Q&A: National FFA Southern Region Vice President Artha Jonassaint

INDIANAPOLIS — FFA members across the country have been adjusting to using virtual platforms to not only compete, but also to stay connected with peers across the country.

Artha Jonassaint, who is serving as the 2020-2021 National FFA southern region vice president, is working with her fellow teammates to help lead virtual sessions and workshops to stay connected with FFA members.

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

“It has been amazing meeting students where they are most comfortable — in their homes and classrooms — through social networking and video conferencing apps. This virtual environment we currently operate in has allowed students to share the stories more freely and frequently with me and my teammates, and each conversation teaches us more and more about the rich experiences that FFA members across the nation to get to learn and grow from.”

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?

“My teammates and I knew early on that we would be serving in unprecedented times and circumstances. With that, we have been intentional about setting goals and expectations about our year of service and how we can most effectively rise the occasion. I am so proud to play a small role in the lives of students as they find their passion in agriculture and beyond through their supervised agricultural experiences. Particularly, I am thankful that I could connect with Texas FFA members Bailee and Breanna Chavez through a podcast they produce. They both are emblematic of the talent and passion that is in our organization, and I am proud to have helped them in their journey through experiential learning.”

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

“My teammates and I are so excited to share the contributions of Black FFA, NFA and agriculturalists throughout the course of February in celebration of Black History Month. We are also excited for National FFA Week at then end of the month of February, where we will be virtually visiting many chapters and state associations to celebrate the rich legacy of our organization. Each day of this year for us will be purposeful — we are looking forward to make a positive difference in the lives of students until the end of our years of service and beyond.”