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Grace Faulk,
Treasurer
gracef@supportvaffa.org
SAE(s)
My Supervised Agricultural Experience in Agricultural Education is rooted in two main projects focused on engaging students in their education. At my school's Outdoor Lab, I identified five native and five invasive plant species, creating an interactive trail to educate students about each species' role and impact on the surrounding environment. This project taught me the importance of organization and patience through the planning process while communicating with a variety of industry professionals, including teachers, school board members, Master Gardeners, and graphic designers.
My second project involved serving as a teacher's assistant in my Intro to Animal Systems class, a course I had taken as a freshman. Throughout the semester, I helped students better understand classroom concepts and apply them through hands-on activities while completing chores on the school farm. This experience taught me to adapt my teaching style to different learners and become more effective in my explanations. Both projects challenged my perspective on educational practices and helped me become a more skilled project manager.
Favorite CDE/LDE
The Cattle Working CDE became my favorite competition after I began competing during my junior year. It provided the perfect platform to combine my passion for the cattle industry with practical, real-world skills. I enjoy this contest because it emphasizes skills I know I will use in the future. It also encompasses every aspect of a cattle operation, including recordkeeping, vaccinations, and the safe handling and movement of cattle. The competition required extensive hands-on preparation, which gave me a strong sense of pride in my work and motivated me to always give my best effort.
Favorite FFA Memory
My favorite—and first—FFA memory came early in my freshman year when I was a shy, new member of my chapter. I quickly discovered what joining FFA was really about: unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships.
As I walked into Academic Enrichment (Homeroom) one morning, I noticed everyone leaving with determined looks on their faces and all kinds of supplies in their hands. Someone told me our school pigs had escaped and were running through the woods and neighborhoods behind the school, and that they needed help rounding them up.
It sounded like fun until I stepped outside and was greeted by pouring rain... then it sounded like a ton of fun.
Running through the rain with people I barely knew, I realized the foundation was being laid for many more memories to come. That experience hooked me on FFA. As I sat down in third block that day, soaking wet and covered in mud, I couldn't stop smiling because I knew I had found something special.
Future Plans
At the conclusion of my year of service, I plan to attend Virginia Tech to major in Dairy Science with a possible minor in Agricultural Education. After earning my degree, I hope to become either a dairy geneticist or the manager of my own dairy farm. My ultimate goal is to advance the genetics of the dairy industry by improving traits that contribute to both high-quality and high-producing dairy cattle.
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