Despite being from South Carolina, Rhode Island and Utah, there’s one thing Alex Vega, Abbie Wood and Marlee Elder have in common: They’ve moved frequently throughout their lives due to a family member serving in the military.
Starting fresh at a new school can be intimidating, but these three leaders have created a sense of community through FFA. Read on to learn about each of their journeys in our organization.
Alex Vega, Battery Creek FFA and 2024-25 South Carolina FFA State Vice President
Alex Vega (above, far right) has lived in five different states throughout his life, but started his FFA journey in Florida. He decided to enroll in an agriculture class after developing an interest in working with chickens on the school’s land lab.
When Vega entered high school, he moved to South Carolina and started attending a new school with an FFA program. Despite joining a completely different chapter, he found the core of FFA remained the same. “It immediately felt like family,” he says.
Marlee Elder, Green Canyon FFA
Marlee Elder (above center) grew up surrounded by agriculture and joined FFA during her freshman year in high school. She quickly felt accepted into her Utah chapter because she found people who are passionate about the same things she is.
“[They] helped me with things I never knew I needed and made me feel like I was part of something bigger,” Elder says, “It made me realize FFA was something I wanted to stay connected to for a long time.”
Her advice for students going to a new school is simple: Don’t give up, and look for the positives. “Use your past experiences to help others while growing in your new environment,” she adds.
Abbie Wood, Cape Fear FFA
When Abbie Wood (above center) was choosing her high school electives, spending time with the chapter’s bunnies was appealing, so she signed up for FFA. This would be the first of three FFA chapters she has called home since then.
One of Wood’s favorite things about attending so many different schools is all the relationships she’s gained along the way. If you’re adapting to a new environment, her encouragement is to find friendly faces.
“You might turn to your left and not make friends with someone,” she says. “But when you turn to your right, you might make your best friend.”
FFA Is for All
The National FFA Organization is committed to creating inclusive, welcoming and diverse learning environments across the nation. Learn more about the FFA for All initiative, including value statements and a statement of belonging.
