Jacksonville High School junior Matt Wilson is paging for the state legislature during National FFA Week which runs from Feb. 18 – 25.When reached by The News, Wilson, the 2005 – 2006 State Secretary of Alabama Future Farmer’s Association (FFA), was in Montgomery waiting for his appointment with State Superintendent of Education Dr. Joseph B. Morton. That was only one stop Wilson had on his lengthy list.
Wilson was also scheduled to sit in on sessions with Alabama House of Legislature Representatives Lea Fite and Randy Wood, opportunities afforded him because of his participation in FFA.
“I’ve learned a lot and have thought about (a career in politics) since I’ve been here,” Wilson said. “I love to debate, not just for myself but for what many people believe in. If that’s where God wants me to go, I’ll be happy.”
According to Wilson, the interesting thing about FFA is that most of its members do not live on a farm but in rural neighborhoods or small towns. Wilson is proof of what an FFA membership can do to help young people get started in their careers.
“FFA focuses on agriculture but also a lot of things not taught in other courses, common sense things that many kids don’t get in other subjects like math, science, or social studies,” Wilson said. “Things like opening doors for people, courtesy things like treating others with kindness, and learning how to strike up a conversation — many people take for granted how to shake a hand and how to introduce yourself and speak to people.”
Since becoming a member of FFA, Wilson has learned an appreciation for diversity and loves listening to others. In his travels as state secretary, Wilson gets to meet lots of different people and gets to experience varied ethnic backgrounds.
“I’ve also learned to appreciate little things my parents do for me,” Wilson said. “For instance, I had to learn to iron my clothes. My mom wasn’t with me. I learned real quick that if it was going to get done — I was the one who was going to have to do it.”
Wilson says he’s learned a lot about service over the past few years and can often be found representing the JHS Key Club at the local Kiwanis meeting.
This year’s theme at the Alabama State FFA Convention that will be held May 29 – June 1 is “Living to Serve.” It’s about serving other people and what you can do for other people, Wilson said.
“When it’s all said and done, you don’t get to take it with you. It’s about being proactive,” Wilson said. “When I think of service, I think of doing for others and just treating people with kindness.”
Wilson says kids tend to get caught up in their own circles in school and don’t step outside of themselves to see how others live. When he travels and speaks to groups of people, he likes to step out of that circle.
Wilson is also participating in The Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event for the Calhoun County Convention in Alexandria on March 30. As the Alabama State FFA Secretary for 2005-06, Wilson has been invited to other state conventions as a guest. He hopes to travel to Honolulu, Hawaii and Ore. for FFA competitions.
Wilson hopes his speaking engagements and related experiences will prepare him for college where he plans to pursue a career in communications, taking the first step as a student at UAB or the University of Alabama.
Wilson wants to pursue a major in business management and a minor in communications and maybe put both degrees to work when he applies for a job at a major network such as ABC or CBS directing sports events.
Wilson has already begun preparing for his career by getting experience as the news director and special productions director for WJXS TV24. When Wilson’s club memberships don’t have him traveling, he is putting together programs for the station’s 5 p.m. newscast.
Among his most recent productions were the Calhoun County Basketball Tournament production and A Closer Christmas.
Wilson also owns his own videography business, filming weddings, school musicals, graduations, reunions, and other special events in his rare spare time.
Wilson says he knows where his support is — in his family — and that he couldn’t take as many trips as he does without the encouragement they give him to meet and do for others.
“I believe you are a product of your environment. I try to shake as many hands as possible,” Wilson said. “I’m a big family guy. I’ve had to go off and be alone. I keep checks on my family when I’m gone because without your base (family), you’re nothing.”
Wilson also gives credit to FFA for the lessons he’s learned.
“If I spend time around positive people and in good settings, maybe it will rub off on me,” Wilson said. “If you shake hands with as many people as possible, you can’t help but be successful.”
Wilson’s agriscience teacher and FFA advisor Ricky Whaley says Wilson has an unusual ability to take his dreams and visions and make them happen. Whaley believes Wilson’s success is directly linked to his ability to motivate and the dedication he puts into everything he sets out to achieve.
“All of Matt’s actions seem to show an unshaken optimism and irrepressible good humor,” Whaley said. “But underneath is his strong character. He has a tremendous dedication and is very concerned with every responsibility he undertakes.”
Though it may seem Wilson has little spare time, he says he enjoys hanging out and just talking with new people his age. He says he does find time to attend sporting events and go to movies with friends
Wilson is a member of The First Baptist Church in Jacksonville, where he plays guitar and saxophone in its band.
Friends and acquaintances of Wilson also speak highly of his character and say they look up to him.
When asked what they think of Wilson, some students have been heard to say, “He’s all that and a bag of chips.”
