My Texas FFA | My Texas FFA | Growing Our Future

Don't Be Scared to Try

Aaron Alejandro sits down with Kat Villarreal, an agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor in South Texas, to trace her journey from a non-farm kid to building a thriving IDEA Public Schools FFA program (now ~350 members). Kat shares how mentorship, grit, and student leadership took her chapter from zero to state-level achievements.
What You’ll Learn • Three leadership skills Kat drills into students: confidence, responsibility, vulnerability • How to build a program from scratch in an urban, non-traditional ag setting • Why mentorship and access (college visits, contests, public speaking) unlock opportunity • Practical ways FFA shapes real-world skills: handshakes, advocacy, communication, teamwork • The mindset that it’s “okay to win”—and how to earn it Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

Grow Good

🎙️ On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Melissa Rosenbusch-Spicer, a lifelong educator and champion of agricultural science. 🌱
👩‍🏫 Melissa shares her journey from growing up in a family of ag teachers to shaping lives as a 29-year ag educator, and now carrying her passion into her work with Bloom for Good. ✨ What you’ll learn: Why faith, family, and purpose are the foundation of lasting leadership. How agricultural education builds life skills that go far beyond the classroom. The leadership traits every student—and professional—should practice: communication, work ethic, dependability, and compassion. 💡 Melissa’s mission is clear: to pour into the next generation so they can grow their future with confidence, character, and heart. 👉 Tune in to be inspired by the power of ag education and the mentors who make it possible. Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

Agriculture ... Chase the Dream

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Kade and Morgan Hodges, owners of Hodges Livestock, to share their inspiring journey from meeting in college to running a thriving family ranch.
You’ll hear how they: ✅ Turned major setbacks—like losing half their leased land—into breakthrough opportunities ✅ Pivoted into innovative solar grazing with 1,300 sheep ✅ Built their business on faith, resilience, and creativity ✅ Lead with purpose as stewards of God’s creation 💡 What you’ll learn: Practical leadership tips, how to adapt in challenging markets, and why relationships and persistence are game-changers in agriculture. 🌱 Their mission: To be faithful stewards of God’s creation, producing profitable, productive livestock for consumers and fellow ranchers while preserving the ranching way of life. 🎧 Tune in for a story of grit, vision, and purpose that will inspire anyone chasing a dream.

Gratitude Builds Pride!

Dr. Arquimides Reyes shares his inspiring journey from a small farm in El Salvador to becoming an associate professor of animal science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His story exemplifies how agricultural education, mentorship, and the FFA can transform lives and create leaders who give back to their communities.
• Grateful for family, God, teaching opportunities, and the FFA which instilled purpose and passion for agriculture • Grew up on a small dairy and beef farm in El Salvador before coming to the United States at age 11 • Initially viewed agriculture as "the job of the poor" until FFA showed him the true potential of agricultural careers • Nearly dropped out of high school to work full-time and support his family • The FFA jacket became a symbol of opportunity that "levels the playing field" for all students • Graduated as valedictorian and pursued higher education at Texas A&M and Colorado State University • Identifies adaptability, communication skills, and integrity as keys to success in agriculture • Currently serves as an associate professor and volunteer firefighter, committed to giving back to his community • Believes "when your values are clear, your choices are easy" Go out and do something great for somebody – encourage them, equip them, empower them. Plant great seeds and grow an incredible future. Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

What Does Success Look Like?

George Couros, author of "The Innovator's Mindset," shares his journey from reluctant teacher to educational innovator and how exceptional leadership transformed his perspective on education. He explores how creating environments where both adults and students can thrive leads to better educational outcomes while preparing communities to navigate an uncertain future.
• Originally from a small Canadian town where community shaped his educational philosophy • Found his passion for education through an exceptional principal who gave teachers ownership • Focuses on developing all learners in an organization, not just students • COVID provided opportunity to rethink priorities and approaches to education • Teaches his children skills he never learned, preparing them for challenges he can't predict • Believes in the importance of modeling lifelong learning for students • Emphasizes engagement comes from seeing purpose, not just making learning "fun" • Identifies three competitive edges: the "sponge factor" (willingness to learn), taking action on feedback, and personal connection • Strives to make every interaction the best part of someone's day Make it your goal to be the kind of person who brings out the best in others. When you focus on being present, continuously learning, and building genuine connections, you create opportunities for yourself and those around you. Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

Values Drive Behavior

Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD, shares how mentorship and innovative educational approaches are transforming students' futures through entrepreneurial mindsets and real-world experiences.
• Mentorship as a foundation for leadership development - having both internal and external mentors provides guidance and diverse perspectives • The Opportunity Central (OC) - a 350,000 sq. ft. facility that's student-run, multifunctional, and serves as both educational space and community event center • Creating a culture of innovation through consistent messaging and values like "people first" and "inspiring innovation" • Helping students develop their competitive edge by identifying their strengths and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset • Competing for students' minds requires the same intensity as competing in athletics • The future of education will require engaging not just students but entire families • Leadership requires embracing change, maintaining an open mind to possibilities, and always treating others with kindness Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

We Just Need a Chance

Winston Chandler's 27 years as a dorm parent at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch transformed countless lives through his wisdom, faith, and commitment to helping troubled youth find their path. His simple yet profound wisdom—"you're never going to learn anything unless something depends on you"—became the foundation for developing responsibility, work ethic, and character in the boys under his care.
• Boys Ranch provided structure, responsibility, and purpose for troubled youth • Winston's philosophy centered on hard work, faith, and caring for something beyond yourself • Accountability in agriculture teaches valuable life lessons—"if we don't do our job, something dies" • Giving young people meaningful work helps them discover their abilities and purpose • Successful mentorship requires maintaining high expectations while showing genuine care • A strong work ethic, competitive spirit, and faith create foundation for personal growth • Winston's humility in acknowledging his own mistakes taught the importance of accountability • The impact of good mentorship extends across generations through those who were mentored Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

There Is No One Like You

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Dr. Coach Nate Hearne, an esteemed coach, educator, and mentor. They discuss the power of mentorship, leadership, perseverance, and faith in shaping young lives. From his humble beginnings to coaching state championship teams, Coach Hearn shares powerful lessons on building a culture of excellence and standing firm in leadership.
Show Notes: • Growing up in poverty in Andrews, Texas wearing hand-me-downs and often unsure of his next meal • Transformation in 7th grade when a science teacher and football coach took him under their wings • Building a championship culture at Permian High School with an 88.9% winning percentage over 35 years • Creating the "Mojo" phenomenon that unified an entire community around student excellence • The importance of knowing yourself and loving what you do, not just being good at it • Breaking an arrow and throwing it away to protect a good student, demonstrating values-based leadership • Three essential leadership tips: "Listen, listen, listen" • The power of creating environments where others can experience personal transformation Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

Ignite the Future ... With Heart

On this episode, James McLamb joins us to discuss the impact of encouragement — both as a simple word and as a transformative action. James shares his journey from agriculture education to youth leadership development, emphasizing the power of mentorship, servant leadership, and personal growth.
From his early experiences in the FFA to founding Generation Youth, James highlights the role of mentorship, life skills, and leadership development in shaping young minds. Whether in the classroom, in mission work, or coaching the next generation of leaders, he believes in empowering others to unlock their full potential. Story Notes: • Exploring the importance of gratitude in leadership • James McLamb shares his background in agriculture and education • Discussing the role of Generation Youth in youth empowerment • Importance of hands-on skills and community service for competitive edge • Emphasizing leadership roles for personal and professional growth • The urgent need for mentorship within today’s youth Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

A Series of Webinars on Topics Related to
Leadership, Education, Agriculture, Advocacy, and Development.

Don't Be Scared to Try

Grow Good

Agriculture ... Chase the Dream

Gratitude Builds Pride!

What Does Success Look Like?

Values Drive Behavior

We Just Need a Chance

There Is No One Like You

Ignite the Future ... With Heart

For more information about Texas Agricultural Science Education, the Texas FFA or sponsorships

A Series of Webinars on Topics Related toLeadership, Education, Agriculture, Advocacy, and Development.

Don't Be Scared to Try

Grow Good

Agriculture ... Chase the Dream

Gratitude Builds Pride!

What Does Success Look Like?

Values Drive Behavior

We Just Need a Chance

There Is No One Like You

Ignite the Future ... With Heart

For more information about Texas Agricultural Science Education, the Texas FFA or sponsorships

A Series of Webinars on Topics Related to
Leadership, Education, Agriculture, Advocacy, and Development.