Q: National officers spend a significant amount of their year of service on the road. Did anyone in particular inspire you as you traveled around the globe?
One of the coolest moments I’ve experienced over the last six months was with a student named Haven in Georgia. She taught me new dances before sessions started at their state FFA convention. I have never been one to dance in the past and she encouraged me to sing and dance with fellow FFA members, and it was some of the most fun I’ve ever had. Members like Haven make us feel at home, welcome and able to push our comfort zones.
– Andrew Seibel, National FFA President
During National FFA Week, I met Evan Vander Stoep of the North Clackamas FFA Chapter in Oregon. Evan does not have an agriculture background, but he is involved with the school’s 10-acre farm, where he grows barley fodder to feed the school’s animals. He also designed and engineered an irrigation controller for the barley production operation, and he collects data every day and makes edits to the system when needed. In the future, he hopes to work in cybersecurity for agricultural drones. That’s pretty inspiring.
– Jessica Herr, National FFA Secretary
During my time in New Jersey, I visited the Cape May Tech FFA Chapter’s aquaculture-focused program. I was inspired by how each student takes ownership of a hands-on project to learn about the native species of Cape May. One of my favorite moments was when Kaylee, a senior, guided me as her class took me crabbing for the first time. While I was not exactly an expert at catching and emptying the crab traps, Kaylee was so patient and shared many laughs with me. She was the best!
– Ryan Williamson, Western Region Vice President
In March, I had the opportunity to visit the island of Oahu for the Hawaii FFA
State Convention. I was inspired by the kindness of community members, particularly Nicholas Nishimura. Nicholas was one of the first to welcome me to his association and was always encouraging those around him. For instance, during game night, he got everyone excited about the games and even led his chapter, Waipahu Intermediate, to victory! I truly admire his kindness and genuine spirit.
– MacKenna Clifton, Southern Region Vice President
Ellie Trabelsi, a member of the Seacoast School of Technology FFA Chapter in New Hampshire, walked into my life full of passion and encouragement. She works tirelessly on her equine projects (it’s her passion), she devotes herself to her friends and her community, and she pours herself into FFA. Ellie met me with a warm conversation and thought-provoking questions, but has since maintained a spirit of friendship and support from miles away. Ellie inspires me every day to keep moving forward, never back.
– Karstyn Cantrell, Central Region Vice President
I’ll never forget Lefa, a high school student in South Africa. He inspired me to have more curiosity about the world. He showed me that instead of taking the easy route and making assumptions about things, we should have an open mind to every situation we encounter. Lefa made me feel seen, heard and valued. I hope to spread the same kindness and optimism that he showed me.
– Gracie Murphy, Eastern Region Vice President
