| FFA Nation

Randa Braune: National FFA Western Region Vice President

07/12/2010 |

Agriculture has always been an important part of Randa Braune's life. She grew up on a small beef cattle farm in Industry, Texas, and started showing livestock even before she was old enough to join FFA. After her year of service as a national FFA officer, Randa will return to Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in agricultural education.

Q: When you started college at Texas A&M, what was something that surprised you about college life?
A: Coming from a small town and going to a huge university was something I was pretty nervous about. What I didn’t expect was the great family atmosphere even a large university can have. After I stepped outside of my comfort zone and joined some organizations, I found that college is a truly a place where you can belong and be surrounded by friends who are passionate about the same things you are.

Q: What one piece of advice would you give to FFA members who are planning to go to college someday?
A: Don’t hold back and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Whether you are wondering if you should apply to a certain college, deciding where you should live or what organizations to join, don't hold back. College offers each of us a great opportunity to grow.

Q: Many FFA members, like you, raise livestock as their supervised agricultural experience program (SAE). Why do you think this type of SAE is so popular among FFA members?
A: Raising livestock was and still is one of my favorite opportunities through FFA. This type of SAE is one where you must always be on time, prepared and dedicated. An animal relies completely on you for water, food and health. For me, raising livestock was a family effort and something that bonded us together, whether we were working cattle in the pastures or traveling to livestock shows.

Q: What has been your most proud moment this year?
A: This whole year has been a complete blessing! I am just amazed all the time at how outstanding the members are. But if I had to name just one moment, I would have to say it was during a state convention, when I was riding around in a car with a few members. One of my favorite songs came on the radio, so I just started dancing in the car. One of the girls looked over at me and simply said “You know, I’m so glad you’re a real person.” It just hit me pretty hard because that’s all any of us ever needs to be – our “real person.”