By: Stephanie Wuebben
Agriscience Education
Xenia, Ohio
Sophomore
On the last Friday of October while everyone was preparing to go home, I was headed to Louisville. When my parents and I arrived, I was immediately thrown back into that sea of blue that we all know and love. Corduroy was everywhere, and I immediately thought back to my times in official dress with my chapter at national convention.
I woke before the sun rose on Saturday to prepare for my five seconds on stage that equals to countless hours of work and dedication. As I put on my blue corduroy I thought back to my four years of participating in this great organization, the four teachers who helped me through it, and all of my achievements in high school.
My blue corduroy isn’t just a jacket, it’s a part of me and contributes to who I am today. FFA caused me a lot of stress, loss of sleep, and a little anxiety, but I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything. In spite of all that; FFA has taught me many life lessons, brought me many memories (good and bad), and has also given me the opportunity for lasting friendships, not only from within my chapter, but from all over because we share the same passion and hopes for agriculture. As I looked around the hall where all of us degree recipients were seated, or as I refer to them as my FFAmily, I saw many members who made my FFA career unforgettable.
I also saw the future of agriculture and I know it is in good hands. As I physically outgrow my jacket and time passes on I will never mentally outgrow the meaning and experiences that blue corduroy carries with it. My passion for the jacket is what drove me to major in Agriscience Education here at Ohio State ATI.
I will forever be an aggie and I will forever bleed blue and gold.
Stephanie poses with her brother (an agricultural educator and Ohio State ASE alum) and parents following the American FFA Degree ceremony.