From Blue Jackets to the Classroom: Two Teachers’ Stories
Maggie Swanson, Ag Teacher at Mariposa High School
Former FFA Chapter: Dixon FFA, Class of 2019 (Maggie is pictured at far left)
1. What was your path to becoming an ag teacher?
The Impact of An Ag Teacher
The Impact of An Ag Teacher
Dr. Kathryn Teixeira
Assistant Professor of Teaching and Lead Faculty Advisor, UC Davis
Where Are They Now? FFA State Officer Edition
David Lopez, 2019–2020 State Sentinel
For David Lopez, serving as a California FFA State Officer was just the beginning of a career journey defined by flexibility and growth. Lopez served as California FFA’s 2019–2020 State Sentinel before stepping into a national role as the 2020–2021 Western Region Vice President.
Where Are They Now? FFA State Officer Edition
David Lopez
2019–2020 State Sentinel
FFA Helped Me Land My Dream Internship
By Andrew Angulo, El Centro FFA Alumnus
FFA undoubtedly shaped me into who I am today. From speaking contests and leadership opportunities, to incredible advisors, I am so grateful for what the FFA gave me. I was a member of the El Centro FFA chapter and graduated from high school in 2022. FFA positively impacted my high school experience by giving me the opportunity to compete in many career and leadership development events and serve on several leadership teams.
Growing a Future in Ag Policy
By Joe Aguiar, Winters FFA Alumnus
I graduated from Winters High School in 2022. Looking back, I can see how FFA was an integral part of my high school experience. I didn’t realize it at the time, but this experience in the blue jacket set the course for much of my life.
Putting FFA Skills to Work: My Summer Internship Journey
By Allison Aguiar, Winters FFA Alumna
For many of us, when looking towards our future, we wonder how our weekends spent at field days or nights spent in the barn will impact the opportunities we have and the people we will become. Graduating from the Winters High School in 2025, I can say without a doubt that FFA has greatly influenced the person I am today and the opportunities I’ve had since high school.
Supporting Farmers: FFA Alumni Lend a Hand
As former FFA members navigate life beyond high school, many discover a profound calling to support farmers in their journey. Inspired by their agricultural roots and mentored by impactful figures, these alumni find purpose in assisting those who work the land and feed us everyday. Learn more as we explore the stories of former FFA members who have chosen to make a difference in the lives of farmers, embodying the enduring spirit of FFA in their post-college pursuits.
California Community Colleges: Three Reasons Why They’re Great for Ag Majors
By Dr. Jacob Vazquez, Butte College Agriculture Business Instructor
As a former community college student and current instructor, I’m a big fan of California Community Colleges (CCC). My journey started at Butte College (Butte), then Fresno State, then Farm Credit, and now back at Butte serving as an agriculture business instructor. The CCC system is robust and inclusive, proudly holding the title of the largest higher education system in the United States.
Agriculture Industry Scholarships
There is $100,000 given annually, and they're all under one roof! These are scholarships available through organizations managed by Ag Association Management Services, Inc. (AAMSI). For more information, contact AAMSI at (916) 441-1054.
