Seeds of Leadership: Lessons from FFA and Faith
On Little North Mountain in Broadway, Virginia, my childhood was simple and rooted in the land. No cell phones or internet, just endless days hiking through woods, building forts, forging trails, and splashing in the creek with my brother and sister. The hum of my Paw Paw’s tractor, the scent of fresh-cut grass, and the thrill of riding alongside him remain vivid in my memory.
A recent conversation about the Virginia State Fair sparked memories of FFA field trips we worked tirelessly to prepare for. In seventh grade, Mr. Don Rhodes, my agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at J. Frank Hillyard Middle School, ignited a passion that transformed me. I was equally inspired by Andrea Lohr, a guidance counselor in training who often joined our classes despite battling cancer. Her radiant smile, which I can still see today, and the Southern charm in her voice carried an aura of resilience and warmth that left a lasting impact. My family’s love for the outdoors gave my experiences purpose.
By eighth grade, FFA had become a calling for me. Inspired by Aunt Becky and the stories of Andrea and her husband, Matt, a fellow FFA member she often spoke of, I ran for chapter president, stepping out of my shell to lead meetings and organize projects. Memories with Alex, Jayme, and Cynthia, from planning events and sharing laughs to volunteering in the greenhouse, remain treasures. Selling fruit on weekends and reciting the FFA Creed before the entire school, heart racing yet triumphant, planted seeds of confidence and leadership.
While serving as chapter president, I had the honor of helping open the greenhouse classroom at J. Frank Hillyard Middle School. I still have the newspaper article published in the Daily News-Record on October 11, 2004, where I’m quoted saying, “It’s pretty cool because we actually get to go outside and it’s a way for our chapter to make money.” I cracked a big smile when I read that because it perfectly captured my love for being outdoors, my entrepreneurial spirit, and my desire to help our chapter succeed. That experience taught me what FFA is really about, developing leaders, fostering initiative, and carrying forward important traditions. As I continue my healing journey and focus on mental health, I will always remember these roots, where I came from, and remain grateful to the people still carrying on this vital legacy.
I believe deeply in the future of agriculture, built on the hard work of past generations and the promise of progress. Initially, I memorized the FFA Creed out of obligation, but its words took root in my heart. I recall the moment it clicked. Lines about leadership, hard work, and service became a guide for living. The Creed taught me to embrace the joys and challenges of farm life, value personal leadership, and take responsibility for others’ well-being. It shaped my values, gave purpose to my actions, and inspired me to uphold American agriculture’s traditions while impacting my community.
Broadway High school deepened that growth. Under Mr. Dennis Smith’s mentorship, I thrived in competitions like meat judging and dairy identification, honing precision, teamwork, and composure. Winning the state tournament on the history of agriculture at Virginia Tech, inspired by the FFA Creed, was a proud moment. FFA tethered me to my roots and a community that shared my values.
The Virginia State Fair was a vibrant celebration of our commonwealth’s spirit. As a lifelong Rockingham County resident, I’ll add that our local county fair is equally impressive, so don’t miss it! The fair’s energy and pride amplified my love for FFA and its values.
FFA taught me that leadership extends beyond agriculture. Through fruit sales, chapter activities, and public speaking, I learned to inspire others and champion meaningful causes. My Supervised Agricultural Experience and community projects instilled resilience, adaptability, and the value of teamwork. Every triumph and challenge shaped my understanding of purposeful leadership.
The 77th National FFA Convention in 2004 in Louisville, Kentucky, was a pinnacle. The theme, “Learn, Lead, Succeed,” resonated through every workshop and conversation. At the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, surrounded by thousands of members, I felt my growth culminate. Sharing stories with peers nationwide echoed the state fair’s thrill but on a grander stage, where every effort mattered.
Years after my 2009 high school graduation, FFA’s lessons keep me grounded. It took a quiet kid with big dreams and gave me the courage, skills, and faith to lead. From Little North Mountain to the national convention, FFA sowed seeds of leadership that grew into a life of service.
The FFA theme, “Learn, Lead, Succeed,” still guides me, intertwined with my faith. The mustard seed from Matthew 17:20, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move,” resonated deeply when I first heard it at River of Life Ministries in 2014. That seed, nurtured by FFA’s values, has grown into a faith tree guiding my journey.
Reflecting on farming, faith, and family helps me appreciate how each has shaped who I am. I see how these elements work together, creating a foundation of values, purpose, and connection. They remind me of their enduring power to bring people together and strengthen communities. It’s about leadership, community, and purpose. These memories, inspired by FFA, Andrea, Matt, and my Aunt Becky, uplift my mental health, offering a healthy way to reframe past trauma. They bring joy and ground me in gratitude. I encourage others to find their own special memories, those moments that brighten a day, spark conversations, or inspire stories like this one. FFA and faith have given me the clarity to live with purpose, and these memories remain a vital part of my story.
