WOODBURY — FFA is typically thought of as an organization for farmers or that being engaged in FFA means you are pursuing an agricultural field.
In reality, students who take advantage of what FFA has to offer gain much more than agricultural knowledge.
The FFA vision states, “Growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world.” Seniors now having done four years in FFA can reflect if they have lived this mission.
“I think I have changed for the better over the past four years in ag,” said senior Samantha Kostka, 2023-24 Woodbury FFA chapter president.
Kostka was heavily involved in FFA throughout her high school career. She served on the sophomore officer team and chapter officer team. She also took part in numerous competitions. These experiences are meant to shape young leaders and in terms of Kostka and her team it did.
“Learning to be a good delegator is an essential part of leadership,” said senior Kyleigh Paige, 2023-24 Woodbury FFA chapter vice president. “I feel I will use this through my career.”
Paige is also extremely involved in FFA and feels that her use of time in ag was not wasted.
Kostka is headed to James Madison University in the fall majoring in hospitality management.
Paige is attending Southern Connecticut State University for business. Both girls alike, are not attending school for an agricultural degree. Coming from highly involved FFA leaders, this may be surprising, but the experiences and skills they’ve gained have led them on this path.
“I’m going to major into hospitality management with a focus towards the wedding industry,” said Kostka.
Although engaging in many different activities in school, it was another aspect of FFA that led her in this direction.
“Having my first SAE at a flower shop has led me to this career choice,” states Kostka.
Most students dread SAEs and finding them can be a struggle, but SAEs may turn into a lifelong passion. If Kostka had never found her spot in the ag program she may have never found her passion.
“I wouldn’t change any of my involvement in FFA even entering college for business,” said Paige. “The skills I learned will help me with my end goal of becoming an entrepreneur and owning my own business.”
FFA gave these two outstanding individuals a strong foundation of confidence and leadership that they will always have.
