Cole Baerlocher – You Belong Here
“You. Belong. Here.” is a National FFA lesson built around 2021-22 National FFA President Cole Baerlocher’s retiring address, in which he shares how he learned to embrace his story and find a place to belong. Through a video, the “Embrace Your Story” worksheet, and reflective discussion, students explore the traits that make them unique, what it means to belong, and how to grow from their personal milestones.
At a glance
- Learning objectives
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- List the unique traits that make them who they are.
- Define what it means to belong.
- Identify their milestones in life and learn how to grow from them.
- Time required
- 60 minutes (*Time requirements may vary based upon student understanding and class schedule.)
- Grade level
- Grades 9 and 10
- Materials
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- A copy of the "Embrace Your Story" worksheet for each student
- Internet access to play the video in real time or embed it in a PowerPoint ahead of time
- Description of Lesson
- FFA is a place for all, no matter your style or milestones. Zipping up that blue corduroy jackets means you are in a place that provides both unity and individuality. Through his retiring address, 2021-22 National FFA President Cole Baerlocher shares how he has learned to embrace his story and how you can also.
- Vocabulary
- Belonging; Milestones
- Cross-Curricular Connections
- English/Language Arts — Students will write about milestones in their lives. Students will critically think about how to create a belonging space for others.
- Virtual Instruction Ideas
- Have students download and watch the video on a device of their choice and complete the worksheet.
- Resources/References
- Video: "You. Belong. Here." | Cole Baerlocher 2022 Retiring Address, https://vimeo.com/779370136
- Related Resources
- Retiring Addresses and Keynote Speeches, FFA.org/ffa-video-center/convention-keynotes-and-retiring-addresses/; Spanish version: https://ffa.box.com/s/bvib09fd2q5b4d43jjwmnuhxq286478g
- Partnership for 21st Century Skills
- Collaboration; Communication; Global Awareness; Social and Cross-Cultural Skills; Work Creatively with Others
Downloads & Links
Lesson plan
Worksheet
Aligned Standards
AFNR Career Ready Practices
- CRP.01Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee.
- CRP.04Communicate clearly, effectively, and with reason. Career-ready individuals communicate thoughts, ideas and action plans with clarity, whether using written, verbal and/or visual methods.
- CRP.06Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
- CRP.09Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management.
- CRP.12Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence.
Common Core – Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.1Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
FFA Precept
- FFA.PG-H.Social GrowthSuccessfully interact with others and adapt to various social situations.
- FFA.PG-K.Emotional GrowthShare and express healthy feelings and emotions.
- FFA.PL-B.RelationshipBuild relationships, work as a team player and appreciate the talents of others.
- FFA.PL-D.CharacterConduct oneself appropriately in relation to others regardless of the situation.
- FFA.PL-F.Continuous ImprovementAccept responsibility for learning and personal growth.