For someone who immigrated to the United States just four years ago, Florin High School junior Anh Nguyen hasn't wasted any time finding her unique formula for success.

Nguyen has charted many personal achievements throughout her high school career and through her participation with her school's Future Farmers of America chapter. She was recognized as a National Champion at the 2012 FFA National Convention in the Agriscience Fair. She was also elected as the Sacramento Section FFA Sentinel in May 2013.

Nguyen was recently recognized for her leadership and agriscience accomplishments with an opportunity to travel to Costa Rica, June 12-20, 2014. The 2014 Proficiency and Stars Travel Seminar is a nine day educational seminar for 50 of the most outstanding FFA members in the United States. This elite group of individuals will be exploring the agricultural economy of a foreign land and discover new leadership opportunities. The entire Costa Rica leg of the trip is being funded by the National FFA.

After her family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam at the end of 2010, Nguyen was able to find her place in Florin's FFA program and quickly discover her own formula for success. Transitioning to a new country is no easy task, but Nguyen's involvement in FFA helped her feel welcome. FFA piqued her interest due to the many hands-on activities. Through her work with the academy and the support of her classmates and teachers, she was able to learn English fairly quickly in just two years.

Her ability to manage her time to succeed academically played a large role in why she has been able to excel academically. She developed planners and calendars to remind her of her extracurricular and academic events scheduled throughout the year. This enabled Nguyen to have an organized schedule to avoid falling behind in her classes. She also sought out the assistance of her counselors, teachers and career center technicians to find the help she needed for success.

"You may find significant changes once you enter high school," Nguyen said. "However, those four years ahead of you can become the most valuable experience of your life. Take the chance to be as active as you can, despite the difficulties you may have along the way. And if there are obstacles that you may encounter, seek help immediately to get back on track. These four years will help you determine the pathway to your future; therefore make the best of it!"

Next year, Nguyen will continue to expand her leadership abilities by applying for office within Florin's FFA chapter. She also plans on taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible - since it is her last year in FFA - and will take another step in public speaking to raise awareness of agriculture education and FFA to share her experiences within her community. After graduating from high school, she plans on attending a University centered in agriculture, education and/or engineering with the hope of contributing to the growing field of agricultural production. One of her top choices is the University of California, Davis.

Once a week through June 9, 2014, students in grades 5-12 who are of Native American descent are invited to participate in a workshop series that focuses on positive youth development for Native youth. The workshops cover wellness, traditional values, leadership and decision making.

The program teaches students positive methods to handle conflict and celebrates their importance and responsibilities in their Native American community.

"The workshop program wouldn't have been possible without the assistance of several community groups, including the California Rural Indian Health Board, Healing Our Own People Program, the Life is Sacred Program and a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services/Garrett Lee Smith grant," said Alicia Canning, program specialist for the District. "Thanks to the cooperation of community groups, these workshops are a perfect opportunity to develop strong youth leadership in the District's Native American program."

Students can still join the Native Youth Leadership Workshop Series. The workshops are held at the Robert L. Trigg Education Center (9510 Elk Grove-Florin Road, Elk Grove 95624) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. until June 9, 2014. For more information or to sign up for the workshops, contact Alicia Canning in Learning Support Services at 916-686-7712.