competition I can talk to people who think the same way I do. I can meet people who want to talk about similar things and are passionate about the things I am.
Not only that, but FFA has made me realize how many other students have resorted to FFA for some of the same reasons. At this past Area Leadership Camp all district officers came together to have a discussion period. In this time we all shared our stories on why we chose FFA and how it has helped us. I will never forget that night. That night made me realize that FFA is much more than just an organization. FFA is the organization that has given many people a home and a safe space.
FFA is such a great organization because you don’t even have to come from an agricultural background to learn and be involved. There are so many students who come into the organization with little to no knowledge. Ag is not all about plants and animals. There are so many different categories in FFA, there will always be something for everyone.
The FFA organization prides itself on the leaders they cultivate. I came into FFA shy and not very outgoing. Now, I am able to talk to many different people and speak in front of audiences with ease. I can lead a group of people and sort out conflicts between everyone. FFA gives you the chance to become someone who can go out into the world and make a difference.
FFA has given me opportunities I would not have had otherwise. I cannot recommend taking the time to think and choose FFA more. FFA has something for anyone and everyone. So whether you are about to go into high school, or even if you are in high school, take some time to sit and think about giving FFA a chance because you will certainly not regret it.