Finding my place in agriculture: How AFA helped me discover my voice
When I walked into the Agriculture Future of America (AFA) Leaders Conference for the first time, I remember feeling captivated. Hundreds of industry professionals and students in business casual and university apparel from across the country–it felt like I had walked into the "real world" of agriculture for the first time. I sat next to a stranger, who would become a close friend by the end of the weekend, and took a deep breath, realizing I was right where I was supposed to be.
That moment was the beginning of my AFA journey.
I first heard about AFA through my high school agriculture teacher, who consistently encouraged me to explore new opportunities. I was told by various people that AFA would change the way I view my future. Still, I couldn't imagine an organization making me feel the same way the National FFA Organization had, so I decided to put off applying for a while. I knew I loved agriculture and people, but I wasn't sure how they would fit together in a career. The idea of traveling to Kansas City to meet hundreds of peers and industry professionals seemed enthralling to me, however, so I decided to apply in my sophomore year. I am so glad I did.
This conference completely changed my view on what I was pursuing. I had never felt so passionate, or so validated, about the path I was on, and I saw other students experiencing the same thing I was. I was able to attend trainings, workshops, a career fair, speakers, and meet incredible new friends. These events didn't just shape my experience at AFA; they helped shape how I approach every day in my personal and professional life.
I had the opportunity to give back to the organization by serving as an AFA ambassador for the University of Illinois. Instead of just being a student who attended the Leaders Conference, I became the person helping to facilitate an incredible weekend, recruiting new students, and sharing my AFA story to promote the organization. I understand how intimidating it can be to attend a conference out of town, so I wanted to be a friendly and authentic face that students could look to for support.
Some of my favorite memories as an AFA ambassador are the small moments: watching students talk to their dream companies, seeing first-time delegates experience life-changing keynote speeches, or hearing people learn about each other in ways that seem incredible, considering they've only known each other for a few days.
If you are a student in ACES who is undecided about applying to the AFA Leaders Conference or institutes, consider this your sign. You don't have to have your life figured out. You don't have to be the loudest in the room. You have to be willing to learn, connect, and take a chance on an experience that will stretch you in the best possible ways. I walked into my first AFA conference unsure about where I belonged in the agriculture industry, and I walked out of my final conference understanding that agriculture is a community, one that everyone can fit into. For that, I am so grateful to both AFA and the College of ACES for helping me find my voice and my place in the industry. To any students reading this, always take the chance on yourself. You are unique, valued, and deserve a seat at the table, and you never know where one decision can take you!