WOODBURY — A supervised agricultural experience, or SAE, is a requirement for all FFA members. SAEs are a unique element of the agricultural learning model, and are meant to be hands-on, career-preparing opportunities students gain outside of the classroom or laboratory setting.
This month, senior Chase Heidorn and junior Leah Dorsey presented about their SAE opportunities the Woodbury FFA’s underclassmen awards night ceremony. Many upperclassmen members of FFA also took the time to display their current SAEs after the annual ceremony.
“Greenhand degrees signify that they have learned and embraced the three circles of agriculture education,” explained Nonnewaug veterinary science teacher Jennifer Jedd, who spoke at the ceremony.
Jedd explained the significance of these three circles, “which is leadership, the FFA portion, development of job skills and employability, and bettering their education,” she said.
“It allows every student to add to their resume, and the feeling of accomplishment [is important],” she said.
For some underclassmen, meeting these requirements is very difficult. For most, it is their first time finding a job and experiencing all that comes with it.
“It was very stressful [finding an SAE as a freshman],” said Dorsey, who presented her current SAE during the ceremony.
Dorsey explained that putting time into creating a detailed slideshow to go with her presentation, as well as pamphlets to hand out was important to her, because she understands how difficult the process of finding an SAE that you like can be. She works at the Bent of the River Audubon Center in Southbury, a popular SAE for students interested in forestry and natural resources.
“I learned all about the bent from underclassmen awards and now I actually work there,” she said, “and it’s because I learned from the people who gave their presentation [when I was a freshman]. I started volunteering, and eventually was offered a paid position.”
Teachers chose Dorsey and Heidorn to present for their successful experiences.
“We choose specific students who have shown great growth in their SAE, their knowledge, their person in general,” explained Jedd. “[We want to] show students something [they can] aspire to, and show them you can do it, even though you don’t know much about something to begin with, if you put your effort and energy into something you can accomplish it.”
Today, Dorsey works over the summer and spends her offseason volunteering.
“I think it’s really important to showcase our skills that we learn at the Bent. It’s really important for underclassmen to get their experience in,” said Dorsey, “so by doing our presentation it was an opportunity for them to really learn and see what they could experience if they get a job like ours.”
“I think it’s really important to promote volunteer opportunities,” said Jedd. “I think a lot of people would prefer to get paid, but I think it’s really important to volunteer and help your community in that way. It sets them up for success in future FFA achievements. Our goal in FFA is not only to make you a better agriculturalist in whatever avenue you choose but just an effective and accomplished human overall.”
