More than 70,000 students, advisors, and guests are Indianapolis this week for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. Among the students who made the trip are those who traveled just 45 miles north from Hope FFA in Bartholomew County.
Abigayle Trotter is a junior at Hauser Jr.-Sr. High School and President of Hope FFA. She tells Hoosier Ag Today that one of the major takeaways from the event is to learn the tools to sharpen her leadership skills.
“I went to one of the workshops called ‘Mentorship Matters’, and I really enjoyed it,” she says. “It gave me some examples of what I can take back home to help with my chapter and help things run a little smoother.”
What led Abigayle to join Indiana FFA?
“Well, it’s sort of a lengthy story, but in the third grade, I joined 4-H with one of my friends and I really enjoyed it,” she says. “Then in the 7th grade, we had the options to go to this Career Fair. While I was there, everybody was urging me to come to FFA and see what it’s all about. So, I decided to join it and it was probably the best decision I made in high school.”
What advice does she give to other students who may be unsure if they should become a member of FFA?
“Well, I come from a family that wasn’t raised on a farm. We are live on a lake, so I don’t have the same background as a lot of other FFA students, but don’t be scared to put yourself out there,” she says. There’s really something in FFA for everybody. If you’re interested in crops, there’s crops practice. If you want to learn more about animals, you can join Livestock Skillathon, so don’t be scared to join FFA.”
Hope FFA is led by advisors Aleesa Dickerson and Julia Hamblen.
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Hoosier Ag Today’s coverage of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo is presented by Keystone Cooperative.
