National blue corduroy jackets, corn gold emblems, SAEs, and CDEs. What does it all mean? To the members of the FFA, these terms are much more simple sayings; they are a way of life.

As a member of the FFA myself, I can personally testify and give millions of reasons as to why FFA towers above the rest. We are not just Future Farmers of America, but the Future For Agriculture.

I began my experience with the local FFA chapter more than four years ago, as a freshmen in high school. At the time, I was a silent, shy little girl who could barely hold a conversation with anyone. I was terrified of public speaking, and yes, voted quietest student in all four years of high school. That began to change as I learned about the FFA and what it does. All of a sudden, I was thrust into a world unlike any other, where degree pins and state medals held deeper meanings than just being pretty decorations.

For example, I had to memorize the FFA Creed for my Greenhand Degree (the first step in many degrees), and present it before the officers of our chapter. Then came the chapter, area, and the state Keystone my senior year. I am currently working on my American Degree as an alumni member(the highest possible degree you can obtain in FFA). I learned how to keep accurate records on my SAE (supervised agricultural experience project) as well.

There were a variety of leadership conferences the FFA members went on, ranging from things like ACEs and SLLC at the state level (Pennsylvania), and then the National Convention. There, members learned about leadership, teamwork, and had a whole lot of fun meeting others like them. There is nothing like seeing an ocean of blue and gold jackets swarming together and seeing the looks on motorists faces as we cross the streets.

Through the FFA, I learned to be a leader. I learned Parliamentary Procedure and how to be a successful sales person. I even competed in several interview, sales, and judging CDEs (career development events), which gave me valuable tools for the future, which I still use today. I founded a newsletter for my home chapter three years ago, which is still being produced today. I learned about resumes and cover letters, sales pitches, and more. But the most important thing I learned, was confidence.

Four years ago, I could not stand in front of anyone and speak without being nervous. My senior year, not only did I serve as my FFA chapter's president, but I stood before a thousand people, delivering the Commencement Speech for my graduating class.

I highly recommend this organization to everyone, regardless of whether or not you are a farmer or not. There is something for everyone. If it had not been for FFA, I would have sat in the shadows, quiet and unwilling to come out of my shell. Thanks to FFA, I am now an ambitious young woman. I am a leader.

Learn more about this author, Kathryn Martin.
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