I was at the convention as a chaperone. Our local chapter's Forestry Team and Wildlife Teams were both competing (and both took 5th place!). This was my second time attending this event - the first time was 3 or 4 years ago when Trump gave the closing keynote.
For those who are unaware - the FFA is the largest student-led organization in the world boasting over 700,000 members. The national convention typically hosts over 70,000 members. This year's numbers were down a bit to somewhere around 60,000. It is amazing to be in a space with so many positive, goal-oriented and respectful youth.
Having said all of that - I admit that I was terribly disappointed in some of the behaviors I observed this week. On a number of occasions I heard really heavy profanity. Okay - you're thinking that I'm a nut job for not accepting that teenagers swear. They shouldn't. Especially when in earshot of strangers. Each time I over heard it I'd call them on it - not in a harsh/preachy way - but I'd say something like, "hey - c'mon - let's not use that sort of language. You're not representing your chapter, your state, or yourself very well when you talk like that." I'd always get a sincere apology.
The other thing that hit me were the occasions when "Let's Go Brandon!" chants would start up. Don't get me wrong, I'll be the first to agree that Biden's presidency has been a train wreck, but chanting that message is not reflective of the values, morals and leadership that the FFA jacket demands. Our chapter advisor pointed out that the behaviors we observed were undoubtedly a reflection of the absence of leadership training opportunities (due to COVID restrictions) over the past 2 years. I'm inclined to agree.
I digress.
