"I believe that to live and work on a good farm, or to be engaged in other agricultural pursuits, is pleasant as well as challenging; for I know the joys and discomforts of agricultural life and hold an inborn fondness for those associations which, even in hours of discouragement, I cannot deny." ~excerpt from the FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany
I remember my freshman year of high school, I had to take the traditional rite of passage by memorizing the FFA Creed. My agricultural instructor, Mrs. Rogers, saw something in me that day, some kind of spark, that made her believe I could be a public speaker. I had experience in 4-H giving talks and demonstrations but I had never competed in an actual speaking contest before.
Fast forward years later, I won state public speaking in the Missouri Sheep Producers Association contest, became an Area II FFA officer and the high individual at district horse judging as a freshman. In short, I accomplished some pretty neat things. All because someone saw potential in me. My accomplishments in the FFA not only allowed me to have a stellar resume and stand out among my peers, but it gave me more self-confidence than any endeavor I have ever been a part of. I credit many of the scholarships and other leadership opportunities I have been blessed to be a part of because of my involvement with FFA.
Along the way, I had other amazing individuals influence my life. Agricultural instructor from across Area II were instrumental in showing me opportunities like the Missouri Agribusiness Academy and Public Speaking Academy. I like to believe that when I put on my first corduroy FFA jacket that I gained a family of blue and gold. FFA allowed me to meet some of my best friends. From prom dates to roommates, I have met individuals who have positively shaped my life in more ways than I will ever know. i have filled a scrapbook full of memories from FFA and many plaques adorn my bedroom walls.
But, at the 85th National FFA Convention, my time as a member of the Gallatin FFA Chapter came to a close. I received my American FFA degree, which less than 1 percent of FFA membership achieves. My parents and I drove to Indianapolis, Indiana to accept the award. The Gallatin FFA Chapter was there, supporting me as the membership always has.
It was a wonderful experience, and several tears were shed. When I retired from my chapter FFA office I gave my officer fair-well with dry eyes because I knew there would be more to come. However, now it has literally been the final fair-well. I am now a member of the FFA Alumni Association and serve as a National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassador. The foundation FFA has given me has molded me into the individual I am today. I cannot wait to see what further adventures the blue jacket has in store for me as an alumni.
My FFA Chapter Senior Fair-well was one of the most difficult speeches I have had to give. Here's my favorite paragraph:
"In closing, FFA has been an amazing experience. I remember standing on this stage 4 years ago when I received the Star Greenhand. Now, I am standing here relinquishing my chapter office. I am confident that the next generation of FFA members sitting here tonight will do an outstanding job. In the words of Mark Twain,“Twenty years from now you will be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” FFA members write your own stories, fill the pages, thank you."
I remember my freshman year of high school, I had to take the traditional rite of passage by memorizing the FFA Creed. My agricultural instructor, Mrs. Rogers, saw something in me that day, some kind of spark, that made her believe I could be a public speaker. I had experience in 4-H giving talks and demonstrations but I had never competed in an actual speaking contest before.
Fast forward years later, I won state public speaking in the Missouri Sheep Producers Association contest, became an Area II FFA officer and the high individual at district horse judging as a freshman. In short, I accomplished some pretty neat things. All because someone saw potential in me. My accomplishments in the FFA not only allowed me to have a stellar resume and stand out among my peers, but it gave me more self-confidence than any endeavor I have ever been a part of. I credit many of the scholarships and other leadership opportunities I have been blessed to be a part of because of my involvement with FFA.
Along the way, I had other amazing individuals influence my life. Agricultural instructor from across Area II were instrumental in showing me opportunities like the Missouri Agribusiness Academy and Public Speaking Academy. I like to believe that when I put on my first corduroy FFA jacket that I gained a family of blue and gold. FFA allowed me to meet some of my best friends. From prom dates to roommates, I have met individuals who have positively shaped my life in more ways than I will ever know. i have filled a scrapbook full of memories from FFA and many plaques adorn my bedroom walls.
But, at the 85th National FFA Convention, my time as a member of the Gallatin FFA Chapter came to a close. I received my American FFA degree, which less than 1 percent of FFA membership achieves. My parents and I drove to Indianapolis, Indiana to accept the award. The Gallatin FFA Chapter was there, supporting me as the membership always has.
It was a wonderful experience, and several tears were shed. When I retired from my chapter FFA office I gave my officer fair-well with dry eyes because I knew there would be more to come. However, now it has literally been the final fair-well. I am now a member of the FFA Alumni Association and serve as a National Collegiate Agriculture Ambassador. The foundation FFA has given me has molded me into the individual I am today. I cannot wait to see what further adventures the blue jacket has in store for me as an alumni.
My parents traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana with me to attend the 85th National FFA Convention.
Len Deutschman and I represented the Gallatin FFA Chapter's American Degree recipients. Len moved to Gallatin his freshman year and we became fast friends through FFA. We have gone on many FFA trips together, been on contest teams and were our senior class Barnwarming king and queen candidates together.
Mr. Henderson has been my agricultural instructor throughout my high school years, he has listened to countless speeches and supported me in all of my endeavors.
You never know who I will run into at an FFA event. Scott Conover and I went to prom together my junior year!
Megan Brackenridge, Sonja Perry and I met on the Missouri 4-H Equine tour when we were in junior high. All three of us now attend the University of Missouri and are close friends.
My FFA Chapter Senior Fair-well was one of the most difficult speeches I have had to give. Here's my favorite paragraph:
"In closing, FFA has been an amazing experience. I remember standing on this stage 4 years ago when I received the Star Greenhand. Now, I am standing here relinquishing my chapter office. I am confident that the next generation of FFA members sitting here tonight will do an outstanding job. In the words of Mark Twain,“Twenty years from now you will be disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the one’s you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” FFA members write your own stories, fill the pages, thank you."
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