By Sami DeLey

Hearing speeches about agriculture, making friends, learning how to effectively communicate and seeing those blue corduroy jackets are just a few things that come to mind when thinking about FFA. We hear a lot about premier leadership, personal growth and career success in FFA.

Members compete in contests in hopes of receiving a plaque. Members participating in judging competitions are attempting to acquire a banner. Members attend conferences to meet new people and gain new friends from across the state. Overall, there is usually a goal in mind in FFA.

People often forget about the integral agricultural education part of the program. We couldn’t have FFA without ag education, and ag education couldn’t make the impact it does without FFA. People are quick to forget, however, about a group of individuals who make all of it possible. Let’s talk about the people who keep both FFA and agricultural education thriving: the advisors who are also vocational agriculture instructors.

I’ve been fortunate to have some amazing advisors. I remember a specific time when my advisor really impacted me. It was in my senior year, and I was overwhelmed with college plans, high school, FFA and everything else I was participating in. I had a streak in high school of always coming in second place, no matter what.

Words of wisdom

I was talking to my advisor about how I couldn’t do all the things I was active in. I felt incapable of being successful after failing so many times before. My advisor gave me advice that I will never forget.

She said, “You need to stop feeling sorry for yourself. You have opportunities that many people don’t get. Appreciate it instead of dreading it.”

I’ve had a different outlook on life ever since then!

Our FFA advisors are our teachers, coaches and mentors all at the same time. They dedicate countless hours to their students. I’ve learned very important lessons from my advisors over the years. We shouldn’t be so quick to forget about the impact they have on us. 

I would like to thank FFA advisors everywhere for what they do in and outside of the classroom. I wouldn’t be the person I am today or know what I know today if it weren’t for my advisors. So, thank you — for everything!