Q: Being a national officer is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and, for some, a dream come true. What is one word that summarizes your year of service, and why?
Through meeting people from all walks of life, I’ve learned the power of connection. On my visit to Idaho, Alyssa, a Hansen FFA member, reminded me to create communities of people who believe in us, and Haven from the Cambridge FFA Chapter showed me that we must find ways to leave each space we enter better than we found it. Connections like these continue to shape the person, friend and leader I’m becoming.
– Amara Jackson, National FFA President
Celebration summarizes the culmination of my time in the blue jacket. The act of celebrating has a magical effect on those around us, and this year enabled me to champion others for exactly who and where they are. Our organization and industry are full of folks worth celebrating, so I made sure each person I met was celebrated with a bit of imaginary (or, in some cases, literal) confetti. Big or small, celebrate someone’s successes today.
– Grant Norfleet, National FFA Secretary
Throughout this whirlwind of a year, my goal was to embrace each moment, opportunity, place, person and the community I’ve been surrounded by. When we learn to embrace every moment we’re in and the people we meet, we create opportunities for genuine and authentic experiences where we can learn and grow. FFA members, I challenge you to embrace every opportunity you’re given.
– Carter Howell, Southern Region Vice President
This year, I’ve been filled with gratitude. From seeing the sun rise over the mountains in Colorado to creating flower crowns in a horticulture class in Pennsylvania, each day has reminded me how lucky I am to be part of something bigger than myself. I arrived as a stranger in many places, but left as a friend due to the warmth, kindness and hospitality of those who welcomed me with open arms. It’s truly amazing.
– Morgan Anderson, Eastern Region Vice President
I’m astounded by the community I’ve found in FFA. A community is a place where we feel like we belong, and our communities help our wings soar to new heights, much like agriculturists give nutrients to plants to help them grow. No matter what experiences our members have, they can zip up their blue jackets and feel at home on their journeys. In these moments, I developed a community where we could all build each other up.
– Kanyon Huntington, Central Region Vice President
This year has been full of joy, which is a cheerfulness and gladness of the heart. Whether it was receiving quick words of encouragement or a special friendship bracelet, FFA members taught me the importance of living in a state of joyfulness. I’m grateful for the opportunity to count it all as joy because the people I interacted with were excited about celebrating others, served through kind actions and loved others well.
– Emily Gosset, Western Region Vice President
