True Blue Nebraska News Leadership. Tradition. True Blue
AUGUST 2014
FFA: Impact Beyond Imagination I believe everything happens for a purpose. In the spring of 2012, my school began its first agricultural education program. As I became involved in FFA activities that summer, I thought FFA would be a unique, exciting activity I could do among my other commitments. However, I quickly realized that its purpose was much greater than I could have ever imagined. In the fall of 2012, I walked into my first “Intro to Ag” class. Being a ranch girl, I felt that I had a decent understanding of agriculture, and I kept an open mind to new knowledge and information. I soon found myself asking numerous questions and soaking up any and all information I could about FFA, leadership and agriculture. FFA intrigued me. I was amazed by the traditions and unity of the program. Taking an active role in FFA helped me realize that I was a part of something much bigger than simply my school or state. I had officially joined over 550,000 students nationwide that are passionate about leadership within agriculture. I was like many students and FFA members – blown away by the opportunities available through the organization. I could compete in public speaking through Leadership Skills Events; I could apply my technical agriculture skills through Career Development Events; I could meet other students involved in all sectors of agriculture across our state and nation. FFA was developing me as a citizen preparing to hold my future career.
It’s easy to get hooked on FFA. What I couldn’t comprehend, however, was the reason FFA has so much to offer. There is a much bigger purpose of FFA than what many of us realize. FFA is one smaller component of the bigger picture of agricultural education. The fact is, FFA doesn’t exist as a standalone organization; it’s a component of an agricultural education program. As a student member, as a state officer and as a future agriculture instructor, I now understand how critical it is for our state to support and encourage existing and future agriculture programs and their instructors. Looking back at my experiences as a high school member of FFA, I consider myself truly blessed. I am genuinely thankful for my agricultural background and humble beginnings in the program. My life will be forever impacted, thanks to the adventures and growth I encountered and continue to experience through FFA. A successful program is possible with passionate students, a dedicated teacher, a contributing school and community and a supportive FFA Foundation. On behalf of Nebraska FFA, thank you for your support, which continues to provide members with experiences and opportunities that develop them as premier leaders and prepare them for careers. Continue seeking ways that you can invest in young people to grow them as citizens of our communities and state. Sincerely, Paige Dexter, State President, Nebraska FFA Association
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