By Sophia Barnum, Michigan FFA Foundation Intern

When Elle Moran first joined FFA in seventh grade, confidence was not something that came naturally. Growing up in Whitehall, she had little connection to agriculture and described herself as shy, especially when it came to speaking in front of others. But thanks to encouragement from her father and her FFA advisors, Elle took a step that quietly changed the course of her life.

At the time, Elle’s dad had recently become the principal at Montague High School. Many afternoons, she would walk over to his office after school, finish her homework and wait for him to wrap up his day. It was during one of those afternoons that she met her future FFA advisor, who, along with her dad, nudged her into trying public speaking. What started as an uncomfortable challenge soon became a turning point.

Through middle school, Elle competed in public speaking and became involved in chapter activities. Each contest pushed her further outside of her comfort zone and helped her realize she was capable of more than she ever imagined. By the time she reached high school, that once-shy student had joined the FFA officer team, serving first as historian and now as chapter treasurer.

In April of her junior year, Elle’s life changed forever when her father passed away unexpectedly. In the midst of grief, uncertainty and heartbreak, FFA became a steady place of support and belonging. Her advisor, Kate Feurstein, recalls hoping FFA could be a safe place for Elle during that difficult season.

“FFA was something to focus on, something to be a part of,” Feuerstein shared. “It provided safety, security and fun during a time when life felt really heavy.”

Just weeks after her father’s passing, Elle made the brave decision to attend the Washington Leadership Conference. While the timing was incredibly difficult, that experience became another meaningful chapter in her journey. Surrounded by fellow FFA members from across the country, Elle built friendships, found understanding among peers who had faced similar hardships and gained confidence that carried her forward.

Today, Elle is a senior at Montague High School and a leader in her school and community. She is involved in student senate, National Honor Society, yearbook, Renaissance and serves as a captain on her soccer teams. She credits FFA with helping her develop the confidence, resilience and leadership skills she relies on every day.

Looking back, Elle often reflects on how different her life might be if she had never joined FFA. Would she still be afraid to speak up? Would she have found the same sense of belonging? For her, the answer is clear.

“FFA made me a better person and leader,” Elle shared. “It pushed me to grow, even when things were hard.”

Her story is a powerful reminder that FFA is about more than competitions, jackets and trips. As Feuerstein reflected, investing in FFA means investing in people. It builds confidence for the good times and strength for the hard ones, preparing students not just for careers, but for life.

And for Elle Moran, that investment made all the difference. To invest in students like Elle, consider supporting the Michigan FFA Foundation. On Feb. 26, Give Michigan FFA Day, the first $26,000 in donations are doubled, dollar-for-dollar. Your support can help build a brighter future for Michigan agriculture.

To learn more and subscribe to the Michigan FFA email list, click here.