The Benefits of FFA by Danielle

The Benefits of FFA by Danielle - March 2017 Scholarship Essay

IF I had to give a speech to my school, I would choose the benefits of FFA. My speech would sound similar to the following:
In many towns across the United States, members of a club gather. Blue corduroy jackets and crisp white shirts cover every member. All participants repeat a pledge. Each person has a role to play in order for the club to succeed. What is this group? The corduroy clad congregation is a Future Farmers of America chapter.
Future Farmers of America, or FFA, was established in 1928. The organization began with 33 original representatives and has since grown to 629,367 registered members in 2016 according to the National FFA Organization. FFA is known country-wide for livestock showing competitions. However, this association is far more complex.
Each component of FFA has an underlying lesson. The organization can teach young members diversity, public relations, and basic communication skills. Though there are many misconceptions about FFA, it is important to acknowledge the beneficial factors of the association.
FFA is very diverse in people and activities. There are countless types of people from varying backgrounds within the association. Contrary to common belief, you do not have to be a ‘hick’ or ‘redneck’ to be in FFA. Members can live in big cities, own farms, or live on the outskirts of town. Even foreign exchange students can try their hand at the program. FFA has activities that will interest various personality types. For those who are fond of animals, there are veterinary science and livestock judging competitions. Students who enjoy debate will enjoy participating in parliamentary procedure. This is a contest where a team of students competes against other teams in the debate of predetermined topics that affect Oregon. There are many other competitions in FFA such as soil judging, tractor driving, and meat classification. Another general fallacy associated with the club is that members must own livestock. There are countless options for a Supervised Agricultural Experience, which is a project that is maintained by individual members. These projects can be anything that relates to agriculture. Students can grow a garden, own any animal, or be integrated in a marketable business.
For those who are not planning to pursue a career in agriculture, FFA may still be beneficial. Future Farmers of America teaches essential life skills. Contests such as job interview, agricultural sales, and public speaking develop important skills that can be used throughout a lifetime. An important skill that FFA teaches is public relations. No matter what path one chooses for their life, they will use public relations in some way. FFA holds a contest called Ag Sales. The objective is to sell a product to ‘customers’ and answer questions that one would encounter while selling an actual product. Contestants handle customer complaints, use sales skills over the phone, and present marketing tactics to convince judges that their products are beneficial. Regardless of future career choices, possessing the ability to relate to customers is vital to the working world.
FFA also develops communication skills. Everyone will go to a job interview at some point in time. The job interview contest in FFA allows students to experience the process first-hand without having a real job on the line. Contestants bring a real resume and go through an actual interview process with questions that an employer would typically ask an applicant. Following the results of the contest, contestants receive feedback with adjustments to improve their job interview skills. This contest heightens the understanding of job interviews, increasing the likelihood of getting a job.
Since the early 1900s, FFA has contributed beneficial life skills and values to many lives. FFA helps prepare members for life outside of high school. The experiences are useful throughout one’s life, no matter the career choice. Despite misconceptions such as lifestyle limitations that are associated with the program, all who participate in FFA activities gain valuable knowledge. The effects of FFA among students is undeniably prosperous and will continue to inspire members as long as the program remains.