Spencer FFA’s Daniel Clark spending year as state officer

What is the first thing you think of when you hear someone say FFA? Farming, right?

The first time I walked into the agricultural education room as a seventh grader, that too is what I thought. Little did I know the adventures that I was about to take through this organization.

I am not from an agricultural background, nor did I ever think it would play such a major role in my life. Becoming a Wisconsin State FFA officer was always in the back of my mind but never did I think it would become a reality.

It all started with my first Wisconsin FFA Convention when I watched Leeah Luepke selected to serve as a state officer. After that, the fire was ignited. I began getting involved in leadership development events, attending conferences, building my Supervised Agricultural Experience, and serving in chapter roles.

As my high school career started closing in, I started to think about what I wanted my future to include, and state office was yet a thought. So, I decided to do something about it. I talked to Mr. Zimmerman and we both were on the same page -- let’s go for it. I immediately began to prep myself for the upcoming convention. I studied FFA facts, constructed speeches, and started to think about what the year could hold.

Convention came quicker than I could have ever imagined. The interviews were tedious, the intensity was high, and the pressure was on. Next thing I knew, I was standing in front of the stage waiting to hear the 2019-20 State FFA officer team announced.

It seemed like it took an eternity to get to Section 7. The time finally came, and I was beyond excited to hear my name called. As I ran to meet my fellow officers, I may have tripped up the stairs, but the moment seemed so unrealistic.

After many trainings, meetings, conferences, and over 10,000 miles, I have been able to share my passion with members across the state. Although mornings may be early and the meetings may be long, in the end it is always worth it. I will always look back on this year in a way of how I may have impacted the members, but more importantly how the members impacted me.