When I first joined FFA I had no clue what I would be learning about, but over the year I haven't just learned about agriculture. I have learned about things that could help prepare me for my future, the kind of stuff you can't find in a textbook. I learned the more involved you are, the more you will learn outside of a classroom. I have learned about leadership, responsibility, hard work and so much more. There are multiple reasons why you should join FFA, not only so you can make friends from everywhere, but also for the experiences. Most experiences you can't get anywhere else. Here are some things I've learned so far.

One of the major things I've learned in FFA is getting involved. If I didn't, I would have never become involved. I would have never become a chapter officer, got to attend the Oklahoma State FFA Convention, or go on trips all over Oklahoma. If you don't get involved you are really missing out. Getting involved is what FFA is all about. The more involved you are the more likely you are to learn. If you’re not involved you'll regret it and miss out on countless opportunities.

Another thing I've learned is in order to be in FFA you have to do a lot of hard work. If you are a hard worker then FFA is the place for you. Our chapter has spent numerous hours planting flowerbeds at the park and cleaning all of Main Street in a day. Not only are we doing good for our community, but we feel so accomplished after a hard days work. It's one of the many things I like that FFA has taught me.

I've learned about responsibility. I show lambs and in order to do that you have to have a big amount of responsibility, which is something I didn't have before I got in FFA. Since I have shown animals, I have to be with them everyday from 8 in the morning to feed them and then 7 at night to walk them so they can be fit and fed. It's my responsibility that they are fed on time everyday and that they have plenty of water and they are healthy. Responsibility is something you will learn very quickly in FFA.

As a chapter officer one of the many things I've learned is leadership. Leadership is big in FFA. You learn more about leadership every FFA trip you go on. As an officer, you have to have leadership to be able to lead your fellow FFA members. It also will come in handy when your in an interview and get asked about your leadership skills. My leadership skills have improved since becoming an FFA member.

And last but not least, the biggest thing I've learned is teamwork. I couldn't have done anything without my friends, officer team, family, and Ag teacher. They have helped me get to where I am today. They got me to try for an officer position, helped me with my lambs, encouraged me to try new things and so much more. FFA has given me a lot, and by that I also mean long-lasting friendships. Teamwork plays a big part in FFA. And I learned that right after my first day.

There are so many things to learn in FFA. Many of the things you learn you will carry with you all your life. They will help you get scholarships to go to college, or when you’re in an interview for a job. I have only been in FFA for a year and learned so much.

Think about how much you can learn in just that short amount of time.

The good news is, I'm not done learning yet!