This year’s convention concert reminded FFA members that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. While Megan Moroney dazzled concertgoers, special guest performer Nate Smith rocked – and inspired. His songs have jumped up the country music charts, but his musical journey has taken time. Music was always in the background; it was always a dream. So after a wildfire devastated his hometown of Paradise, Calif., in 2018, Smith packed up and headed to Nashville to pursue music.
His approach to musical success parallels his advice for any other career. “Figure out something that’s going to actually affect everyone around you, not just something you want to do,” Smith said.
“It showed you that everyone comes from a different background, but you can still do something no matter where you’re from,” Cedaredge (Colo.) FFA member Aidan Crowley said.
The opportunity to perform at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo wasn’t lost on Smith.
“I get to see a bunch of people who are going to be the future generation of America,” he said. “It’s amazing to meet all of them and inspire and bring a little of hope and just some positivity out here.”
Meeting new friends and strengthening connections is another important piece to the convention concert experience.
“It’s not all about being serious all the time. You learn interpersonal skills (and) socializing with others,” said Globe FFA (Ariz.) member Nevaeh Guerrero.
“Our FFA members, they probably go to a lot of concerts, but not any concerts where the entire arena is filled with their friends, people their age (and) FFA members from all over the country,” added National FFA advisor Dr. Travis Park.
