Patrick Guizar, an FFA alumnus from California, was diagnosed with autism at age 3. During the early years of his childhood, “We were told he wouldn’t accomplish a lot of things,” says his mother, Alicia Guizar. “In some cases, we were often told ‘no’ before we heard ‘yes.’”
But Patrick didn’t let this initial discouragement stop him. In 2023, he became an American FFA Degree recipient — making him part of the small percentage of members who earn our organization’s highest degree.
Finding a Path in FFA
Patrick was in middle school when he first saw old photos of his mom and uncle, Carlos Lopez, showing livestock as FFA members. “When I saw the pictures, it motivated me,” he says. “I wanted to do that, too.”
After joining Kerman High School FFA, Patrick began raising a goat. Wearing his uncle’s FFA jacket from years ago, Patrick placed second in his event at the fair. When it was time to say goodbye to his goat, he cried.
“I still won’t forget that day,” he says. The following year, he got a breeding lamb and continued to raise and show goats and lambs throughout high school.
Patrick Guizar joined FFA after seeing photos of his family members, including his mother and uncle, showing livestock.
Reaching for New Goals
During Patrick’s senior year, Lopez, an ag teacher at Reedley High School, talked about the American FFA Degree.
“We asked if [Patrick] wanted to try, but told him he’d have to work for it even after high school,” says Alicia, noting that Patrick now attends an adult transition program. “Carlos encouraged us that receiving the American FFA Degree was possible for him.”
One of the degree’s requirements is demonstration of an FFA member’s commitment to a supervised agricultural experience (SAE). Lyndell Hawkins, Patrick’s adult transition teacher, helped arrange for him to work in the produce and dairy sections at a local grocery store.
“I really liked checking the fruit for mold and making sure it was good,” says Patrick, who also had to learn to use public transportation to get to his job.
Demonstrating leadership and community involvement are also components of the American FFA Degree application process. To help meet this requirement, Patrick currently serves as president of Kerman Autism Group, a community-based support group led by Tiffany Manha, a speech and language pathologist.
Upon returning from the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo, where he earned his degree in November 2023, Patrick shared the following advice with Autism Group members:
“It doesn’t have to be perfect — just try and do your best,” he says. “Whether you have autism or not, you can complete your goals.”
A Place to Belong
National FFA is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone. Learn more about our FFA for All initiative.
