BY: G R E G C RO U CH L E Y P R E S I D E N T A N D C H I E F O P E R AT I N G O F F I C E R AT J U S T I N B R A N D S
FROM THE GROUND UP QUESTION: WHAT DOES A TEXAS FFA SUPPORTER HAVE IN COMMON WITH A TEXAS AG SCIENCE EDUCATOR? ANSWER: COMMUNITY.
I
n keeping with the FFA’s mission to make a positive difference in student’s lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, this magazine has explored advocacy, development, and leadership, all subjects of critical importance. As students develop these skills, the results build a lifelong community. The cornerstone of this community is unquestionably agricultural science educators. By engaging with students at their most impressionable, you as agricultural science educators begin a quest by introducing or reacquainting, students to agriculture and the land. As Red Steagall has explained, “We live with the land, not on it.” His poem “Born to this Land” captures this core principle better than I ever could express. Starting with basic agricultural science education, students begin their journey to premiere leadership, growth, and success. As you guide, nurture, motivate, and educate along the way, students develop a growing
sense of responsibility, patience, emotional development, and character. This may be better expressed as “From the Ground, Up!”
learn, practice, and execute communication skills across different organizations.
In addition, in order for students to take full advantage of the opportunities ag education provides and reach their highest potential, they must interact with people across diverse disciplines, organizations, and skillsets.
It is you, the agricultural science educators, who bring this all together.
Communication Effective interaction is a complex and challenging skill that must be practiced often in order to grow. Learning how to communicate with others is essential to maximizing potential and achievement. It is clear the ag education and the FFA recognizes this, as skills such as public speaking are not only taught but also practiced repeatedly all year, culminating in the incredible presentations at the state convention. It is absolutely critical for students across Texas, from the smallest rural towns to the largest metropolitan cities, to get the opportunity to study,
2
Cornerstone
By creating opportunities for growth through communication for every single student, from the shy and quiet to the most outgoing. By demonstrating for students how to create community through their own outreach efforts to the vast and diverse array of Texas FFA supporters.
“IDEALLY, EACH STUDENT IS ABLE TO BE PRESENTED WITH AT LEAST ONE OPPORTUNITY THAT RESONATES, IGNITING THE INTERNAL FIRE AND PASSION TO GROW.”
