FFA Proud!

Yesterday, February 25, 2012, concluded the annual National FFA Week Celebration. If you have read this blog before, you know what FFA is. Formerly called Future Farmers of America, FFA is a youth organization preparing young adults for careers, leadership and life in agriculture or any industry segment a person may choose.

I was asked, as the Executive Director of the Butte County Farm Bureau, to speak during National FFA Week about Farm Bureau and ag careers to the CORE Charter FFA Chapter in Chico last Thursday following their Chapter meeting. I was honored!

I was an active member of the Livingston FFA Chapter twenty years ago (I am officially dating myself here.) FFA and a whole bunch of fabulous agricultural educators prepared me for my life and career today. From learning how to properly shake a persons hand, create a resume, proper conduct during a job interview and public speaking skills, I owe a great deal to FFA. For these and many other reasons I am happy to support and encourage others to be part of an FFA program and take advantage of all that it offers.

CORE Charter FFA Chapter is a new program here in Chico and they are off and running! It was surreal to sit through their chapter meeting - opening and closing ceremonies, the FFA Motto - because I quickly realized I remembered all of the words the students were speaking.  Amazing the things we never forget. It was fun and I enjoyed the opportunity probably more than the kids did but that's okay. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

FFA is by far the single most useful program a young adult in high school could be part of. The proof is in the business owners, legislators, executives, land owners, and everyday community leaders whom I run across everyday who also sported the blue corduroy jacket jacket of the FFA. So how many of you wore blue corduroy?

 Thanks for reading. ~mrs.c