Show season teaches lessons beyond classroom

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photo or infographic by Willis FFA Twitter

THE GREEN RING. At Ft. Worth, junior Briley Tucker shows Miss Willow. He came home with a 4th place finish.

After the Willis Local Show kicked off the show season, members of FFA are preparing to travel the state with their animals. Ft. Worth, San Antonio and Houston are more than rodeos for the members of the FFA.

At the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo in late January, many members came home with a ribbon or buckle.

“I sadly was not able to make it to the pull at that show, but I was honored to be there and still receive the full experience of season starting”, senior Jenna Dempsey said. “But I am looking forward to traveling around for the shows and going to places I have never been to because those are the shows that make memories that last forever.”

GREAT JOB. Jaci and Miss Cracklin place 6th in the class at the Ft. Worth Heifer Show. (photo or infographic by Willis FFA Twitter)

FFA is a great group because it gives students the opportunity to learn responsibility and determination.

“One lesson I have learned from being in FFA is that hard work pays off,” junior Weston Holcombe said. “FFA teaches you to push through and keep trying because in the end it will pay off.”

Many people outside of FFA do not understand the dedication the students have for this event, which allows them to gain outside benefits such as scholarships and attention from colleges. Getting to learn mature lessons is not the only advantage to this amazing club.

“Being in FFA has many benefits, like learning new things and getting to go to new places but one of the best benefits is getting the opportunity to earn scholarships that can help you in the future.”  said junior Briley Tucker. 

This season of FFA can not only offer scholarships, but it also gives the students who are in it, another opportunity for a future career. Some people love it so much that they are willing to make it their job, such as Dempsey. 

“I wish that I could do FFA forever, it has been an absolutely wonderful experience, and I have met so many friends along the way”, Dempsey said. “Without the things that I have learned from FFA, I would not be who I am today. Through my involvement, I have found my dream job.”