National FFA Week kicked off on February 20th and runs until the 28th of this year. The week is all about supporting FFA and getting the word out about what the organization does. FFA is more than just an agricultural organization, they have deep roots in leadership development and giving back to the community as well.
This week, most of the chapters do different things to celebrate the week and to number one, help the community in some way, and number two, make things fun for the members. Mishicot FFA is no different. For example, Vice President Crystal Anhalt helped congratulate the winners of the elementary school FFA Week coloring contest.
Jamie Propson is one of the Mishicot FFA Advisors who was a State Officer for the organization and graduated from UW-River Falls. Before heading to college, she was involved in the Denmark FFA chapter, but her start in the organization was a little different than most. “You might laugh, but one of my best friends told me to join FFA to meet boys.” Propson joked that while they may not have met a lot of great prospects, she did grow as a person, which led to her pursuing a career in agriculture.
FFA may have helped Propson gain more of an interest in ag, but it’s more than that. “FFA is a lot more than just farming. Although we have roots in agriculture, we teach students to be leaders through leadership conventions, conferences, speaking competitions, personal growth building, and a lot of career opportunities,” Propson gave some examples, “job shadows, and interviews, and so there’s something in FFA for everyone.”
She explained that their FFA chapter isn’t all business all the time, they also do things like trap shoots, sledding, and bowling, which are really good ways for the members to get to know each other. Propson brought up how she loves watching her students grow throughout their years in FFA. She used Mishicot FFA’s President Samantha Anhalt and Vice President Crystal Anhalt as examples. “I have two students with me today…they both started off a little bit more shy and now I’ve seen that growth as they embark on their high school career,” Propson said.
Samantha said that volunteering is her favorite part of the organization. “I’ve definitely enjoyed all of the volunteer experiences I’ve had,” Samantha said. This week to help out in the community, the chapter made dog treats for the Lakeshore Humane Society in Manitowoc.
This is her second time as President of the chapter, she said the first time around she learned a lot, which prepared her for regaining the title. “I learned quite a bit about the necessary skills to be a leader, taking charge, and just being able to be assertive, and talk to other people and communicate effectively,” Samantha said.
Crystal explained that FFA is a great leadership organization. “It’s tied in with agriculture, but you’re able to expand on many speaking skills and are able to lead more people and be a role model for others,” Crystal said. She brought up that even if you don’t know what you like, you’ll find something in FFA because it’s so diverse.
Samantha wants other kids to know that FFA isn’t strictly about farming. “It’s much more. I can say it’s definitely changed me as a person. It’s helped me develop leadership skills, public speaking skills in general,” she mentioned what her advice would be to someone who’s on the fence about joining, “just try something new. You’re going to grow from it no matter what.” She credits FFA with her being able to make new friends and create great memories along the way.
Crystal said that she can tell that from when she joined FFA in 7th grade to now she’s learned a lot. “In FFA there are many people and when you go to all of these conferences, people are just willing to be friends,” she explained that the students at those FFA events are very welcoming, even if you end up going without anyone from your FFA chapter. She said that it’s a great way to make new friends from all over the country. If you’re interested in joining FFA, reach out to your school’s guidance counselor to see if FFA is an opportunity at your school.
