Karson Calvin, Secretary
CHAPTER
Troy FFA
HOMETOWN
Troy, Missouri
COLLEGE
University of Missouri – Columbia
MAJOR
Ag Education – Teacher Certification
MINOR
Political Science & Agribusiness Management
My Supervised Agricultural Experience program consists of Agricultural Education and Turf Grass Management. In my Agricultural Education SAE, I serve as an intern at the Troy Agricultural Education Department assisting and observing teachers in the day to day operations of our program. Furthermore, in my Turf Grass Management project, I assist my grandfather in mowing and weed eating the Old Alexandria Cemetery as a part of his lawn mowing operation.
As the son of an agricultural education teacher and FFA Advisor, I grew up going to different FFA events with my Dad and had the opportunity to witness state officers in action as they connected with FFA Members. These experiences had me set my eyes on this position before I was even in FFA. Additionally, during my time as an FFA member, I have had the opportunity to interact with a multitude of state officers that showed me what it takes to be a true leader. It is because of those experiences before and during my time in the blue jacket that I wanted to serve the entirety of the Missouri FFA Association.
The legacy that I want to leave with Missouri FFA members is one of inspiration. This next year is not about me, but about the more than 26,000 members of the Missouri FFA Association. I hope that when I take my jacket off for the last time at next year’s state convention, I will have inspired members to go outside their comfort zone and explore each and every opportunity the FFA has to offer.
My plans for the future are pretty simple: to educate others about the agricultural industry. While right now I do not know how exactly I will be doing that, I do have a couple of options in mind. I hope to educate high school students as an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor or to educate legislatures and public figures as an agricultural policy specialist. I am confident that my next four years at the University of Missouri will help me finalize my future plans.
I had the opportunity to serve another organization as a state officer! I recently retired as the 2022-2023 Missouri Technology Student Association State President.
My advice is for FFA members to take advantage of every opportunity they are presented with, even if it is outside their comfort zone. I would not be the leader I am today if I did not step outside of my box and compete in CDEs, LDEs, apply for academies, and so much more. FFA has so much to offer, so take advantage.