Priceless: National FFA Week

One trip to Texas...$300.
One rental car...$150
One GPS unit...$200
One week with Texas FFA members...priceless.

I had the privilege to spend National FFA Week in the lone star state of Texas this year. We enjoyed celebrating the accomplishments, traditions, and passions of our organizations over 500,000 members!

Texas Tech was my first stop, where I received a personalized tour from collegiate FFA members and state officers. Later that evening I had the privilege of hanging out with greenhand members at Cooper-Lubbock high school and visiting schools in the area. After an afternoon spent talking about "developing our personal character," I joined more Texas Tech collegiate members for dinner.

After departing Lubbock, I had the opportunity to meet with the Eastland FFA Chapter Officers for a delicious lunch. Over lunch we reflected on what has happened thus far in their year of service, and what they envision for the future. That afternoon was a very special experience for me...my first time EVER shooting a rifle! The Tarleton State University Collegiate members took me out to a Game and Wildlife Ranch where they taught me how to do "skeet" shooting for the first time. I know what you are wondering right now...and yes, I am a pretty good shot! :)

Wednesday of FFA week I met about 14 new FFA chapters as they arrived at Tarleton to participate in some developmental workshops. The next day I was honored to tour some chapters with Dr. McGregor, agriculture education professor at Tarleton. We visited Glen Rose and Joshua chapters and met with new members to speak about the countless opportunities FFA has to offer.

Later Thursday evening the Aledo FFA Chapter welcomed us to their National FFA Week banquet - what a wonderful time! Friday I finished off the week at Mansfield Ben Barber Career Technology Academy?.

I couldn't have asked for a better week. I want to thank Texas Tech, Tarleton State University, and the chapters I visited for their hospitality. For me, the best part of this week was spending time with those members of the Texas FFA Association. You remind me of how priceless the FFA experience truly is!

The Alvarado FFA Chapter at Tarleton State University after Character Workshop