Living in the Jacket

On This Episode of Living in the Jacket Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you never saw coming! This week, host Carlene sits down with Meg to talk about how an unexpected opportunity during COVID changed her plans from automotive work to agriculture. What started with a nursery and landscape competition turned into a journey through FFA leadership, college, and a passion for teaching t...

In this special one-year anniversary episode of Living in the Jacket, Carlene is joined by Liberty High School FFA Secretary Kinley Clary. They reflect on the 100th Virginia FFA State Convention, sharing memorable moments from competitions, the campus dance, dining hall favorites, and a few funny mishaps along the way. Kinley discusses her passion for hippology and her upcoming horse show at the V...

In this episode of Living in the Jacket, host Carlene sits down with Liberty High School FFA alumnus Kevin, class of 2021. Kevin shares how FFA shaped his confidence, leadership, and work ethic, ultimately influencing his decision to study environmental horticulture and ag business at Virginia Tech. He discusses founding Verdant Valley Landscaping and how FFA principles drive his business today. K...

In this episode of Living in the Jacket, host Carlene welcomes Sophie, a recent FFA graduate from South Mississippi. Sophie shares her inspiring journey from losing her family's cattle operation to rediscovering her passion for agriculture through FFA. She discusses growing her chapter from seven to over 70 members, overcoming social anxiety through public speaking, and launching her own podcast,...

In this episode of Living the Jacket, host Carlene welcomes Liam, Alaska FFA State President, to share his inspiring FFA journey. Liam discusses how he joined FFA in 2023 after hearing an announcement at school, helping revive a dormant chapter with little guidance. Despite having no agricultural background, he rose to State President within three years. Both Liam and Carlene emphasize the importa...

In this episode of Living in the Jacket, Ainsley former Hanover FFA chapter president from Ashton, Virginia opens up about her personal FFA journey and how the organization became a source of support after the loss of her father, a former FFA state officer. She talks about competing in Creed speaking, horse judging, vet science, and extemporaneous speaking, while encouraging new members to embrace...

In this episode of Living in the Jacket, host Carlene Gilliam interviews Brian and Jennifer Johnson, President and Treasurer of the Liberty FFA Alumni Association. They discuss their personal journeys with FFA, the impact on their son and community, and the alumni’s vital fundraising and support efforts. The conversation covers upcoming events, including a pancake breakfast fundraiser and leadersh...

In this episode of Living in the Jacket, host Carleen sits down with Liberty Middle School FFA President Braxton, Vice President Jaden, and their advisor, Miss Crofton. They talk about their enthusiasm for agriculture, favorite FFA experiences such as livestock showing, and upcoming competitions. The guests explain how FFA has helped them build leadership skills and grow personally. Miss Crofton a...

In this episode of "Living in the Jacket," host Carleen interviews Liberty High School freshmen Ava, Braxton, and Wyatt about their experiences in the FFA program. The students discuss their leadership roles, interests in agricultural mechanics and public speaking, and the transition from middle to high school FFA. They share advice for new members, reflect on the value of FFA in building friendsh...

In this episode of Living in the Jacket, host Carlene Gilliam and Liberty FFA members McKenzie Curtis and Clay Johnson recap a year of FFA activities, from state and national conventions to local fairs, competitions, and community service projects. They share personal highlights, discuss leadership growth, and reflect on the camaraderie and opportunities within the chapter. The episode also promot...

In this episode of Living in the Jacket, host Carlene Gilliam talks with Gary Arrington from Hunters for the Hungry and Liberty FFA Secretary McKenzie Curtis about the upcoming Deer Drive at the Bedford Co-op on November 22nd. They discuss the program’s origins, its mission to provide venison to local food banks, and the community’s growing involvement. The episode highlights the impact of the Dee...

In this episode of Living in the Jacket, we interview Virginia FFA State Vice Presidents Lee and Franco. They discuss their diverse backgrounds Lee from the suburbs and Franco from a rural dairy farm their journeys in FFA, and what inspired them to become state officers. The conversation covers their experiences with competitions, agricultural projects, and the unique challenges and rewards of lea...

In this episode of Living in the Jacket, host Carlene Gilliam discusses the inclusivity of FFA, emphasizing that it’s more than just farming it’s a supportive community open to all. The guests share personal stories about joining FFA, the impact of leadership roles, and memorable experiences like the Washington Leadership Conference. Upcoming chapter events and the importance of giving back are hi...