The California FFA State Conference is an event that brings FFA students from across the state together in one place, but it offers far more than just a typical school trip. Although there are workshops, competitions, and official events, multiple students said its biggest impact comes from the experience itself.
Throughout the conference, students attend workshops focused on leadership and personal growth, while competing with others from their region. New state FFA officers are also elected, making it an important event for the organization as a whole. But beyond all of that, the environment is what really stands out.
For Kacie Berry, a first-year attendee of the California FFA State Conference, the experience went beyond her expectations, claiming that she “really benefited from the experience.” Kacie explained that the experience helped her feel closer to her peers and made her feel like she truly belonged. Instead of being overly competitive, students stayed “kind, respectful, positive, and outgoing even while competing against each other.”
She also emphasized the impact of listening to the speeches of retiring officers, as they reflected on their experiences and shared lessons they wished they had learned earlier. Kacie added that even brief connections at the conference could turn into lasting friendships.
The conference also contributed to her personal growth. She gained confidence, realizing that it’s easier to be outgoing when you’re surrounded by the right people, and you don’t have to do everything on your own. What stood out to her most, though, was how thousands of students, who many have nothing in common other than their blue jackets, can still connect, build friendships, and develop leadership skills that change their mindset when they return home.
Yuritzy Dominguez, another FFA member, focused more on the energy and pace of the conference. When asked how attending the conference made her feel, Yuritzy Dominguez described it as both “overwhelming and exciting at the same time.” She explained that being surrounded by so many people and constant activity made the environment feel busy, but in a way that kept her engaged and made the experience enjoyable.
She also shared that the conference changed her perspective on FFA and her future goals. The involvement and motivation of other students encouraged her to think more seriously about her goals and how she can be more active moving forward.
As for what motivated her to attend, Yuritzy said, “I wanted to try something new and see what the conference was like for myself. I was also interested in becoming more involved in FFA and thought this would be a good opportunity to learn more and push myself.”
Overall, Yuritzy expressed that the conference pushed her to think more about her future and how she wants to grow, both within FFA and beyond it.
Ultimately, the California FFA State Conference is more than just a few days of events; it’s also an opportunity for students to grow, connect, and gain new perspectives. Through the experiences of both Kacie Berry and Yuritzy Dominguez, it’s clear that the conference leaves a lasting impact in different ways, whether it’s building confidence, forming connections, or pushing students to step outside their comfort zones. For many, it’s not just something they attend, but an experience that stays with them long after it’s over.
