Julie Orth
Our CALS Star blog for today is with Julie Orth, the 2010-2011 State FFA Vice President from Lancaster, Wisconsin. Julie is currently a sophomore majoring in Animal Science. This past year she has represented the University of Wisconsin-Madison proudly as a Wisconsin State FFA officer, helping inform the public, FFA chapters, and others about agriculture and the opportunities it holds. Julie also has her own blog about her daily State FFA Officer events and news.
Q: What was college like for you over the last year?
A: Different, very different. Since I travel and work a lot as a state officer, I was unable to attend classes on campus during the day. However, I remained a full time student by taking internship credits, an independent study, and online classes. I really had to adapt my learning style for the online classes but I am glad I was able to remain a full–time student!
Q: What student organizations/volunteering have you participated in while in college and what have you done in these organizations?
A: I’ve participated in Badger Dairy Club (BDC), Association of Women in Agriculture (AWA), and Collegiate FFA (CFFA). In BDC, I have worked at World Dairy Expo, attended ADSA, and attended meetings. As a member of AWA, I served as a Breakfast on the Farm co-publicity chair, participated in various service projects, and just had fun with my sisters. A few activities I’ve been a part of in CFFA include helping at FIRE Conference, CALS Day for Kids, and serving as a co-chair of the CDE Foodstand.
Q: What did you do to prepare for applying to become a state FFA officer?
State FFA Officer Team
A: To prepare for state office, I first completed the application. This got me really excited about serving the Wisconsin Association of FFA. I studied FFA and agriculture facts. I also completed many practice interviews. Most of all, I worked hard in high school and grew a passion for the FFA organization and agriculture.
Q: What are your duties as a state FFA officer?
A: I have several duties as a state FFA officer. The main duty is to serve the members of the Wisconsin Association of FFA, especially in Section Four. To do this, I visited every chapter in Section Four, presented twelve leadership conferences in three weeks alongside my teammates, and answered their questions! My team also does a lot of behind-the-scenes work, such as planning for State Convention and other conferences. I am also an advocate for agricultural education and the agriculture industry as a whole.
Q: What was the application process like to become a state FFA officer?
A: First, there is a four page application and resume that is due the end of April. Then at State Convention in June, candidates go through an interview process of four different interviews. There is also a written exam and writing activity. These points determine the top two candidates from each section. The top two candidates then give five different speeches to representatives from their section. The delegates vote to determine who will represent them as a state officer!
Q: What has being a state FFA officer been like this past year?
A: Amazing! It has been the most rewarding and exciting experience in my life thus far. It has also been stressful and busy, but totally worth it. I have enjoyed every minute and am so thankful that I have had this opportunity.
Q: What do you feel was your favorite part about being a state FFA officer?
A: My favorite part has been meeting and getting to know so many people. When I was elected back in June, I had only met a few of my teammates. We have now become so close and I can’t imagine not knowing them. The many FFA members that I have gotten to know throughout the year are also incredible. They have so many awesome stories and are truly changing the world.
Q: Where do you feel Wisconsin Agriculture is heading in the future?
A: As the FFA Creed says, “I believe in the future of agriculture…” These words were written by a UW-Madison professor, E.M Tiffany. His message continues to shine through in my beliefs, as well as through the beliefs of 523,309 FFA members across the country. I believe that Wisconsin agriculture will continue to be a leader in the world food, fiber, and natural resources industry. I know that the future is in good hands as I have met the people who will enter the industry as leaders. Wisconsin agriculture will continue to diverse itself to meet the needs of citizens of the U.S and worldwide.
Q: What does it feel like to say that you are a Badger?
A: I am proud to be a Badger! I know that I am getting an excellent education at a remarkable university. UW-Madison has already opened so many doors of networking and learning opportunities. It is amazing.
Q: What are you going to do after no longer being a state FFA officer?
A: I will return to college in the fall as a full-time, on-campus student. I am looking forward to continuing my education as well as my involvement in on-campus organizations. However, I will not forget the members and the organization that has brought me to the leadership and confidence I now possess.
