At FFA, we believe that what we grow changes how the world grows.
The Forever Blue Network is about reconnecting with those who made a difference in your life, reaching out to those you can impact now and finding a new world of opportunities. As a result, we launched a series called Five Questions to explore the lives of Forever Blue Network members.
Among other things, we’ll find out:
- Who they are.
- Where they are now.
- What do they do.
- How they do it.
- Why.
This month’s Five Questions features Bennett “Beni” Perez. Beni is originally from New York but currently works in Japan as an assistant language teacher in a Japanese elementary and middle school.
Q1: Tell us about how FFA made an impact on your life.
Bennett: Being in FFA made an impact in my life because it helped me break out of my shell. As a child, I was super shy and introverted, but once I joined the FFA chapter and the agriculture sales and marketing teams, I began changing. Throughout high school, I grew more confident with my public speaking and presentation skills, along with my leadership and teamwork skills. I went into university a more confident and resilient individual. I would not have been able to do that without the experiences I had with FFA!
Q2: Did you attend state/national convention? What was your favorite part?
Bennett: I did! I was so lucky to have been able to attend the New York FFA State Convention every year, along with the national convention my sophomore year of high school. I have so many fond memories, but I think my favorite memory was placing in the top six as an individual in the national agriculture sales competition. I will never forget my utter shock when my name was called and the proud look my advisor Mr. Faris had on his face. It meant everything to me to make him proud! It was also amazing to be able to meet FFA members from all over the United States, including Hawaii.
Q3: Where do you live, and what is your favorite thing about living there?
Bennett: I currently live in Southern Japan in a prefecture called Ehime, in a very rural area. I think my favorite thing about living here is the springtime. Once April hits, not only is my area, of course, flooded with cherry blossoms but all kinds of gorgeous flowers. Nothing helps make a bad day go away like taking a stroll and admiring all of the natural beauty. I will be sad to leave later on this year.
Q4: What was your favorite part about being in FFA?
Bennett: I loved being able to learn about agriculture and share my knowledge with others. Many people do not connect New York City with agriculture. My chapter, the John Bowne FFA Chapter, was the only chapter in New York City, and I was so proud to be able to be a part of such a unique group of individuals. Working together to take care of our farm was such an incredible experience. I will never forget how much I learned while working on our farm for an entire summer. I never thought I would have experiences like being able to grow my own crops or take care of alpacas as a city girl, and these experiences have helped shape me to become who I am today.
Q5: Do you have a hobby? What do you like to do during your free time?
Bennett: Does watching Netflix count as a hobby? Last year, I fell in love with “The Great British Bake Off,” and I find myself still rewatching it all the time. Because of the show, I was inspired to begin baking more, and now I would say baking is one of my favorite hobbies. However, most houses in Japan don’t have ovens, so, unfortunately, I am limited for now to baking in my small microwave oven. So far, I have been able to make different cakes, like red velvet or tres leches, but I am eager to actually bake in a proper oven someday. I want to master how to do complicated bakes as they do on the show, like Bakewell tarts without soggy bottoms and flaky Danish pastries. Other things I like to do in my free time include long walks, writing poetry and playing board games with my friends (especially Clue).
If you would like to be considered for an upcoming Five Questions, email Joanne Sergi, jsergi@ffa.org, with your request.
