FFA alumnus Jose Santiago (far right) made history in 1998 when he became the first national FFA officer from Puerto Rico. He served as 1998-99 national FFA vice president and left his family behind in Puerto Rico to tour the United States, improve his English-speaking skills and break stereotypes in the agriculture industry. Now 45, Santiago lives in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, and reflects on his FFA experience.
Q: What was your experience like in 1998-99 as the first Hispanic national officer? Do you have a favorite memory?
A: It was amazing being able to impact students across the nation. It caused a tremendous change in my life. I ran at that time because there were not many Hispanics in FFA. At the age of 12, I dreamed of becoming a national officer. I was a sixth grader when my ag teacher showed us the national officers in FFA New Horizons. I saw those officers and told my advisor, “One day, I will be there.”
It became a strong desire in my heart to become a national officer and represent Puerto Rico. I was not proficient in English, and I’m a brown-skinned Latino, so my being elected broke barriers. The best memory I have is the day I was elected, hearing everyone shouting, “Puerto Rico!” I didn’t even know the word “diversity” at that time, but FFA was celebrating diversity.
Q: Did you know you were making FFA history at the time?
A: No. I was a young kid who was very naive and full of dreams. I didn’t realize how big of a deal it was for me to become a national officer until later on. My eyes were opened, and I thought, Wow. We did something even greater than I thought.
Q: What challenges did you have to overcome?
A: I overcame misconceptions about Hispanic communities. People asked me, “Did you come here in a boat?” They were curious. The language barrier was difficult, and I had to memorize speeches. Our culture is totally different, too. When I got elected, it was my first time carrying a computer. They told me, “You have to communicate by e-mail and book your travels.” I was freaking out because I had not yet been exposed to technology. It was a difficult year because I had to learn so many things in a very short time.
Q: Was your FFA experience rewarding?
A: FFA changed my life. It changed my perspective. I started to try new things. It gave me public-speaking skills, leadership skills and the ability to connect with people. It made me compassionate and tolerant of other human beings because I saw so many things that connected us all. What I’m doing in my life now extends back to FFA.
Q: Tell us about your career in Puerto Rico now.
A: I’m a general pastor of the largest church in my city. Our church is very structured because that’s what I learned from FFA. We are very into community service. This year, I was nominated as Citizen of the Year for all of Puerto Rico. We are doing great things with youth and the poor. We shelter women and we work with the homeless community. We also give a scholarship to students. FFA gave me the mindset of patriotism – to defend your country and be proud of where you came from. I’ll always be thankful to FFA. I am the person I am today because of FFA.
Q: Do you have any advice to share with FFA members?
A: Never stop dreaming. Be disciplined and persevere to reach your goals. Never give up. When you think of giving up, think about the people who love you, because love is a powerful energy. If you let your life be led by love, you will be all right.
