My Time as an FFA Member by Ashton

My Time as an FFA Member by Ashton - December 2019 Scholarship Essay

I made the decision to be an FFA member when I was a freshman, and have been blessed with numerous opportunities and experiences because of this organization. Not only have I been blessed with once in a lifetime experiences, but I have also met numerous, inspiring and unforgettable people along the way. FFA is an incredible organization that gives back to much of our nation’s youth each year, and I am extremely thankful that I chose to be a part of it.
Some of the largest experiences I have been awarded include the leadership positions I have held. I have served as the Hayes Center FFA Parliamentarian, and the Hayes Center FFA Secretary for two years. Through these positions, I have served my school, community, and world. While in office, I have organized community service activities that have benefited my community. Last year, I helped organize a trash pickup along the highways near my hometown. This was a simple activity, but it left my community looking beautiful. During my time on the officer team, I have learned how to work with others to make large decisions. My fellow officers are constantly pushing me to be the best that I can be, and are always supporting me in everything that I do. I feel incredibly thankful that this organization has placed these individuals into my life.
Not only has FFA given me leadership experiences, but it has also prepared me for my future. I have competed in both career development events and leadership development events on the district, state, and national level. Last spring, my Agriculture Sales Team won the state competition and had the opportunity to represent the state of Nebraska at the National Competition in Indianapolis, Indiana this fall. Being named a state champion was a huge honor in itself, but my team also finished sixth in the national which was icing on the cake. The journey towards winning sixth in the nation was definitely not easy and required many early mornings and late nights of practice. However, I would not trade this award for anything, and often times reflect on everything that this competition taught me. When I first began practicing for this contest I did not know much about sales or the business world, but because of this contest, I have developed a great understanding for what large businesses and corporations are looking for in an employee. I am now confident in my ability to be a professional in the workplace, and succeed once I graduate high school.
A competition that has left a large impact on my life is parliamentary procedure. I have been on the Hayes Center parliamentary procedure team for three years, and have won third in the state, and state runner-up. I have dedicated a great deal of time towards this contest, and have a goal to win the state championship this spring. My team and I are prepared to practice every chance we can so we can finally be named state champions.
One of the best decisions I have ever made was to be an FFA member. I cannot imagine the last four years of my life without the memories I have made because of FFA. It will be difficult to hang up my FFA jacket for the last time this May when I graduate from high school, but this organization will always hold a special place in my heart.