By Julie Tomascik
Editor
This week, passionate students in blue corduroy jackets will share about FFA activities, involvement, opportunities, agricultural education and more.
That’s because it’s National FFA Week, and for Texas FFA First Vice President Elise Sharp, it’s a special week that she and others look forward to each year.
“We are really excited about FFA Week, and it’s a great way to promote our organization,” Sharp said. “We encourage members to promote and advocate for FFA any day of the year, but this week, students already have a platform for it. The goal is really just to share what FFA is and the impact that it has on our members every single day.”
Texas FFA membership continues to grow and remains the largest FFA organization with over 175,000 members.
And they’re flooding social media with their impactful stories and hosting various chapter events across the state.
They’ll also be visiting the state capitol for FFA Day at the Capitol, as well as providing engaging resources to elementary students to help increase agricultural literacy and awareness.
“This organization helps students become united and have a connection,” Sharp said. “You’re surrounded by people who are passionate, servant leaders who want to make an impact.”
FFA members benefit from unique hands-on learning through various courses and supervised agricultural experiences, giving them real-world application and invaluable problem-solving skills.
FFA’s influence can be seen in business, science and technology fields, as well as education, politics and communications.
“FFA is shaping leaders. It’s premier leadership, personal growth and career success,” said Sharp, who has been active in FFA since third grade. “FFA opens up a world of opportunities to all students.”
Sharp is thankful for the opportunities and experiences she’s had in her 11 years as an FFA member and now state officer for the organization.
In her role as the first vice president, she travels across Texas with the state president. Together, they visit schools and FFA chapters and present workshops on leadership, agriculture and being active and involved.
“These workshops allow us to share the information we’ve gained throughout our experience and our years in FFA,” Sharp said.
But they also get to build relationships with students and teachers. Those friendships in blue corduroy jackets can last years, Sharp said, and can be some of the most influential.
When she hangs up her jacket for the last time this summer, it’ll be with mixed emotions.
“When I hang up my jacket, it won’t just be this year that I’m saying goodbye to, but also the past 11,” she said. “But I’m thankful for the experiences, the opportunities, the friendships and relationships and the network I’ve built. That, and the memories, will stay with me forever.”
Sharp deferred her first year of college to be part of the travel team. So, she’ll attend Texas Tech University in the fall, where she plans to major in agricultural economics. Her goal is to work in agricultural policy to be an advocate for farmers and ranchers.
Her years of FFA inspired her future path—one that will benefit agriculture.
Leave A Comment