FFA State Conference, 8,000+ attendees, your name gets slated as the next CA FFA state president. This was me, shocked and honored that the nominating committee would trust me to represent our organization of 108,000+ students. The arena is full of hype and anticipation. I stand in a circle of friends awaiting the announcement of the next state officers. “Your new FFA state president is…” It was not my name. I was faced with the greatest rejection of my short 18 years, in front of over 8,000 people. Four years prior this would have crushed me, leaving me defeated, and even questioning my self worth. Yet the lessons I gained through FFA left me with a sense of peace knowing that God had other plans for me. My thoughts went to my peers who were facing the same rejection for their respective positions. I felt the need to look outside of my own circumstances and lift another. Four years ago I didn’t even know what FFA was, nor did I have any idea of the impact it would have on my future. I was born and raised in Sanger, and when I entered Sanger High I joined the dual enrolled Plant Science pathway through Reedley College. Although I was not a farmer I wanted to learn more about agriculture. By joining this pathway I joined FFA. It was through FFA that I learned responsibility, the value of serving others, gained public speaking skills, leadership skills, and a love for agriculture. I learned responsibility through SAE projects: two market lambs and growing fruit trees at my house. I gained leadership skills through various officer positions I served in; Sanger FFA Greenhand President - 2022-2023, Sanger FFA Chapter Parliamentarian - 2023-2024, Sanger FFA Chapter 2nd Vice President - 2024-2025, Sanger FFA Chapter Vice President - 2025-2026, East Fresno Madera Section Sentinel - 2023-2024, San Joaquin Region EFM Vice President - 2024-2025, San Joaquin Region President - 2025-2026, National Delegate 2025 & 2026, Sacramento Leadership Experience (SLE) 2026. My public speaking skills were developed through multiple speaking competitions placing at the state level in all of them. During my time as regional president, I organized a canned food drive, collecting 2000+ cans of food that were donated to local food banks, including Hope Sanger. Traveling the region gave me perspective on challenges that agriculture faces. Seeing the issues first hand gave me valuable insight to share with an assembly member while at SLE about how to better support our industry that feeds the world. So much of the person I am today and my future is because of my time in FFA. Outside of FFA and my Ag classes I spend my time in honors and AP courses maintaining a 4.0+ GPA throughout my k-12 years. While participating in church activities, playing the piano, varsity girls tennis team, and varsity track and field. Through these activities I learned teamwork, patience, and dedication. As I look to my future, I plan to major in business. One career I am interested in is a project manager in agriculture. I chose general business as a major because I already have an A.S. degree in Plant Science and took agribusiness courses during that time. I want to make sure that I have the knowledge to bridge the gap between farmers, government agencies, and investors to ensure project alignment. I believe this route allows me to maximize efficiency, manage inherent risks, and implement new technologies in the agriculture field. I hope to give back to the Sanger community that helped mold me into the person I am today.