From FFA blue to K-State purple

Christian Peña, Kansas State University student body president and junior in agricultural education, has seen firsthand how FFA can shape a student's career path and help them succeed in college.

“FFA helped me grow in relationship building and interacting with other students,” Peña said. “My time as an FFA officer helped me become a better public speaker, connector and listener, and allowed me to think deeper as an individual.”

Now that Peña is two years removed from serving as Kansas FFA president in 2023-24, he sees the value of giving back to the organization in an even brighter light.

“Being here in the blue corduroy was an experience like no other, but getting to serve students and the organization that built me was something so much deeper,” he said.

The Kansas FFA Convention brings FFA members to K-State’s campus, and it is often the first time these middle and high school students visit a college. For Peña, being on the K-State campus helped him foster relationships with fellow students and see all that K-State had to offer.

"Coming to events in Manhattan was one of the highlights of the year, so we never missed an opportunity to attend,” he said.

During the Kansas FFA Convention, members learn about the opportunities K-State offers students, not only in agriculture but across campus.

“The number of activities and students here on campus grew my curiosity for what could be next, and I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to be a part of the greatest land-grant institution,” Peña said.

The Kansas FFA Convention is almost solely volunteer run. From K-State students and faculty to many FFA alumni, the convention would not happen without the continuous support of volunteers.

“This experience is truly like no other, and all of the people who come back to do it every year feel the same,” Peña said after his first year as a convention volunteer. “We all do it for the love of FFA and for the love of the students.”

K-State will host the 98th Kansas FFA Convention on May 26-29. More than 2,800 middle and high school students, teachers and guests will be on campus to celebrate another year of leadership development, career success and personal growth.

Leadership Development event judges contribute to the success of the student experience at the Kansas FFA Convention.

“Judges are incredibly important for the members' experiences because you are not just serving as a judge, but also as a mentor for new improvement,” Peña said.

FFA members spend countless hours of hard work to compete at the state level in events such as Prepared Public Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, Employment Skills and more.

“Throughout the convention, judges aren’t just picking who did it best, but ensuring students are left with a meaningful experience that keeps them coming back,” he said.

Serving as a Kansas FFA Convention judge is an opportunity to shape the experiences and growth of students from across the state. Individuals interested in volunteering at the 98th Kansas FFA Convention can sign up online.

 

— Submitted by Lauren Chard