“What does FFA mean to you?”

The following is a speech written by Amber Clingan, historian of the Mapleton FFA Chapter.

What does FFA mean to you? FFA to me is a family. A family that is always there for you and pushes you to do better than your best. You end up making friendships and memories that are everlasting. The mission of the FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

When I first joined I never thought I would take on different leadership roles I have now. Attending the meetings, seeing what really happens, experiencing the hard work that goes into the organization, and talking to people who life is revolved around the FFA. The more and more I learn and become involved, the more I want to do. I have taken on the role of Historian for my home chapter, Mapleton FFA, joined the junior fair board, became the treasurer for my 4-h club, Savannah Hardworkers, and a part of the band officer team.

Going to state convention, hearing the state officers speak. Everything they said I took to heart. From what they said, I wanted to be like them. I wanted to be a better person. Since then I’ve opened myself up for anyone who needs it. I’ve become more helpful to my advisor, my fellow FFA members, and my friends.

Since I’ve attended FFA Camp, at Muskingum Ohio, it has opened up my mind to new things. Ever since 7th grade my mind was set on what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to major in law and minor in journalism, but since FFA camp I have been second guessing myself. Never in a million years did I think that I wanted to be a teacher. Now, I’m considering it. I like the thought of helping other, especially people younger than me, and to help provide the experience to other people that I got. I absolutely love the hands on work that comes with the Ag class. I how and what they thought us during camp. Camp, hearing the interns talk to us, seeing what they do, and how they should us valuable skills in fun ways just got me thinking. It got me thinking of how much fun it would be to be a teacher to do this kind of stuff with her students.

What I have talked about is just the tip of the iceberg of how FFA impacted my life. Trust me I can go on and on and on how my life is impacted by FFA. FFA has done so much for me. I want other people to know what FFA has changed me as person for the better. I want other to know this so they can experience it before it’s too late.