I began my FFA journey as a nervous 6th grader who simply viewed FFA as a fun program I could join. Little did I know my life would be changed by the organization and the people in it. Being a person who thrives on new experiences, I’ve explored as many areas of FFA as possible. Events like Employment Skills, Parliamentary Procedure, Prepared Public Speaking, Forestry, Land Judging, Envirothon, Washington Leadership Conference, and more have helped me gain practical skills and open my eyes to multiple areas of agriculture. Through being a mentor to younger members in my chapter, I knew my career needed to be centered around education. By majoring in agricultural education at NCSU, I hope to help the next generation experience the same joys of agriculture I have. FFA has given me lifelong friendships, helped me choose my major, and shown me I have a part to play in feeding the world.

In the FFA, Living to Serve is not just what we say—it is what we do. What hooked me into this organization was how willing we as FFA members are to give of ourselves for others, regardless of who they are. Through examples of compassionate yet competent leadership, I realized that the blue corduroy jacket is more than simply a beautifully-made piece of clothing; it is a tool which allows us to see ourselves in a level playing field as we chase our dreams and work for our ambitions.

As young leaders, we must understand the importance of our voices, and the FFA has helped me to do so. When I was a freshman and uncertain of where life would take me, I heard a young FFA leader say, “This jacket is not a turtle shell to hide in. It is a super-suit to shine in.” Because of this advice, I have been able to grow in ways that I never imagined possible through Leadership and Career Development Events, as well as being surrounded by individuals who saw me as a worthy investment. I hope to do the same for the members of NC FFA as I serve as a state officer this year. I am excited to see what we, as the next generation of FFA members, accomplish as we proudly wear the blue and gold!

Wow…NC FFA I am honored to say that I have the opportunity to serve this year. In all honesty, when I first joined FFA, it was only because my friends were taking an agriscience applications class and I didnt want to be separated from them during my freshman year of highschool. From the very moment I stepped foot in that classroom, I fell in love with the organization. I took part in CDE’s like Landjudging and Farm Business Management and also attended conferences like MEGA. These experiences allowed me to quickly become involved within the organization. I began taking on different leadership roles where I began to grow exponentially in my leadership abilities and I look forward to continuing this growth alongside each and every one of you over this year to come. This organization is so much more than farming and given that I haven't had the same strong agriculture background as many others, I was amazed with what the FFA stood for. As the largest student-led organization in the nation, we grow leaders and build communities all while strengthening agriculture. I was amazed at how much I had become involved in an organization which I had previously never expressed interest in. Over the past four years, my involvement within the FFA has shaped me into the leader I am today. My experiences have allowed me to connect with people all over the country and become someone I never thought I would be able to; a role model for so many people. I have overcome many obstacles in my life and I believe that I am here to show everyone that you can't let these obstacles hold you back. No matter how tough you think it is to overcome them, you can, and on top of that, you can do even better than you thought. NC FFA, don't let anything or anyone stop you from accomplishing your dreams! I am here as living proof that these obstacles cannot be an excuse or stand in your way and I am also here to help you overcome any obstacles you are faced with. I’m so excited to work with such an amazing team, amazing state, and an amazing organization over the year to come. Thank you for this opportunity and I know that we are going to have an amazing year!
 

Prior to the ninth grade, I had never heard of the National FFA Organization. On my first day of high school, I was greeted by our enthusiastic officer team and since then have been involved in the organization from CDE’s to leadership roles and conventions. I did have a small agricultural background raising chickens, ducks, and horses, while also growing a sizable vegetable garden for several years with my grandparents. However, this organization allowed me to meet an abundance of members from a plethora of unique backgrounds, grow as a leader, advocate for agriculture, and make memories that will last a lifetime. One of the earliest statements I heard repeatedly in relation to this organization was how members "found a family". After being an active member and leader in this organization for over four years I can say without a doubt, they were correct. No matter a person's past struggles, current situation, or future plans, there is a place for them within the FFA. As a NC FFA State Officer, I look forward to serving my community on a even larger scale, working to advance leadership within the amazing members of our state, and encouraging diversity and inclusion within this amazing organization!

My journey in FFA began my 8th grade year when I moved schools back to Madison County. I had dealt with a lot of bullying and never seemed to find a place that I could be myself for long. I originally was really hesitate about being involved in the organization firstly because I didn’t have a lot of agricultural back ground but I also didn’t feel like I fit what “FFA was”. I was completely wrong. 

In my 5 years of experience, though competitions like Parliamentary Procedure, Extemporaneous, and Farm Business Management, serving on chapter and regional officer teams, as well as building friendships all around the nation, I have found a home. I finally feel like I belong somewhere.

FFA and NC agriculture is the reason I am Izzy. It has carved me into the best person I can be and has allowed me to always be 100% real. It now gives me the opportunity to connect and make others feel like they belong as well. FFA is a family and I am so grateful to be serving this amazing family and organization.

I began my FFA journey with a horticulture class. From then on, I have been heavily involved with my SAE working in my school greenhouses, attending local farmers markets while gaining multiple internship and job opportunities, while even having two proficiency awards. Throughout my journey, I have been apart of multiple CDE’s such as Agricultural Sales, Agricultural Issues, Agricultural Communications and countless others. I could never imagine my growth and change without my FFA journey being involved. I look forward to continuing to grow while also focusing on the growth of North Carolina FFA and it’s members.