FFA members reflect on attending the National FFA Convention and Expo
T
o say that a visit to National Convention
is an unforgettable experience is an
understatement. It is almost unexplainable just
how much of an impact this trip has on your
FFA experience. This year, I was honored to
serve as a national delegate. The committee I
was a part of and the business meetings I sat
in on reminded me that the FFA
truly is student-led. Our members
were the ones reflecting on
our organization’s progress
and were the ones giving
recommendations to our adult
advisors to help us grow toward
our future. The power was in our
hands.
O
n October 23rd my chapter and I left
for National Convention. Even though
National Convention is held yearly, our chapter
only attends every three years. So, this really
is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a rural kid
like me. Throughout the nine days, I experienced
and saw many things that are out of the ordinary
for me. I got a chance to visit many places that
I’ve only ever read about.
Although the entire convention was a new
experience for me, I enjoyed seeing National
President and California member, Breanna
Holbert on stage during the opening session.
As an 8th grader she visited our school and it
G
oing to the FFA National Convention and
Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana and then
on to Washington, D.C. was awesome! I was
reluctant to go at first, but my parents and FFA
advisor encouraged me to do so, and for that I
am very grateful.
After attending the 91st National FFA
Convention and Expo, we flew to Washington,
D.C.
Seeing
George
Washington’s home at Mount
Vernon along with other
memorials was very interesting
as they represent our nation’s
history. My favorite destination
was
Arlington
National
Cemetery. I am a member
of our school Color Guard
Some of the most impactful moments of
National Convention came from the experiences
within the general sessions. The energy in
the arena was contagious. We listened to
motivational speakers, industry leaders, retiring
National Officers, and even the President of
the United States. Best of all, we were able to
give recognition to the highest
achieving and most deserving
members of our organization
and watch as another one of
California’s own was elected
into National Office. I was
lucky to experience these
sessions while surrounded by
the members who have the most pride for FFA.
After the closing of the convention, we
traveled to our nation’s capital. During our
time there, we toured some of the most historic
places in our country with the blue corduroy on
our backs. Every night, we visited monuments
dedicated to the most influential people in our
country’s history. Each of the stops we made
reflected the ideals that FFA holds dear: service,
leadership, respect. This is the reason we
use the eagle as a part of our organization’s
emblem. California FFA’s trip to National
Convention and Washington, D.C., positively
influences your perspective and it is one that I
hope every member has the opportunity to take.
is crazy that she was now a National Officer,
and I was lucky enough to attend the year that
she was President. Also, this year our chapter
had an American Degree recipient. Although
California was almost last to be called, it was
so cool to see our own Bayley
Fee up on stage with Breanna
receiving her degree.
Some of the best moments
on this trip were possible
because I met new people:
FFA members, chaperones and
many advisors. This trip gave
me the opportunity to meet people from all over the U.S. I enjoyed talking
to others from different states and seeing more
than just “California” on the backs of jackets.
These were just some highlights from National
Convention. I experienced and learned many
things on this trip. This trip gave
me a sense of how great my life
really is in this tiny little town.
Looking back, I would change
nothing about convention, or
the trip itself. I had the time of
my life at National Convention.
and I found watching the Changing of the
Guard motivational and inspiring. The guards’
precision in their movements not only showed
their dedication but also honored our U.S.
veterans and soldiers. I was proud to watch our
California State Officers place a wreath on the
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Having a tour of the Capital was exciting
because we were fortunate
enough to meet our California
Congressman Doug LaMalfa’s
staff in his office and speak
with
them
about
issues
affecting Northern California,
rural schools and agriculture.
Afterwards, they gave the Big
Valley FFA group a private tour of the Capital and the House Floor. Although
we did not get to go into the White House,
we were able to take a impressive group photo
with all California FFA members.
Wearing our official dress throughout the
trip to Indianapolis and Washington, D.C.
gave us the opportunity to talk to people we
encountered and introduce them to FFA and
agriculture.
I want to encourage my fellow FFA members
to take advantage of this opportunity in the
future; traveling outside of Big Valley was a real
eye-opening experience and I had a fun and
exciting time that will not be forgotten.
California FFANEWS • PAGE 6 • Spring 2019
~ Kylie Farmer, Chowchilla FFA
~ Arturo Ledezma,
Ceaderville FFA
~ Cooper Albaugh
Big Valley FFA •