National FFA Convention and Expo 2023

 The 96th National FFA Convention and Expo was held in Indianapolis Indiana from November 1-4. I had the opportunity to relive my high school days and attend the convention. I had many great experiences that I will not forget. 

My journey through FFA has been an inconsistent one. When I first started, I wasn't totally convinced that it was something I wanted to put my time and effort into. It was after attending my first national convention that I was really consumed into the magic of this program. 

Throughout my time in FFA I competed in a variety of contests from small animal care to agronomy to extemporaneous public speaking. These three events taught me a lot. Agronomy helped prepare me for my future career in crop and weed sciences. It broadened my horizons in grain grading and crop identification. Extemporaneous speaking enhanced my public speaking skills, and made me more comfortable conversing with others. 

I was very grateful to attend the 96th National FFA convention this year. Going back as a college student was very rewarding. I was reunited with old FFA friends, and even met up with quite a few college friends and professors while there. A few highlights of convention were meeting past national FFA officers, conversing with the national FFA communications coordinator, and one of my great friends winning national star farmer (the highest award FFA offers). 

The main reason this trip was so special to me was because it gave me closure in my FFA career. My senior year was in 2020, so I wasn't able to attend my last state convention or finish the goals that I had set for myself in FFA. I had hoped to run for state office, and eventually national office. Because of COVID, I was never given my last occasions in the blue jacket. 

I will always be grateful for FFA. It has given me countless opportunities to expand my horizons, serve others, and form countless relationships. 

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