Commit. What does it mean to you to commit to something? For me, it’s easy; find something you love doing, and commit to it. Personally, I hope that is FFA, but it can be anything. My brother committed to playing the tuba in 5th grade, and now he travels the world playing that big, clunky, instrument. My wife committed to becoming a personal trainer, and now trains people in our local community. You see, it doesn’t matter what it is you are committing to; just find that passion and commit to it. The more experiences I have in life, the more important I realize commitment is.
Engage. It is so important to tell your story. As people involved in the agricultural industry, we often get caught up trying to tell agricultures story, but from my perspective, the most powerful story is our own. If you are in a community where FFA isn’t supported, engage with your community. If you are in a community where FFA is supported, engage with your community. We spend so much time trying to engage about the bad, when in all reality, we need to be engaging about the good as well. Tell people about your story. Tell your community about the wins your FFA chapter has had. Engage with those different than you and understand their story as well.
Serve. Today, we often get caught up with titles. This person has this degree or has this job. That person got elected to that position or has “Secretary” written on their jacket. While those things are all important to those individuals and may be “cool”, in all reality, it is incredibly important to serve wherever you are at. Whether that is volunteering at your local food bank, serving as a State FFA Officer, or being the CEO of John Deere, servant leadership is vital to not only your success, but those around you. If you find a group of yours is struggling for some reason, first look at yourself. How can you serve that group better or differently?
Give. It has been quite a few years since I have zipped up my blue corduroy jacket, but I still find myself trying to come back to the organization. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t try to sneak into State Convention with my suspenders and tie on, but I find myself wanting to give back. For me, that has meant serving on the Iowa FFA Foundation Board of Directors, giving back to local FFA chapters, and training rock stars for FFA State Officer Interviews. This could mean something totally different to you, but here is my ask: give back to FFA. There is such a need on the local, state and national level for support. This can be monetarily, as a judge at sub-district convention, or as a chaperone to an event. If you are reading this as an FFA member, you are probably thinking, “Josh is meaning this for someone else”; but you are dead wrong. Find a way to give back to FFA as a member. Mentor a freshman in their first ag class. Present your prepared public speech to your local Rotary Club. When you aren’t a member anymore, remember the opportunities you had and give back so future FFA members can have that same opportunity.
I leave you with this: FFA is an organization that has allowed me to have so many opportunities. In fact, it is still giving back to me. Commit to something you love doing. Engage with those around you. Serve where you are when you are there. Give to FFA in whatever capacity you can. If we all do these few things, not only will we be successful as individuals, but FFA will continue to be the best student-lead organization in the world.
Forever Blue,
Josh Earl
2013-2014 State President
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