For Kremlin-Hillsdale High School sophomore Jayden MacDougall, FFA has become a place to grow as both a student and a leader. MacDougall, who has been involved in FFA for three years, said his ag teacher and FFA adviser, Mrs. Combes, played a major role in inspiring him to join the organization.
Since becoming a member, MacDougall has immersed himself in several events, including extemporaneous speaking, food science and horticulture career development events. He said those experiences have helped him develop confidence in public speaking and pushed him to step outside of his comfort zone.
“My FFA advisor and ag teacher, Mrs. Combes, inspired me to join FFA,” MacDougall said. “Through my experiences, I have developed greater confidence in public speaking and a willingness to step outside of my comfort zone.”
One of his favorite FFA memories came at State Convention, where he got to witness firsthand the energy and success of Oklahoma FFA. MacDougall said the event gave him a deeper appreciation for the impact the organization has on students across the state.
He has also taken pride in the preparation that comes with competition. For extemporaneous speaking, MacDougall works through practicing topics with Combes, drawing subjects at random before researching and organizing his thoughts into a speech under time limits. He also prepares for CDE contests by studying aroma identification with a box of essential oils.
Among his accomplishments, MacDougall said being elected chapter reporter stands out as his biggest achievement so far. The leadership role reflects the steady growth he has experienced since first joining FFA.
MacDougall said the person who inspires him most is his grandfather, whose hard work, dedication and care for family have shaped the way he approaches life. As he continues his FFA journey, MacDougall said the organization has already made a lasting impact on his future goals by helping him feel more confident talking with others and making new connections.
