Emily Gossett, a New Mexico State University student, was elected the National FFA Organization western region vice president at the 96th annual National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Gossett has been involved in FFA for eight years. After serving as a state officer for New Mexico, she took time to focus on her education and mainly volunteered at the organization. She decided to run for the national position after she realized her passion was to serve.
“The process of being elected is rigorous to say the least,” said Gossett, who is majoring in agricultural and extension education. “It takes a lot of trust in yourself that you can present yourself in a way that is true to you. I still don’t think I have fully processed that one of my largest dreams became a reality, but it was so surreal hearing my name called. The truly amazing culmination of a career in the FFA is what makes me so thankful for the year that I get to spend serving others and this organization.”
“We are very proud of Emily. Her selection speaks volumes about the quality of students in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at NMSU. She will be a wonderful representative for the university,” College of ACES Dean Rolando Flores Galarza said.
National FFA officer candidates go through an extensive evaluation process from the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee that involves personal interviews with committee members to determine if the nominee can represent FFA’s mission and values. National FFA officers are responsible for collaborating with other officers and organizations and working on initiatives to promote the importance of agriculture, and agricultural education and policies.
Over the course of the year, Gossett will travel the country with her fellow officers and visit numerous FFA chapters, where they will meet with other FFA officers and members. Gossett and her fellow officers will represent FFA and agricultural education by delivering speeches, workshops, conferences, banquets and meetings.
“This comprehensive and multifaceted process seeks to identify individuals who not only embody the values of FFA but also demonstrate exceptional communication, advocacy, leadership and personal qualities essential for serving as ambassadors for the organization on a national scale,” said Gary Aycock, New Mexico Agricultural Education state supervisor and New Mexico FFA adviser. “The selection of Emily Gossett as the National FFA western region vice president can be attributed to her outstanding leadership skills, unwavering commitment to the FFA organization, and a strong track record of active participation and contribution to the agricultural community.”
Shannon Norris-Parish, agricultural and extension education assistant professor and Gossett’s academic adviser, said she has no doubt Gossett will put people first through her position. As a former National FFA officer, Norris-Parish understands the extent of this honor and the roles that come with it.
“We are beyond proud of Emily,” Norris-Parish said. “We know she will represent New Mexico, New Mexico FFA and NMSU with pride and poise as she travels the nation. She embodies a heart of service, and we are excited to see her thrive in this capacity.”
Gossett said she desires to be a beacon of service in this year as a national officer and for the rest of her life.
“It is a large goal that sometimes seems unattainable; however, I know service doesn’t start with a mindset, it starts with actions,” Gossett said. “Whether it would be helping a member study for a contest or being vulnerable when I have shared similar experiences with pain, I promise to serve the FFA members, teachers, administrators, donors and supporters wholeheartedly with love.”
For additional information about the 96th annual National FFA Convention, visit, https://convention.ffa.org/. To learn more about the National FFA officers, visit https://www.ffa.org/national-ffa-officers/.
-30-
CUTLINE: New Mexico State University student Emily Gossett will serve as the National FFA Organization western region vice president. (Courtesy photo)