Student Lauren Looney shares her thougths on Ag Class.
1. What did you think of the ag program before you started taking the courses?
My brother took ag classes, and he would come home talking about them and all the things that he would do. Some of the things he told me sounded fun. On a whim I decided to take an ag class just to see what it was like. And it forever changed my perspective. My freshman year I watched all of the upper classmen being so involved in FFA and the stories they told of amazing places they had been and all the people they had met, and it seemed like a lot of fun, and it was something I really wanted to be a part of. I looked up to them and I wanted to be like them.
2. What do you like about competing in FFA?
Competitions are a lot of fun to me. I'm a competitive person. Preparing for it is work, but it helps with my work ethic. Just before I go into a competition, I get a little nervous. It's just enough to keep me on edge to do good. When all is said and done and the results are out, I see just how well I did and I can improve where it is necessary. Impromptu speeches have helped me dramatically in my speaking abilities. I'm not afraid to stand up in front of a group of people and talk.
3. Tell us what you like about being in the ag program.
I like all the hands on things that we do. When we learn lessons in Advanced Animal Science 2 we learn hands on lessons. It's very interactive, and I love that. It keeps us all interested in what's going on. Being in the ag program I have met so many amazing people. It has helped me come out of my shell and walk up to people and talk and make new friends from all over the country.
4. Is there anything that surprised you?
The biggest thing that has surprised me about the ag program is how many women are involved. When I was younger my perspective was that it was for only guys. The more I got involved, the more I saw just how many women were involved. Many state and regional officers throughout the country are women. They have so many opportunities for everyone. There are scholarships for people that range for all types of degrees that have nothing to do with farming. It really has opened up my eyes to how big agriculture is.
5. How has the program influenced you in your future plans? How has it changed you?
It has influenced me to make something of myself. It has changed me so much. It's helped me to be a leader and shown me that I can do what I set my mind to. I have endless possibilities, and I can become something important. It has given me the self confidence to step out of my comfort zone and be what I set my mind to.
