National FFA Officer Candidate Perspective: Leadership Is Not Found in Achievements
PERSPECTIVE
with Claire Shelton, National FFA Officer Candidate, Idaho
When I was a sophomore in high school, I competed in the Agricultural Communications Career Development Event (CDE) at the National level. I was so nervous because I wanted to win. My team received 6th overall and I placed 1st overall individually. I was ecstatic thinking this was the highlight of my FFA career! I won big! Nothing could ever beat that! After that National Convention, I thought I was on the road to becoming a successful leader in this organization, but I felt a new pressure and a new need to win everything in sight. So I began participating in as many CDEs and LDEs as possible, but only the ones in my comfort zone. I worked hard trying to win in everything I did because I thought that would help me gain new leadership positions.
Sydney Plum and I celebrate after our National FFA Career Development experience placing 6th nationally
However, leadership is not found in achievements. This is something I wouldn’t learn until much later in my FFA career. When interviewing leadership positions, I would talk about all of my accomplishments, but I completely neglected to share about all of the things I did to help my chapter and its members. I was neglecting to share the whole reason for being in a leadership position- to serve others. I was so focused on having this image of being successful, a winner, and high-achieving- something I thought I had to be. And because of this, I was placing my worth in placements and positions.
Through my time as the Idaho FFA State Secretary, I learned what it truly meant to be a leader. My teammate Kayden and I were in Rigby to go to their FFA Chapter meeting the next day to speak and meet their members. While there, we stayed with Rigby FFA advisor, Mr. Godfrey. Over dinner, he said something that had completely changed my outlook on leadership. He said, “Are you standing in the light? Or are you helping the next leaders find the light?” I realized that I was so caught up on being the best representation of Idaho FFA that I could be that I was taking away from what really mattered- truly highlighting the members who make Idaho FFA the home I have come to love. Being a leader gives you the opportunity to build other people up. To help them find their voice and their passions. To teach them that they can do anything they set their minds to. And the opportunity to do everything in your power to make an organization more welcoming and a better experience for them. Leadership is not about being in the light and looking like the most successful person in the room. Leadership is about being there for them.
Sharing my FFA story with Rigby FFA members during a chapter meeting in 2022
Since sophomore year of high school, I have grown tremendously. I have learned lessons that have shaped me into who I am today. But the greatest I learned was about leadership and my passion to serve. Stop fighting to be an image of a leader you think you should be. And start being the leader you are. It’s not about your achievements and it's not about if you can have the spotlight on you. When you can be truly and authentically you, you can make a greater impact than you ever know. I now know that pushing for others to find their light and always doing what I can to serve the members has made me a better leader.
Through Idaho FFA I have been able to learn valuable lessons, meet unforgettable people, and figure out what I love to do best, which is serve other people. Which is why I am so thankful to have the opportunity to represent Idaho as I run for FFA National Office. Thank you to each and every member for helping me find my passion and what it truly means to be a leader.
