Alycia McLamb and the other students in our Ag Voices series are now back at N.C. State for the start of their junior year. McLamb recently sent us this post about her experience this summer working for a seed company, preparing for a National FFA office and attending various leadership conferences.
Summer 2012 will surely be one to remember! Since my successful spring 2012 NCSU semester ended, I have been working for Champion Seed Company, preparing for National FFA Office, and attending numerous leadership conferences and conventions.
When I was not at conferences and conventions, I was on the road working for Champion Seed Company. I was able to learn more about agriculture, especially the vegetable and produce industry. I planted and evaluated vegetable trials from Georgia through the Carolinas. The research, time and effort that is put into our safe food supply is immeasurable and I am fortunate to have seen it firsthand.

McLamb was the only agricultural education student accepted into this year's N.C. State LeaderShape program.
In mid May, I attended LeaderShape through N.C. State’s Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service. There were 60 talented leaders from across campus that came together to bridge diversity, construct personal visions and build lasting relationships that will strengthen the N.C. State community. My vision that was formally created at LeaderShape, is to educate a world to know more about agriculture. I was the only agricultural education student at this conference and I was able to share my agriculture story with others to increase agriculture literacy.
State FFA conventions filled two weeks of my summer as I attended the North Carolina and Florida FFA Conventions. At the N.C. convention, I worked with the N.C. FFA Alumni. I was able to reconnect with FFA members, agriculture teachers and stakeholders and make many new friends as well. After leaving my home convention, I headed to Florida to present leadership workshops and meet amazing Floridians. Attending was a great learning experience for me as I continue to prepare for National FFA Office.
In July, I headed to Bozeman, Mont., for the National FFA Alumni Development Conference. As a National FFA Officer Candidate, I benefited in many ways by attending the Alumni Development Conference. ADC provided a great atmosphere for learning, networking, and professional and personal growth among passionate people who support the FFA. There are many opportunities for anyone to become part of the FFA Alumni and I will continue to share the story of the FFA Alumni with all.