Growing Our Future: Texas Agricultural Science Education Magazine

BUILDING YOUR FOUNDATION ON VALUES

BY: REPRESENTATIVE TRENT ASHBY, STATE REPRESENTATIVE FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 57

Growing up on a dairy farm not far from Henderson, Texas, I wasn’t very familiar with what life was like outside of the universe known to me as Rusk County. Cows needed to be milked twice a day, 365 days a year, so there weren’t many family vacations that didn’t involve a show ring full of dairy animals and a judge. My parents instilled in me the value of hard work at an early age as I helped tend to my family's land and cattle. I'm a proud product of the public school system, where I received an invaluable education from teachers who challenged me to seek success -- both in the classroom and out -- through organizations like the Texas FFA. In particular, my ag teachers and FFA experience broadened my view of the horizon and helped build the foundation on which I would discover my true self.

IN PARTICULAR, MY AG TEACHERS AND FFA EXPERIENCE BROADENED MY VIEW OF THE HORIZON AND HELPED BUILD THE FOUNDATION ON WHICH I WOULD DISCOVER MY TRUE SELF.

I'm going to borrow from wiser, more prominent political figures than myself to provide some perspective on remaining confidently true to yourself. In a book called Letters from Leaders, I read a letter written by our 43rd President, George W. Bush. One quote, in particular, stood out to me: "There's a principle by which I make decisions - a principle that came as a result of being raised where I was raised, and by whom I was raised. You have to say what you believe and stand by it."

There will always be an easier path; however, choosing to follow the path of least resistance can sometimes lead to compromising your personal beliefs. Beliefs your family instilled in you; beliefs discovered and cemented through involvement in organizations like FFA; beliefs that will lead to a successful life if you remain faithful to yourself when faced with your greatest challenges.

One of the hallmarks of my experiences in FFA was community involvement, which allowed me to grow and witness my true potential as a leader. Whether through thoughtful discussions in the classroom or socializing with fellow FFA members, I started to appreciate the value of engaging with others and listening to the different viewpoints of those around me. I discovered a growing desire to formulate my own thoughts and not rely on what I had been told for years and years. It is my hope that agricultural education has created in you a similar desire -- a desire to formulate your own beliefs, a desire to learn, a desire to grow by discovering who God has called you to be.

They say hindsight is 20/20, so now it's easier for me to see and recognize the value FFA's unique experiences and resources provided me. It is an ideal outlet for cultivating personal growth, and it has contributed a great deal to who I am today. Personal growth comes in many forms, and it doesn't always come easily. In a book written by James Anthony Froude, he mentions a letter stating, "You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one." While guidance from others is essential to personal development, the journey to remain true to yourself is yours to travel alone. Ask yourself what you want to achieve and shape yourself each day in the image of your values.

Outside of the ministry, it's hard to imagine a more fulfilling and noble calling than the work of an educator. As the grandson, son, and brother of both active and retired teachers, I have the utmost respect for those who choose the profession of education. Our agricultural educators are unique in that they help students develop such a wide variety of skills. Whether learning responsibility through raising a show animal, gaining hands-on experience in a professional trade like welding or carpentry, experimenting with innovative technology like robotics, or discovering a passion for public speaking, the combination of FFA's rich history and innovative opportunity provides students with a variety of outlets through which they will continue to grow and develop. Thank you for your role in developing our next generation of leaders.