By Guy Chapman – Navarro County Gazette
Over the summer, the Texas Future Farmers of America recently announced their election of its new state officers for the 2022-2023 school year. From 45 candidates, twenty-five were considered, and only twelve were selected to fulfill the roles, and Ty Williams of Dawson was chosen as the Area VIII Vice President. The Navarro County Gazette had the opportunity to revisit with Williams and see what his plans are for the fall.
Williams has just recently finished his Freshman year at Tarelton University, and has started his training as a state officer.
The process is, as Williams described, a rigorous one for a year of service with interviews for the nominating committee consisting of the organization’s twelve areas and elected by the previous state officers. The process lasts from a Saturday morning to Thursday morning where the top candidates find out if they qualify for the state officer team.
“It was a very cool experience,” Williams said. “It was actually my second time running for the state officer process. I ran last year, and ultimately wasn’t elected, but this year I came back in with a different movie, and I wanted to show students that when live gives you trials, you can’t give up.”
“I hope to portray to members that if something doesn’t go your way the first time, or if there’s a challenge that’s maybe presented for you, just don’t give up on that because you never know where it might take you.”
Changes in Williams’ philosophy towards the position allowed him success in being voted in for this year’s term. Williams considered not being elected last year as a “blessing.”
“I was able to grow into a better leader,” Williams said. “I was really able to see how i can give back to my community, and really learned about myself as well. Leadership is selfless.”
Williams has spent his time doing what he can for the organization’s members, and to be there for them.
“They’re the reason we’re here, and they’re the reason we’re elected,” he said.
Since being elected Area VIII Vice President, Williams has jumped immediately into the role. The State Officers Summit, held in Washington D.C. by the National FFA Organization, was a four day workshop. After that, Williams and his fellow officers traveled to Austin for additional training.
“We’ve been running like crazy, but it’s been a really incredible experience,” Williams said.
The officers work in partnership with the Texas FFA Board of Directors to develop new policies for the association, while also providing student leadership to members via various workshops throughout the year.
During Williams’ year, the new Area VIII Vice President plans to provide new member guidance on how to never give up on something they are passionate about. He also plans to act as a guide for new members and make everyone feel welcome.
“When I’m traveling my area, we’re doing various workshops throughout the school year,” Williams said. “Time might be short with them, but just making those meaningful conversations with them and just being genuine with every action that I make will definitely help shed some light on those members who might be struggling, or might need someone to talk to.”
“We don’t want to be on this pedestal and thinking that we are better than them,” Williams added. “Because at the end of the day, we are just people, and we were elected by members of our organization. We just want to be genuine with them, and want to connect to make a friendship with them because that’s what it’s all about.”
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