Changing The Narrative From 'Earning to Live, to Living to Serve' - Utah FFA's National Officer Candidate Says She Considers This Opportunity an Honor
Ashley Butler | Utah FFA Communication Manager
Chloe Seitz, past Utah FFA State Reporter and Spanish Fork FFA Alumni will be representing Utah in just a few short weeks at the 97th Annual National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis Indiana as she runs for National Office!
It goes without saying that those who choose to run for National Office were undoubtedly impacted greatly by the FFA.
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Chloe says the relationships she’s built throughout her time in the FFA have impacted her the most. “I have met some of the most influential people, whether that be members, teachers, mentors, or teammates. The relationships made with these people will forever have a positive impact on my life, in which I am extremely grateful.
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Each year, the National FFA Organization selects six student members to represent the organization as a national FFA officer. The primary responsibility of a national officer is to serve the organization in local, state, national and international activities in a way that will inform, motivate and inspire FFA members, advisors, state staff, teachers and others to achieve the mission, strategies and core goals of the organization. National officers dedicate one year of service with the organization. The time is spent representing student membership during meetings with the National FFA Board of Directors, facilitating workshops that bring leadership and knowledge to FFA members, delivering motivational speeches and serving as advocates for FFA on a global scale (ffa.org).
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Dedicating a year of service is a big commitment, one that Seitz is familiar with, as she served as the 2022-2023 Utah FFA State Reporter. Chloe says that as she hung up her blue jacket for what she thought was the final time at that convention, she felt as though her journey wasn’t over yet in the FFA.
It wasn’t until the following state convention when she returned as a volunteer that she realized where to go next on her “FFA Journey”.
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“I spent a great deal of that convention with National FFA Officer Morgan Anderson. I saw the passion Morgan has for this organization, and its members. She brought such a light to everyone she interacted with, and I want to be someone who can do the same. Someone who can make a difference in the lives of FFA members like she does. Following convention, I came to the conclusion that my time isn’t in fact up, but there is still an amazing opportunity to pursue! The narrative of my time in the FFA has changed from earning to live, to living to serve.”
Chloe says she considers this opportunity to run for national office once in a lifetime!
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“To know that you have the opportunity to potentially be serving the next generation of agriculturalists and leaders is a great honor.”
She says she is beyond excited to represent the great beehive state in this way!
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“I have firsthand witnessed the dedication and passions of FFA members in Utah, and the drive they have for this organization. To be able to represent all of those people throughout this process is something that is so special to me.”
She says she wants anyone reading this to know:
“You are capable of doing anything you set your mind to, even if it is something that seems too intimidating or scary. Whether that be trying a new FFA contest, deciding to jump into your business ventures head on, interviewing for your dream job, talking to a stranger, or singing in front of crowd even though you’re afraid of what they might think. Don’t be afraid to dream and dream BIG. If you are ever questioning the ‘why’s and what if’s’ this world has to offer, flip the perspective. Think to yourself, “Why not?” Wy not follow your passions and dreams? Those passions were put in your heart for a reason. Let yourself run with them. There are so many people out there, including myself that are cheering you on. You got this, we’re all in this together!”