by Kelby Roberts

Born as a fifth-generation agriculturalist into a family of Hereford cattle producers, it was a given that I would inherit the profound love for land and livestock that many generations before me possessed.

First as a toddler roaming the pasture with my dad, grandma and great-grandpa, and then as a young girl who found a love for showing sheep, I found a passion for livestock, and agriculture burned boldly as I grew up in rural Rush County in Indiana.

But like many students, I struggled with the idea of “fitting in” when my interests and passions stood far from those of many of my classmates. It was the blue jacket that changed my perspective from a desire to “fit in” through my involvement, to a confidence in “fitting in” through being myself.

After becoming an FFA member, my love for livestock and passion for agriculture became a key piece of who I am that I fully embraced. Truth be told, my involvement in the agriculture industry has shaped me into a passionate, goal-setting individual with larger-than-life dreams and an astronomical love for people.

Wearing the blue jacket brought me a sense of pride and belonging for something much greater than myself. I remember walking in downtown Indianapolis for my first National FFA Convention, amazed that more than 50,000 students from across the country were at the same place, at the same time, unified by a shared passion for agriculture and the organization.

There are few greater feelings than a sense of belonging, especially as an eighth grader, and it was during my first national convention that I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Power of the blue jacket

The blue jacket allowed me to discover my strengths and interests, which led me to find an area of study for my future. Like many young kids, I had always wanted to be a veterinarian. But when I realized that desire was simply a childhood dream, I was able to dive into all the skills and career exposure that my time in FFA had provided. I am now looking forward to studying and exploring careers in agricultural law and policy.

These are just examples amid the long list of things that being an FFA member has so graciously provided. To many, the blue jacket may simply represent the largest youth organization in the world. To others, the blue jacket may represent agriculture, leadership or involvement. To me, the blue jacket represents passion, purpose and opportunity.

Six years ago, I put on an FFA jacket for the very first time. It has since solidified my passion for agriculture. Since putting on that jacket, I have found my purpose and voice as an agriculturalist. And in those six years, I have been given countless opportunities to grow as an individual and leader. The blue jacket looks different for everyone, and yet the potential for impact on each person that wears it remains the same.

Roberts is the 2023-24 Indiana FFA state president. She hails from Rushville FFA.