FFA Convention Memories
On to states for the German's team...
My name is Nike, and I am from Germany. I just turned 17 years old, and I am spending my exchange year with a wonderful family in Michigan.
My host sister always wears shirts that say FFA. Spoiler alert: Now I wear them, too. FFA stands for Future Farmers of America. In March, I went to the FFA State Convention. It was three full days of long sessions. My Agriculture Issues team competed, and we had a lot of fun with other FFA members.
On the first day, we went to the place where the convention was held: THE MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS!! I was so excited to finally see the campus of the university whose sweatshirts I had been wearing.
But first, it was time for my Agriculture Issues team to compete. When you compete in Agriculture Issues, you present a little play about an issue affecting farmers.
We were all really nervous, even though we had already competed at districts and regionals to move on to state. We were a big mess before we went into the room filled with people there to watch our presentation.
We were setting up our equipment, and everything was going well until we had to start. For the first five minutes (of our 15-minute time limit) nobody said anything, and it was just quiet. Our computer thought it would be a great time to do an update. Yep, we completely messed up. It was not too bad, because we were there as a team and we tried our best!
For the first five minutes (of our 15-minute time limit) nobody said anything, and it was just quiet. Our computer thought it would be a great time to do an update. Yep, we completely messed up.
During the workshops, many students got awards for their involvement. The state officers shared personal stories with us, and we thanked the FFA sponsors. At night we all went to the hotel’s pool and had a great time. It was a long but great day.
The next day, we watched other teams competing in different categories. My team and I decided to watch another Agricultural Issues presentation. It was really good, and their group ended up winning.
That night, we met with all the FFA members from our district to talk to new people and eat ice cream. Everyone was exhausted but it was a fun night. On the last day, we went to one last session. In the end, the bus took us home again.
All in all, it was a great experience for me. Now I know why so many kids at my school enjoy being involved in FFA. You feel like you found a big group of people with the same interests. The trip gave me better relationships with my friends, my FFA teachers, and all the FFA members from my school.
I am more than happy that I joined FFA, because it is a great opportunity, a lot of fun, and it taught me so many new things. I am so thankful for my teachers, my friends, my Agricultural Issues team, and all the other FFA members that made this trip so great!
—Nike (Germany), hosted by the Mansfield family (MI)
Fantastic FFA Finale in Michigan
Nike has excelled in adjusting and living the rural life here in our small Michigan town. Nike (pronounced knee-ka) is originally from Germany. She is making an impact on all in the community.
Just recently, Nike helped win first place in the FFA District CDE Contest, which moved the group to the state competition level. The group competed at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan against other district finalists in the state. They finished as state finalists, receiving the bronze award in Agricultural Issues.
We have no doubt Nike will succeed in everything she does. She has been a blessing to this community and everyone around her. We are so proud of her, and she is not just a part of our family now but the community as well. She is loved by all.
We have no doubt Nike will succeed in everything she does. She has been a blessing to this community and everyone around her. We are so proud of her, and she is not just a part of our family now but the community as well.
Congratulations to our state finalist Ag Issues team! They worked so hard and did an outstanding job! A message from Nike’s FFA leader Miss Lee:
“Nike is open to trying everything that we do in the FFA program. She recently competed at the state level in the Agricultural Issues competition. She has spoken in front of large crowds with ease and has not ever shied away from a challenge. We are so proud of her for going above and beyond in the FFA program!”
—The Mansfield family (MI), host family of Nike (Germany)
