In just one year my love for FFA and agriculture education has grown more than I ever dreamed possible. In just one year my knowledge of our agricultural industry has reached to new incredible heights. In just one year I’ve grown friendships that I know will last a lifetime… All because of just one organization.
For the 92nd Arkansas FFA State convention almost 3,000 Arkansas FFA members set their sights on exactly what “just one” would mean for them. Although I came into this years state convention with the mindset of “just one”. I left thinking about a multitude of just ones that came together during that three day convention that were so immensely powerful that at the tap of the gavel of the last session of that the 92nd annual state convention I walked away in tears.
As I’ve unzipped my blue corduroy jacket and tucked it back into my closet I can’t help but reflect on what this year in FFA has brought me. For starters, Clinton’s Ag Education program is like no other. We emphasize on FFA's premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, but we also strive to build immense character, heart, work ethic, and dedication in each one of our students. All of which are skills that our teams have worked tirelessly to display over the last year. These attributes lead to the success that is represented by our wall of state championship plaques. I’ve been extremely blessed in my FFA career that as a junior I now have three plaques on the hall of fame. In this, just one, year I won two of those three. That still doesn’t feel real yet by the way.
Public speaking is the reason I fell in love with our organization and the reason I continue to love every second I spend speaking about Arkansas’s largest industry. FFA’s leadership development events helped me find my voice as an agriculture advocate and introduced me to industry leaders who have influenced me to join the same career field as them some day. People like Andy Guffey, Bruce Maloch, Marion Fletcher, Taylor McNeal, and so so many more helped me see the many career options in the industry and the role I could play in it.
As I sat in the lobby of Hotel Hot Springs until one in the morning that Tuesday preparing with my ag teachers, my hope was to simply do better than I did the year before. We talked about every topic, direction, and point of view I could possible have in state finals the next morning. I woke up Wednesday morning nervous, excited, and more than anything… ready. I got three fist bumps, turned away from my ag teachers, and walked in the competition room to face some of Arkansas’s best public speakers and most educated agriculturalists with complete confidence in the work we had done to prepare for that one moment.
My state convention this year also included competing in the Arkansas FFA talent contest. My sidekick, Sydney, and I both decked out in matching official dress sang as loud, clear, and powerful as possible. Sharing my special talent with all of Arkansas FFA was a dream come true. I was lucky enough to be named a finalists by the judging panel Monday night and during session Tuesday they announce that by the votes of Arkansas FFA members, I had won the 2019 talent competition. Additionally during those sessions I was recognized for participating in the Arkansas World Food Prize contest and announced as a finalists with a chance to represent Arkansas at the National World Food Prize contest in October for my research and solutions to issues surrounding sustainable agriculture in Puerto Rico. Again, I had an absolute whirlwind of events, and still so much love for the work I had been given the opportunity to do over the last few months.
Now let’s talk people… Arkansas FFA has introduced me to some of my favorite people in the whole world. This year specifically I spent three days with the nine girls of State Officer Nominating Committee, aka, nine of the sweetest, funniest, most honest, driven, and supportive girls in our whole organization. Within twenty minutes of meeting we went from a group of strangers to best friends who left crying as we had to let go of our time together. Elizabeth, Riley, Brooklyn, Ainsley, Aliyah, Mckenna, Sarah, Grace, and Miss Wise I loved EVERY second we spent writing our recommendations for the 2019 state officer team, eating chicken strips, watching tick-tocks, and singing High School Musical.
Speaking of state officer teams, I quickly became very very fond of the 2018 state officer team. A group of 6 individuals who worked all year to advocate for our organization, love our members, and inspire the rest of the members to make their “just one” leave a lasting impact on the world around them. Dawsyn, Grace, Raven, Zach, Alex, and Griffin it was so sad to let y’all go. I loved getting to know each one of you this year. While you all have the same love for agriculture you are each so uniquely different and I believe wholeheartedly those differences coming together is what made you such a grand officer team. I can't wait to cheer you on in the rest of your endeavors just as you cheered FFA members on this past year. There wasn’t a moment this year that I saw one of you and that I wasn’t welcomed with warmth and encouragement. Thank you for leading with that love, leadership, and support.
Just one organization but I have so much love for every part and person in it. As a member, a delegate, and a fan, I couldn’t be more excited about the future of Arkansas FFA.
Clinton FFA, my family & second home, you have my whole heart. I cherish every song, meal, bus ride, study session, and moment I get to share with you.
Love Clinton FFA President,
Brooke B <3
Comments