Tilly Anderson had never been to Indianapolis before. She’d never experienced anything quite like walking into the FFA National Convention and seeing thousands of blue FFA jackets filling the massive space. 

“It was like this overwhelming feeling of brotherhood and love,” said the Madison County High School senior. “I always hear about these experiences, and now I’m actually getting to experience it. And that feeling grew exponentially during the convention.” 

Anderson attended the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo from October 29 to November 1, 2025, thanks to a $638 grant from HireSmart Cares, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting students pursuing agriculture and trades careers. The trip proved transformative for the 12th grader who now serves as her chapter’s vice president after two years as FFA reporter. 

The convention showcased the breadth of American agriculture in ways Anderson had never imagined. She encountered FFA chapters from Hawaii, Alaska, and the Virgin Islands, learning how farming differs dramatically across the country’s diverse landscapes and climates. More than 300 exhibitors filled the expo hall at the Indiana Convention Center, while general sessions at Lucas Oil Stadium brought together thousands of students united by their passion for agriculture. 

But it was the retiring addresses from outgoing national officers that struck Anderson most deeply. These speeches, delivered by students completing their terms leading the national organization, offered reflections on what they’d learned and wisdom for those following in their footsteps. 

“There was one that spoke out to me about ‘what’s my purpose?'” Anderson said. “She (the speaker) described that this was her purpose, why she was here, why she went on to be a national officer. I learned how important having people close to you is and how to be there for other people whenever they’re going through something huge.” 

That question of purpose resonated powerfully with Anderson because she’s discovered her own answer. She plans to become an agriculture education instructor, teaching the next generation about farming, food production, and the countless career pathways agriculture offers. 

“I want to be able to do the same thing that my advisors are doing,” she said. “I want to be able to teach kids. I want people to know that agriculture is more than farming. I feel like my purpose is to teach. I’ve learned so much from my teachers and my advisors, and I want to be able to pass that on to somebody else one day.” 

Anderson’s journey into agriculture education is particularly remarkable because she comes from “just a basic neighborhood” in Comer, and she had no agricultural background growing up. She took one ag class in middle school, applied to be an FFA officer in ninth grade, and gradually discovered that agriculture offered opportunities she’d never considered. 

“I think that just finding that ag has so many different areas to it opened my mind,” she said. “I don’t have to be a farmer to do this. I can advocate for farming and other people that do ag things. I don’t have to grow wheat or have cows to be involved.” 

That realization transformed her understanding of agriculture’s essential role in society. She’s familiar with the bumper sticker that inspired HireSmart Cares founders Mark and Anne Lackey to launch their nonprofit after seeing “No Farms, No Food” on Interstate 85. Anderson knows another version too: “Got food? Thank a farmer!” 

“The importance of ag opened my mind,” she said. “We would not be here without it.” 

Now Anderson focuses her FFA involvement on natural resources, competing in forestry events on both four-person and 11-person teams, and participating in Environment and Natural Resources competitions. She’s also considering adding public speaking to her repertoire, saying she wants to improve in that area. 

Through her FFA leadership roles, Anderson has observed what makes effective ag educators successful. She’s watched them apply themselves in challenging situations, push students to socialize with strangers, and demonstrate selflessness through their time and effort. She’s trying to model those qualities in her own leadership as vice president. 

“I’ve seen lots of ripping off the band aid and going to talk to somebody that you don’t know,” she said of her advisors’ approach. “They push and lots of time and effort and selflessness.” 

After the convention ended, Anderson sent a thank you card to HireSmart Cares, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity. 

“I am absolutely thrilled that I got to experience something this crazy, so eye opening and inspirational,” she said. “And I want that for other people!” 

Anderson was one of 14 Madison County FFA members who attended the national convention, including middle schoolers Nathan Seagraves, Cooper Busbin, and Mason Maloney, and fellow high schoolers Isabelle Williams, Tali Smoot, Bella Grace Hambrick, Xander Holt, Isaac Williams, Will Tolbert, Andrew Seagraves, and Brady Graham. 

HireSmart Cares supports students like Anderson who are discovering pathways to meaningful careers in agriculture and skilled trades. The nonprofit’s mission aligns perfectly with Anderson’s own emerging purpose of helping others see that agriculture offers diverse opportunities for those willing to explore them. 

As Anderson prepares for college and her future career as an ag educator, she carries forward the lessons learned in Indianapolis, ready to inspire the next generation with the same passion that now drives her own journey. 

Learn more about HireSmart Cares at hiresmartcares.org.