Zachary FFA Member Selected to Participate in National FFA Conference

FFA provides opportunities for agricultural education students to take deep dives into career pathways that interest them. One of those opportunities is the FFA Next Gen Conference. According to the National FFA Organization, the Next Gen Conference “allows students to explore a specific pathway through informational sessions, panels, and tours. Participants will experience new and emerging ideas, trends, and products; cutting-edge technology; sustainability and more. In addition, they will delve into literacy and advocacy as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion, all while exploring various careers in the pathway.” 

This year, a Zachary FFA member was chosen for this very selective conference. Alaishia Joseph is a junior at Zachary High School and is a third-year FFA member. The focus of this year’s Next Gen Conference is animal science, so Alaishia will feel right at home. She has always had an interest in animal care and veterinary medicine. “My interest in animal science stems from being able to care for a variety of animals at an early age,” Alaishia said. 

Upon becoming an FFA member, Alaishia was able to further explore the animal science field. The Zachary FFA Chapter, led by agriscience teacher Melissa Brumbaugh, has a small animal lab and farm animals on campus. Alaishia said, “The agriculture class has given me the opportunity to have hands-on experiences with different animals.” In 2022, she was a member of the Zachary FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Event team. The team won first place in the state event in April and went on to place sixth in the nation at the National FFA Convention in October. 

Combining her agriscience class experiences and her participation in FFA activities, Alaishia has a plan for her future. “My plan is to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to either work in private practice or industry,” she said. Alaishia will participate in the Next Gen Conference in Denver from February 28 through March 3. At the end of the conference, FFA members will develop a Future Ready Plan, a blueprint to guide them in taking their next steps after high school graduation.