FYI

Jennifer’s Favorites

When cooler weather arrives, Jennifer likes to curl up with a blanket and good book. Her favorite author? Nicholas Sparks. Read on for more of Jennifer’s favorites.

Smell:Coffee

Vacation spot:Beach

Hero:Grandfather

Animal:Giraffe

Hobby: Scrapbooking

Candy: Gummy bears

Season:Autumn

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FFA Feature

National Officer Q&A

National FFA Southern Region VP, Jennifer Himburg

October 2007

Q In your opinion, what makes the national FFA convention unique from any other youth gathering?

AFirst of all, no one comes close to rivaling us in size. I’m proud that we are the largest youth gathering in the country. Plus, Indianapolis provides great and exciting facilities for recognizing our outstanding FFA members. Where else can you find the caliber of students that the national FFA convention draws? Nowhere! That alone makes our convention incredibly unique! And, of course it also doesn’t hurt that we hold the convention in the home of the 2007 Super Bowl Champions – the Colts!

QWhat have you learned about the national convention planning process?

AIt’s a lot of work! I always knew that the convention is quite the production, but I never imagined there are people who work full time to plan the next year’s event. It’s easy to overlook little details while you’re attending, but the coordination and cooperation required to make all of those little details happen is incredible.

QWhat does the convention theme, “Blue Jackets, Bright Futures” mean to you?

AInside of each and every blue jacket, there is a student who has been motivated, encouraged and shaped by FFA. The influence FFA has had on each of our lives will ensure that our futures are both bright and successful.

QWhat were some of the advantages of joining FFA in junior high?

AJoining in junior high gave me plenty of time to check out the opportunities FFA had to offer. Joining early also gave me a chance to watch older members in our chapter succeed. I learned from them.

QWhat tips do you have for members nervous about public speaking?

AGo for it! I was terrified the first time I gave a speech, but over time I began to enjoy it. The biggest advice I can give is to breathe! Also, really memorize your first and last lines in each paragraph. That way, if you get confused or skip a line, you can find your place again. If you know where you’re headed, you’ll be fine!

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QTell us about your supervised agricultural experience program.

ANeither of my parents is involved with the agriculture industry, but we did have a family garden. My supervised agricultural experience program started when I took over the garden. During my years in high school, I more than tripled its size! I also worked at an ACE Hardware Homecenter in a placement program.

After moving to college, I looked for more opportunities to gain knowledge about the agriculture industry. My first year, I worked with the Alabama Cooperative Extension in the test lab. My job was to run seed trials on corn, cotton and soybeans.

I was later offered a job in the communications office for the Extension Service, where I learned about editing and design work. My SAE has been quite the combination of projects, but all of these experiences have helped me to develop a very well-rounded view of the agriculture industry.

QTell us about one FFA member who has influenced your life this year.

ALogan Heim from the Enterprise FFA Chapter in Alabama helped me to realize that each day we have is precious. After a tornado tore through Enterprise High School, Logan found herself in the hardest hit area of the school – the area where eight students lost their lives.

I spoke with Logan a week later, and her words touched my heart. She was so optimistic and peaceful about the situation.

She said, “I now realize that each day I have is precious.”

That statement really reminded me that in the hustle and bustle of life, we must stop to enjoy the things and people around us.

Jennifer’s Timeline

Follow Jennifer’s path to being selected as the 2006-07 National FFA Southern Region Vice President.

Age 13
Joined Ariton FFA Chapter

Age 14
Lost chapter public speaking
Elected chapter reporter

Age 15
Won county public speaking
Lost area public speaking
Elected chapter vice-president

Age 16
Elected chapter president
Elected state secretary
Won 1st in district public speaking
Placed 2nd in state public speaking
Received state FFA degree

Age 17
Elected district president

FYI