True Growth Doesn’t Happen in Comfort

​We all have our own space where we are comfortable. The same place we stay feel safe, but in that space no true growth happens there. Like plants growing in a pot, eventually the roots will outgrow the boundaries until they stop. Going into FFA I was honestly a scared little kid. I was absolutely terrified of talking in front of people I didn’t know. I used to shake from getting so nervous to stand in front of judges to present my hard work. However as I matured I learned from these experiences and saw the flaws in my ways. True growth does not come as a result of hiding in your “pot”. 

When I was first applying to be an FFA officer I was terrified of the new experience. Not only because of the new responsibilities I would have to face, but also the biggest thing, having to speak in front of people. Reluctantly after a year of my parents and friends asking me to apply I finally did. My junior year I was the FFA chapter historian. While not a very highly ranked office, it still did all the difference for my confidence. Mrs. Starkey always pushed me to try harder and do more competitions to be able to expand my roots. Being the chapter historian not only taught me more responsibility but also was a completely new experience. It allowed me to push myself outside of where I am comfortable.  It allowed me to grow into the more confident person I am today. While it was uncomfortable, and frankly sometimes embarrassing, it helped me become the person I am today.

Now that my senior year has come about I am now the president of the Shenandoah 4-H club, chapter treasurer, and I’ve started doing other various leadership based FFA events. So if you are uncertain about taking on some new leadership roles or challenges, just know if you never push yourself to outgrow your “pot” you never will.

2025-2026 Chapter Treasurer, Carter Denton