| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Brian Billhimer,
Sentinel
brian@supportvaffa.org
SAE(s)
My Supervised Agricultural Experience has been raising market animals. My uncle was the one who always encouraged me to show my first steer. Year after year, he would tell me to show one, and I finally gave in. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. Throughout the years, I have learned many skills that are vital in the real world. I learned how to effectively manage my time while balancing FFA, school, and work. I also learned how to manage my finances through AET (Agricultural Experience Tracker) and how to take responsibility for my animals and daily responsibilities. My SAE has opened many doors throughout my life and shown me what hard work and dedication can truly lead to.
Favorite CDE/LDE
My favorite Career Development Event is Agricultural Mechanics. I have competed in it every year since eighth grade, and I have learned so much through the experience. It taught me the importance of commitment by showing up for my team and dedicating myself to practice. I also gained many hands-on skills that have prepared me to identify problems and make repairs as they arise.
My favorite Leadership Development Event is Parliamentary Procedure. Parli Pro was the contest that helped me open up and discover who I truly was. Through it, I learned more about FFA and how to navigate issues that can arise within organizations and local chapters. My CDEs and LDEs helped me find my place in FFA while preparing me for my future.
Favorite FFA Memory
Have you ever been stuck in a van with six other girls and no guys? Believe it or not, that was one of my favorite FFA trips.
My chapter took a trip to False Cape State Park, and I signed up simply because I thought, "Why not?" I had never been on an overnight trip other than State Convention, and I didn't know anyone else who was going.
The night before we left, our advisor sent an email saying she couldn't make the trip because she was sick. Fortunately, our chaperone was still able to take us. By the time we arrived at False Cape and got settled in, I had started to come out of my shell. The two boys who traveled separately quickly became two of my best friends, along with the girls on the trip. That experience gave me the confidence to be myself, inspired me to run for chapter office, and became one of the first stepping stones in my leadership journey.
Future Plans
When my year of service comes to an end, I plan to attend Blue Ridge Community College to study Agricultural Business and Agricultural Education. After two years, I plan to transfer to Virginia Tech to pursue a double major in Agribusiness and Agricultural Education. My goal is to return to my hometown as an agricultural educator while also owning and operating a small business.
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|