Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD, shares how mentorship and innovative educational approaches are transforming students' futures through entrepreneurial mindsets and real-world experiences.

• Mentorship as a foundation for leadership development - having both internal and external mentors provides guidance and diverse perspectives
• The Opportunity Central (OC) - a 350,000 sq. ft. facility that's student-run, multifunctional, and serves as both educational space and community event center
• Creating a culture of innovation through consistent messaging and values like "people first" and "inspiring innovation"
• Helping students develop their competitive edge by identifying their strengths and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset
• Competing for students' minds requires the same intensity as competing in athletics
• The future of education will require engaging not just students but entire families
• Leadership requires embracing change, maintaining an open mind to possibilities, and always treating others with kindness

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

Winston Chandler's 27 years as a dorm parent at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch transformed countless lives through his wisdom, faith, and commitment to helping troubled youth find their path. His simple yet profound wisdom—"you're never going to learn anything unless something depends on you"—became the foundation for developing responsibility, work ethic, and character in the boys under his care.

• Boys Ranch provided structure, responsibility, and purpose for troubled youth
• Winston's philosophy centered on hard work, faith, and caring for something beyond yourself
• Accountability in agriculture teaches valuable life lessons—"if we don't do our job, something dies"
• Giving young people meaningful work helps them discover their abilities and purpose
• Successful mentorship requires maintaining high expectations while showing genuine care
• A strong work ethic, competitive spirit, and faith create foundation for personal growth
• Winston's humility in acknowledging his own mistakes taught the importance of accountability
• The impact of good mentorship extends across generations through those who were mentored

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Dr. Coach Nate Hearne, an esteemed coach, educator, and mentor. They discuss the power of mentorship, leadership, perseverance, and faith in shaping young lives. From his humble beginnings to coaching state championship teams, Coach Hearn shares powerful lessons on building a culture of excellence and standing firm in leadership.

Story Notes:

• Grateful for students and their potential to shape the future.
• Inspired by the educators who mentored him in his youth.
• The power of testimony: "We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us."
• Building a championship culture at Permian High School with an 88.9% winning percentage over 35 years
• Creating the "Mojo" phenomenon that unified an entire community around student excellence
• The importance of knowing yourself and loving what you do, not just being good at it
• Breaking an arrow and throwing it away to protect a good student, demonstrating values-based leadership
• Three essential leadership tips: "Listen, listen, listen"
• The power of creating environments where others can experience personal transformation

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org