Q&A: National FFA Eastern Region Vice President Miriam Hoffman

INDIANAPOLIS — Back in October during the 2020 National FFA Virtual Convention, Miriam Hoffman’s life was forever changed when she was elected as the 2020-2021 National FFA eastern region vice president.

Even though her year of service has been different than in non-pandemic years, she is enjoying her year of service to the National FFA.

Since being elected to office in October, how have you bee able to still connect with FFA members across the country with strict regulations and restrictions in place to help stop COVID-19?

“In the first two months of national office, I have actually been able to connect with FFA members more than if it had been a normal year. I judged a New Mexico virtual district creed speaking leadership development evaluation, attended several Zoom trivia and game nights hosted by Illinois FFA and SIU Carbondale. I was able to connect one on one with several members and alumni. I’ve also taken the opportunity to engage through social media channels and handwritten notes.”

Obviously, this isn’t how you thought your time as a National FFA officer would go, but what have you accomplished so far that makes you proud to serve as a National FFA officer?

“I’m grateful to serve as a National FFA officer because this year, especially, we need strong leaders who are willing to step up and model an attitude of resilience. Being a leader during a difficult time is meaningful because of the challenges we face. It has been my aim to not only speak about, but also live out, a message of hope and purpose to our members and supporters. We get the world we have, not necessarily the world we want, and it’s up to us to make the world we have a meaningful one.

What are some events and activities you and your teammates have planned for 2021?

“We’re excited for a full week of virtual engagement during National FFA Week in February, as well as an entire week of engaging with federal legislators through virtual meetings. Regardless of what state the world continues to be in, we are actively planning for a year of meaningful connections with students. Virtual interactions allow for us to meet with even more students and reach a broader set of individuals than in a normal year. We are all excited and grateful for the opportunity to step up and fill the needs of our organization, no matter what platform or method of engagement we may be using.”