CULTURES GROW ON THE VINE OF TRADITION

BY: JENNIFER JACKSON TEXAS FFA ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

We put our hands over our hearts for the pledge and the National Anthem, take our hats off at the table, pull over for a funeral procession or emergency vehicle, respect our elders, open doors, ladies first, "Yes, ma'am," "No, sir," "Semper Fi."

If you're an Aggie, you know you don't walk on the grass, you stand for football games, show your respect on April 21 each year, and know "howdy" is much more than just a Texan greeting. Suppose you went to Tarleton State University. In that case, you have a great deal of respect for a duck named Oscar P, and you know there's a lot more than costumes to the Tarleton Pepper and the Ten Tarleton Sisters, and there's likely not a more excellent week than the one that includes Midnight Breakfast, Beat the Drum, or Yell Contest.

Call me cheesy, but the words above still give me goosebumps even after hearing them thousands of times. I'm not alone in this sentiment because the traditions of our organization matter, and they have a lot to do with why you're scrolling through this magazine or reading this article. How blessed are we to be part of an organization that still values the guiding principles established by our leaders almost 100 years ago?

Let's unpack that…strong traditions are based on the ethics of morals, integrity, respect for others, and respect for the organization we serve. These words possess significance because those who use them respect them and attempt to emulate their meaning. If we focused more on honoring these same traditions, there would be a positive shift in our behavior and our influence on our young members.

"I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert an influence in my home and community which will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task."

The FFA has a rich history of traditions that have become integral to the organization's culture. One of the most beloved traditions is the iconic FFA jacket, representing its wearer's dedication and hard work. The jacket symbolizes pride and commitment to the organization and the industry that we serve. It is a tradi- tion that unites members nationwide, and those who wear it respect it. Those who wore it are confident it will never go out of style.

The FFA Creed is a timeless tradition that embodies the values and beliefs of the organization. Reciting the Creed is a rite of passage for FFA members and serves as a reminder of the commitment to agriculture, leadership, and service. The Creed's principles of hard work, integrity, and responsibility resonate with members and guide them personally and professionally. It is a tradition passed down from generation to generation, reinforcing the organization's core values and inspiring members to positively impact their communities and beyond.

Traditions play a significant role in shaping our identities and strengthening our sense of belonging. They serve as a link between generations, connecting us to our past and guiding us toward our future. Traditions provide us with security and stability in an ever-changing world in an industry that seeks to sustain those living there. They give us a foundation to build our values and beliefs and help us understand where we come from and where we are going. Through these shared experiences, individuals develop a sense of belonging and connectedness to one another, leading to stronger relationships and outstanding service to our communities.

By upholding traditions, we can keep alive the stories and values of our founders and maintain a sense of identity and pride that our organization prepares students for success in their personal and professional lives and creates a pipeline of talent for the workforce that is more competent than most of their peers and works to develop individuals into hard-working, self-sufficient, responsible, and respectable contributors to society. In this way, traditions serve as a bridge between the past, present, and future, allowing us to celebrate our past and continue learning and growing as an organization.

Some of my favorite memories center around my family's small traditions. While others may not understand them, they bring our family joy and give us something to look forward to and remember.

Traditions are valuable because they give us something to respect, unite us, and help us assign meaning. We proudly affirm that our organization has the power to shape the most productive, respectful, and influential adults. This is achievable by honoring and valuing the traditions on which our organization was founded and holding ourselves and our students accountable to the principles established by our founding members. Blessed be the culture that grows on the vine of our traditions!

ON WHICH OUR ORGANIZATION WAS FOUNDED AND HOLDING OURSELVES AND OUR STUDENTS ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PRINCIPLES ESTABLISHED BY OUR FOUNDING MEMBERS."