Copperas Cove FFA takes on the Officership Series

Special to Leader-Press

Three members from the Copperas Cove FFA traveled to West Texas A&M University to participate in the last FFA Officership Series conference of the year. The conference was facilitated by Ziglar Youth Certified Speakers and focused on self-image, relationship building, and goal-setting. Officership is for juniors and seniors or those pursuing the Lonestar FFA Degree, the highest state award an FFA member may obtain. 
Copperas Cove FFA members Ali Balk, Andrew McGuire and Abbie Wardlow participated in activities including a silent conversation, a goal gallery and compliment train. 
“Each activity was unique and a lot of fun. We learned a lot about ourselves and those around us,” Wardlow said. “Out of the thirty members there, I only knew three. But, I left feeling like I knew all of them personally.” 
The session was hosted by past state officers. For nine hours, the students worked nonstop identifying how to build positive relationships, describing how to effectively confront bullying, discussing how pressure and influence of peers affect personal actions, identifying and explaining ways to overcome peer pressure, describing ways to build strong and healthy relationships, and identifying the benefits of setting goals. 
“I was way out of my comfort zone,” Balk said. “We had driven seven hours and I had no idea what to expect. The opportunity was amazing, and I can’t wait to implement what I learned in my chapter.” 
Although all three members are chapter officers, the series is not restricted to only those who hold an office, but those who are seeking a more in-depth analysis of leadership concepts, principles, and practices. This was the first year Copperas Cove FFA members attended the conference. 
“This was the next step for us. Last year, we attended Made for Excellence (training), and I still carry around the coin from it. I couldn’t wait to see what the next step entailed,” McGuire said.