The first day I walked into my agriculture classroom, I gave no thought to my presence. I didn’t think about the fact that my family didn’t farm or that I didn’t look like most of the FFA members I had seen.
I simply sat down — it felt so right.
As I started becoming more involved in FFA, I wanted to participate in just about everything. The first contest I competed in was FFA Creed Speaking. On the day of the contest, I slicked back my hair, dabbed on extra cologne, and made sure my clip-on tie was properly aligned. I was ready to dominate the competition. However, as the placings were announced, I couldn’t help but notice most of the top 10 competitors didn’t physically look like me, and they all came from a farming background.
On the way home, I acted like everything was okay, but really, I was devastated. I wondered if my score was affected because I had a thicker Spanish accent or didn’t have experience working on a farm.
I spent most of my time in high school thinking I had to act differently to make it in FFA. I am sure all of us have felt out of place at some point. Because of that feeling, I disregarded my nationality and heritage, which is so fundamental to me — to anyone.
In life, we are taught to show pride in what we care for, to stand up or speak up even if we are the only ones doing it. Many people have not only shown me the value in owning my heritage but celebrating it as well. As a former state officer and a current national officer, I have learned many lessons, but the most valued ones are those from members I have met on the road.
Like my buddy Chuy from Dinuba, California. He taught me to take pride in the work our Hispanic community does in the fields as they contribute to the bigger picture of agriculture. While many of these individuals may not have a farm of their own, they are the backbone of our industry. They work the freezing nights, the sweltering days, and even during the most hazardous of conditions. They do this with no ask of recognition, and that is what agriculture is about—humble and honest work.
My two friends from Orlando Colonial FFA in Florida taught me to take pride in celebrating those who are a part of our community. They do this by going out of their way to strike a conversation and show pride in what makes them different. They speak confidently in Spanish without holding back who they are at their core. They made me feel comfortable in my skin, and that is a feeling we all deserve.
I have met many people while in FFA; I will forever be grateful to those who made me feel valued as a Latino man. Those who celebrated, encouraged but, most importantly, made space for me to show up fully.
Only six Latino FFA members have served as national officers in our organization, but it won’t end there. I look forward to seeing the next Latinx member to represent the Latinx community, our organization, and an industry we are all connected to.
Don’t stop believing you can do something just because you don’t fit a certain mold. Instead, own who you are to set yourself up for success in FFA — and in life.
As we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, I challenge those in the Latinx community to take pride. Let’s be proud of our past and help create a future for those like us. If you aren’t a part of the Latino community, I challenge you to make space for people and learn from other’s experiences. If you are an educator, try learning more about Latinx students and how to make your classroom a place for all. If you are part of the industry, celebrate those who work alongside you, from the foreman to the corporate leader to the person waking up before sunrise to feed the world.
Este mes es para celebrar nuestra cultura e independencia. Estoy muy orgulloso de ser Mexicano y miembro de FFA.
Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!
David Lopez is the 2020-21 National FFA Western Region Vice President. He attends school at California Polytechnic State University.
¡Viva FFA!
Each year, National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, a great time to celebrate the rich history and heritage of the 114,000+ (and growing) Latino members in FFA. Here are a few resources to learn more:
Aspirantes a Floristas Prosperan en la FFA (Budding Florist Thrives in FFA)
Watch as FFA member Daisy Muñiz from Dallas Skyline FFA in Texas shares how she turned her love for floral design into a career-worthy supervised agricultural experience.
FFA Creed in Spanish
Reciting the FFA Creed is a rite of passage for all FFA members. Watch as former national officer Yomar Roman recites the Creed in Spanish.
Opening Ceremonies in Spanish
FFA members deliver the Opening Ceremony in Spanish during the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo.
For more in Spanish:
Manual Oficial de la FFA
Manual del Estudiante del la FFA
For Teachers: Educators Resources in Spanish
