Bergman gains public speaking experience through FFA event

Ask Braelyn Bergman what she wants to be when she grows up and she isn't shy about answering the question.

"As I get older, I want to become a cattle breeder and breed analyst, which also includes artificial insemination technician," the seventh-grade student at Summerland Public Schools said.

Bergman has been involved in 4-H for a number of years, showing cattle at the Antelope County Fair.

This year, she joined the Summerland FFA chapter, hoping to enhance her knowledge of agriculture.

She joined because, "It is an organization that focuses on a lot of topics that I am interested in."

Summerland seventh-grade students are required to take an introduction to agriculture-based course.

Bergman was hooked.

"As I continue in my junior high and high school years, I hope to take many ag classes to learn more on these topics and to compete in FFA," she said.

Bergman decided to try a public speaking event.

Summerland ag educator Jacob Goldfuss said Bergman elected to participate in Discovery Speaking.

"It is open to junior high members. They have to present a two to four minute speech about any topic in agriculture," he said.

Bergman decided to write about something she is familiar with: showing cattle.

She admits it was difficult to find information on just showing cattle, so she switched directions and wrote about the benefits of showing livestock.

While preparing her presentation, Bergman relied on Goldlfuss for advice. She practices the speech two to three times a week, either in the morning or during Bobcat Academy.

"I would (also) practice every day, just reading it to myself or outloud during my free time."

At the district Leadership Development Event competition, Bergman earned the district runner-up title and qualified for the State FFA Convention, March 29 to 31, in Lincoln.

Since then, she has made several edits to the presentation.

"At districts, I was very close to going overtime. Mr. Goldfuss and I decided to shorten sentences and take parts that weren't so important out, to have a good amount of time at state," she said.

Now, she's working on memorizing those changes.

She's also set a high goal for her next performance.

"In order to make it to nationals in the fall, you have to make top three out of your state. I would be very, very proud of myself if I made it in the top five or top 10," she said.

Bergman credits FFA and public speaking with several lessons, especially in her first year of membership.

"It has taught me lots of responsibility, starting with my speech. This is the first time I'd ever written a speech. I wasn't sure where to start," she said.

The experience has also taught her about the power of patience.

"From competing in this, I have learned how to write a speech. Mr. Goldfuss had lots of helpful tips and so did Mrs. Funk, my English teacher. I am grateful for both of them helping me and encouraging me," Bergman said.