Finding your Place in FFA

I started the school year just like anybody else but for me there were some new things to get used to, and in all honesty it was a rocky start. My parents made a last minute decision to move and for me that meant transferring schools for my senior year. As one would imagine, it was bit overwhelming. New friends, new teachers, and getting involved all seemed difficult. I’ve never been the athletic type, and I haven’t been interested much in performing, but I knew I wanted to be involved in an extracurricular. Being at a new school forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and explore many different options. None seemed to pique my interest. It wasn’t until the day my agriculture teacher excitedly offered officer applications to anyone with enough courage to apply. I felt nervous and excited for the opportunity. I took the chance, and amazingly was elected chapter Reporter, which was a wonderful feeling. Being immersed in the FFA world is something new for me yet it is hard now to see myself anywhere else.

Soon after the officer team was established, we were welcomed with a dinner specially hosted for us. This was no average welcome dinner. It was our groundbreaking debut. My new officer team and I were fortunate enough to meet Mr. Mike Naig, the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. He not only made an appearance at our dinner, he held up my first official FFA jacket as I slipped my arms through that stiff blue corduroy for the first time. A feeling only an FFA member understands. It was heartwarming to see the amount of support from our community that night. The profits from the dinner aided in our trip to Indiana and the 92nd National FFA Convention.

My advisor offered me a seat to National Convention and I gladly accepted. Coming from a low-income family made me extremely indecisive as to whether the trip was worth it or not, but I knew I would regret it if I didn’t take the opportunity. After an entirety of begging, I was given permission from my parents to attend. National FFA Convention was totally worth-while – the begging paid off. The trip was filled with so many new experiences, that I was completely in awe. Something as simple as wearing a rain poncho was new to me. Sadly, I forgot the poncho in the car and haven’t seen it since.

Since then, our Chapter has been highly active, from our lock in winter conference to partnering with Morningside College to create meals for Feed the Farmer, and even competing in CDE competitions. Our Chapter has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. As I reflect on my senior year and look forward to the future, I’m excited to see how Sioux City FFA will grow. I’m proud to say I contributed to the development of Sioux City FFA. All these experiences will stay with me in my following years at college, and into life. FFA has brought me so many opportunities that I otherwise may have never come across. I have grown as an individual and, believe it or not, the highlight of my entire high school career has got to be my decision to join the FFA.

In Blue and Gold,

Valerie Rosales

Sioux City FFA

Chapter Reporter