Superheroes Wanted!

Superheroes Wanted:  No Cape Necessary, 

Just Blue Corduroy…

When we think of the word “Superhero” we often think of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary meaning:  a fictional hero having extraordinary or superhuman powers, and in our minds we picture a leotard clad, cape-wearing, larger than life character such as Superman or Wonder Woman. 

However, the second part of this dictionary meaning defines superhero as: an exceptionally skillful or successful person.  I don’t know about you, but when I hear that, I picture an FFA Member dressed in their blue corduroy.  See…no capes necessary!

When I sat down to write this post, I did some reflection on my journey throughout my FFA career.   I couldn’t help but think of the way I felt the very first time I ever put on a blue corduroy FFA jacket.  It is the same exact way I still feel every single time I have the privilege of putting it on today…I feel joyous, proud, humbled and excited to be an FFA member.  And…I feel like I am empowered and supercharged with the ability to change the world through agricultural education and leadership. I FEEL LIKE A SUPERHERO. 

Now, please know that when I say change the world, I don’t mean having the ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound or single-handedly holding up 40-story buildings to prevent disaster.  I mean doing what we FFA members do best:  Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.  Wearing this blue corduroy and following this motto, we are all superheroes.

Now having said all that, I want to clarify another point about the likeness between the superheroes that wear capes and the kind of superheroes that wear blue corduroy.  While wearing our FFA jackets, we are empowered to do great things.  However, we are not empowered simply by wearing the blue jacket, we are empowered by the actions we take while wearing them!    Much like the fictional superhero saves the damsel in distress from the burning building.  He does it because it’s the right thing to do, not because of the cape, not because someone asked him to, and not for the recognition. It’s purely an act of leadership, service, and a way of making the world a better place.  

You too can be this kind of superhero just by letting your actions speak for you while proudly representing FFA.   Maybe you help with your chapter’s ditch clean up, corn drive, or farmer breakfast.  Maybe you help spread the word about FFA to new potential members.  Maybe you compete at the state or even national level with your Career Development Event.  Maybe you educate others through your Supervised Agricultural Experience project, or you are a member of the FFA band during convention. Whatever level, whatever your passion, feel proud and empowered that you are making a positive impact in this world.

As FFA members, we have the unique opportunity through agricultural education to make an impact and change the world through leadership and service.  It’s up to us to explore ideas and develop talents and skills to become part of the bright future we all hope for.  We are the future scientists, technology specialists, farmers, business owners, professionals, educators, leaders, tradesmen and tradeswomen. We are superheroes in blue corduroy.

I challenge all of you to be a superhero this year.  Put on your FFA jacket, chapter t-shirt, or polo shirt and be someone that is exceptionally skillful, successful and empowered.   Change the world through FFA…no cape necessary!

Stationed by the Flag,

 Madison Taylor