FFA organizations from across Texas met up at the State Fair of Texas on Oct. 7 to raise awareness and gain knowledge about the many aspects of agriculture in the United States. FFA organized a number of activities including shows and scavenger hunts to provide information.

The organization hoped to clear the misconception that agriculture in America only involves farming and showing animals in shows. To go to the fair, the club had to collect about two cans of food per person attending. About 100 people from Plano’s chapter attended the event. Club president senior Meredith Glaister and vice president senior Victoria Jenks attended this event.

“We wore our FFA shirts so people would wonder why this large group was there,” Jenks said. “We helped them understand what FFA is about.”

FFA offers a variety of opportunities for its members. Members are able to raise and visit livestock, participate in agricultural mechanic projects and compete and attend public speaking events. The organization also provides a number of career, leadership and public speaking opportunities, including seminars on developing leadership skills, applying for agricultural occupations and speaking on agricultural topics.

“It’s important for people to realize these opportunities and see what they can do through this organization,” Glaister said.

Glaister has been an officer for FFA for three years. She has been exhibiting market lambs for 3 years, showing them at livestock and county shows.

“FFA has provided me the opportunity to grow as a person,” Glastier said.

According to Jenks, the club has allowed her to prepare for her future career of working in veterinary medicine. As a part of the preparation for her future career, she has participated in many public speaking events and competitions.

“I think public speaking is important to know how to communicate with people clearly,” Jenks said. “For example, I will have to talk to people who own the animals, and not confuse them.”

Jenks hopes to run for state president of FFA this summer. She will have to prepare a five minute speech and give a one minute extemporaneous speech in front of judges and thousands of people who will then vote on candidates for this position.

“People have the wrong image of FFA consisting of only farmers,” Jenks said. “FFA is not about people with no aspiration or just about farming. It has shown people how to grow as a person.”