The Blue Corduroy Jacket

Four years ago I was just a little freshman who didn't really have a clue what I wanted to do with my life. When I think about it, a lot actually happened during my freshman year that would really shape me into who I am today. One of the many things that impacted the path of my high school career was joining the FFA. As a freshman, not many people would've hand picked me to be in the FFA. None of my immediate family farms and I truly didn't know much about farming. However, throughout the past four years I've learned so much. I've not only learned about the pros and cons of GMOs, done an abundant amount of dreaded current events, and visited a dairy farm through my agriculture education classes, but I've also competed in public speaking contests, met countless new people, and have been honored to be elected the president of my chapter through FFA. My freshman year I received the Star Greenhand award at our annual chapter banquet, which is what truly pushed me to become more involved in FFA. My sophomore year I was elected the community development committee chairmen. My sophomore year I learned a lot about patience and obedience through our chapter. At the beginning of my junior year, we moved to the new high school which presented so many new ideas and opportunities for us. I was the treasurer of our organization and I learned about billing, money, but also dedication. At the end of my junior year, I was elected the president of our chapter and also ran for a section office and was elected the Section 18 reporter. Throughout my senior year, I've met so many new people, been interviewed for the awesome opportunities that are available to the FFA students, and have gotten to see how agriculture impacts every single person. Through this amazing organization, I've learned how hard farmers actually work to feed this world efficiently. Through this organization, I've learned how this hard work pays off in the end. The blue corduroy jacket has taught me an endless amount of priceless life lessons. I will always be proud to have worn the jacket with Paris, Illinois stitched across the back. I will forever be in debt to this organization.