Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal Ohio Ag Net | Ohio's Country Journal 
By Madalynn Gillmor and Abbey Garland
Most people see the jacket, with all the pins and medals, but they don’t always see the journey behind it. For me, the jacket holds so much more than my name and pins. It holds countless early mornings, late nights, tears, tight hugs, laughter, lessons, and proud moments. As I unzip my jacket for one of the final times, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the memories, growth, and purpose these past four years have brought me.
When I first walked into my agricultural education class, I was a shy freshman who decided to join FFA because I saw the impact it left on my brother. Though initially nervous, I began saying “yes” to opportunities. Soon, I found myself on the Agricultural Soils CDE Team and navigating my way through Indianapolis for my first National FFA Convention. With each new experience, my confidence began to grow. Quickly, I realized that I didn’t just want to participate, I wanted to lead.
Spring rolled around, and I found myself staring at a blank application to be a chapter officer. As I sat with my mom to reflect on my first year of FFA, she encouraged that I run for chapter president because of my desire to lead and serve others. Taking a big risk, I ranked president as my No. 1 desired office position. I’m proud and honored to say that I was elected to presidency at the end of my freshman year and have remained Chapter President up until my recent retirement in mid-April.
Aside from my presidential responsibilities, I made sure to make the most of my experience. I tried new Career Development Events, attended camps and conferences, and started new activities within my home chapter. There are endless opportunities within the FFA. It’s up to us as members to choose which path we will take.
They always say FFA is like a family, but it truly is. I met some of my best friends through the FFA. Whether we clicked at Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum, conventions, conferences, leadership nights, or right back in my hometown, I will always value the connections I have made thanks to the blue and gold.
The FFA has given me the foundation I need to go out into the world and succeed. It has given me opportunities to lead and serve others. Through my service, I have learned the importance of empathy, communication, teamwork, and passion—skills that will be essential as I pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education at Bowling Green State University in the Fall.
The experiences, the memories, and the friends who became family will forever hold a special place in my heart. They will forever mean more to me than any title ever could.
When I took off my jacket for the final time, I couldn’t help but cry. Both sad and proud tears. As I hung it up, I saw four years of tears, laughs, hugs, big moments, small moments, and everything in between. A piece of my heart will always be left in that jacket.
Whether you’re just starting your journey in the FFA, finding your groove, or nearing the end of an incredible journey, I challenge you to say yes to opportunities, even if they scare you—you never know where they might lead. Make the memories, take the chances, and give it everything you have. Because one day, you’ll hang up that blue jacket and realize that it gave you far more than you ever expected.
