Abby Pettijohn is a senior at Alex High School, where she is a member of the Future Farmers of America program. She says that she is so glad that she made the decision to join FFA, even though she was not sure at first.
“I joined the FFA at the beginning of my eighth grade year mostly because my dad really wanted me to,” she said. “He was really involved in his youth and he wanted me to have the same experience. Since then I have come to fall in love with this amazing organization.”
Her parent’s have played a big role in her life, and not just getting her to join the program.
“My parents are my biggest influences because they’re always pushing me to do the best I can with everything I do,” she said.”At the same time, they are teaching me so many invaluable life lessons from how to check my oil to lessons on how to go through life as a good person.”
As a member of the FFA, Pettijohn competes in Public Speaking. She does both prepared and extemporaneous speeches. She also participates in the FFA Agriscience Fair.
During her time in FFA, Abby has made a lot of great memories with the group. As she looks back, she says that there is one memory that stands out as her favorite.
“I think my favorite memory of FFA is my first officer retreat,” she recalled. “I enjoyed being able to spend time with my fellow officers and us bonding as a team over some good ol’ striper fishing and games.”
While she enjoys all of the new things she learns and the activities she can be involved in, Pettijohn really likes another aspect of being in the program.
“Being able to represent my school and to do it well gives me an immense sense of pride and self-esteem that quite honestly I have come to value so much.”
