On Oct. 23, the GlenOak FFA members got off the bus, and stepped into a place that had the ability to shape the future of their careers.
The Future Farmers of America’s (FFA) national convention gave horticulture students the opportunity to grow their [plant] skills and progress through the agricultural world. The conference was held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“The FFA, or National FFA Organization, is an intracurricular student organization dedicated to fostering premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. It provides students with opportunities to meet new people, network with industry leaders, and compete at the district, state, and national levels,” Horticulture teacher Tiffany Woods said.
Woods describes the experience as valuable, teaching students leadership and communication skills, as well as introducing the youth into the agricultural business outside of the classroom.
The students’ day would start early at 8 a.m. and take them through many activities where professionals would assist them through workshops regarding agriculture. After the morning, their days progressed away from the topic of plant life and shifted into their fun festive afternoon.
The students got to attend a Megan Moroney and Nate Smith concert to wrap their first day up in a bow.
“I would say the most fun part was definitely the rodeo,” sophomore Ava Hunt said.
During the students’ visit to the rodeo, they watched a group of cowboys test their skills, speeds and talents, as Hunt described. The performers rode horses, did tricks and even jumped through hoops of fire.
However, when not having fun, the students were learning more about the agriculture industry as a whole.
“It gave us an environment where we all shared one passion, and it was just comfortable for us,” senior Liliann Brenner said. “It showed us so many different career paths, futures and colleges for horticulture.”
Brenner explained the FFA convention is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and all horticulture students should go if given the opportunity.
“If money is an issue, Miss Woods is always willing to help work it out. Honestly, you have to have a lot of maturity to go but it’s just a great experience overall,” Brenner said.
Although only a three-day trip, it’s needless to say the horticulture students benefited from their chance to go to the FFA convention.
“The convention is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’d say that anyone who has the chance to go should go,” Brenner said.
