Making The Most Of The Change

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Buddy the Elf has captured the hearts of millions since the release of the hit Christmas movie Elf over twenty one years ago. While I’m still a big fan of Home Alone as my go to holiday movie choice (y’all can fight me later), Buddy shares some pretty great wisdom in this quote from Elf. The holiday season is all about being positive and being generous to others.

For as long as I can remember, my Christmas schedule has looked a little like this: at noon on Christmas Eve, my mom’s extended side of the family would meet at my great aunt and uncle’s house followed by dinner at my grandma and grandpa’s house in which my cousins and I would receive our gifts from our grandparents. On Christmas morning, my brothers and I would wake up our parents way too early in the morning to open presents, followed by brunch with my dad’s side of the family and ultimately dinner at my house with my mom’s parents again. It’s always been a pretty loaded schedule, but nonetheless a great opportunity to catch up with family members that I hadn’t seen in a while and, of course, load myself up with all the presents that I was going to receive. 

However, one thing that always crosses my mind at each family Christmas gathering is the change that my family incurs from year to year: the venues of our gatherings would change due to someone’s declining health, my cousins might bring their new boyfriends or girlfriends with them, and, as I got older, the presents turned from toys to money (which wasn’t completely bad). My surroundings were constantly changing and Christmas continued to feel less and less like it used to. 

As the change continued on year after year, I realized that it wasn’t going away. In fact, things were continuing to change faster than they were before. It was at this point that I realized that I needed to embrace the change and make the most of it. I recognized that the change more often than not brought good to my family Christmas time. My cousins’ significant others allowed me to have more friends at our family gatherings and each venue allowed me to engage in something new each and every year. 

During this magical time of the year, I challenge you to accept and embrace the change that comes your way. When we choose to look past ourselves and find the good and positivity in the present (and not just the presents we might get under the tree), we will truly make the most of our time together this Christmas season!

Making the most of the change,

Cale Williams

Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President

Off the Trail

Throughout this year as an Indiana FFA State Officer, I’ve learned through my interactions and experiences this year that becoming a successful leader is not always a straight path. It can be easy for one to be caught up in the idea of following the trail that’s been laid out; whether that be expectations of our roles, the routines of our day, or the paths others have paved for us. The truth is growth as a leader often means stepping out of our comfort zone and onto the beaten path.

I was reminded of this while out at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in late November. My teammates and I were following a trail back to see and as we did so I kept hopping off the trail and climbing on rock formations or doing some other kind of exploring. I kept myself quite entertained while doing so by finding objects that seemed like a challenge to get over and making my way across them. I was thoroughly enjoying my time when I pondered this question “Why did I like going off the trail so much?”. It would have been much simpler to stay on the designated trail and do as any other tourist would do and walk on, but what made me want to explore the rough terrain more? Maybe it was just because I like to have fun and climb on things but after thinking longer I realized that it was more about doing something that maybe nobody else had done before. You see, lots of people had hiked that trail but how many people have climbed over some boulders off to the side? I learned how that can be just like growing as a successful leader, we can choose to stay on the same old path or do something a little more unconventional because it is when you get off the trail and try something new you are being forced to do something that you’ve never done before and that’s when the opportunity for growth arises.

I encourage everyone to try their hand at getting off the beaten path. This may mean doing a contest that no one at your chapter has ever competed in or attempting to do something new in your role as a chapter officer in FFA. It can even be as simple as treating others with respect and kindness at all times even if no one else is doing it. The conventional route isn’t always the best route or the right route so venture off the trail.

Go off the Trail,

Ethan Wolheter

Indiana FFA State President

Wondering Why

One question I get asked often is, “Why did you decide to run for state office?” And, to be honest, it still catches me off guard every time. When I first made the decision to run, I thought I had my answer all figured out but I really didn’t. After watching Simon Sinek’s speech, “Start with Why,” I reflected and I realized that what I had wasn’t a true “why” statement at all. What I had was a “what” statement. I knew what I wanted to do, and I knew how I would do it, but I couldn’t fully grasp the deeper reason behind it all. The answer I always told myself was that I wanted to create a positive impact on the lives of Indiana FFA members. But as I kept thinking about it, I started asking myself: Why did I want that? I knew it was a core part of what being a state officer is all about, and it aligned with who I am as a person, but I still couldn’t quite put my finger on the deeper motivation. That is, until I received a happy gram at FIRE that said, “Thank you for being a friend and someone I can talk to, even when I’m feeling nervous.”

Reading that happy gram was a turning point for me. It made me realize that my "why" is actually something much deeper than I had originally thought. It’s not just about having an impact—it’s about showing Indiana FFA members that they are valued, that they belong, and that they are important. It’s about creating an environment where, when they leave FFA, they can look back and know that they truly felt a sense of belonging during their time in the organization.

This experience helped me understand that my “why” is more than just a mission—it's a personal commitment to fostering a space where every FFA member feels seen, heard, and appreciated. And now, more than ever, I know that this is why I do what I do. What is your “why”?

Find your “why”,

Garrett Bolin

State Sentinel

The Best Pit Crew

Showing cattle is a lot like NASCAR. There is the car (calf), the driver (the showman), the pit crew (fitters and clippers), and the crew chief (the boss). During the time I spent showing cattle, my pit crew consisted of my brothers and my crew chief was my father. Whether we were in Denver, Sioux Falls, or at our county fair, my family was always there to help me get my calves ready.

My favorite cars (calves) were Crossbred, Chianina, and Maine steers. Unfortunately, those breeds typically show close together, meaning we would need to fit one steer while the other steer is showing. As the showman, I always went to the ring with the calf. While I was away from the chutes, I would worry about the other steers. I worried “What if the steer won’t be ready in time?” and “Are the legs going to be clipped too tight?”

No matter what, the steers were always in good care. My brother, Hayden, always volunteered to stay back at the stall to fit. As much as I wanted him to watch me show, I knew we needed him with the other steers. Hayden can pull a back leg like no one else. He is one of the most talented fitters I know. Not to mention, Hayden makes the environment fun to be a part of with his playlist and jokes. He would put most NASCAR pit crews to shame. Hayden is someone I can always count on.

Just like in NASCAR, we can't get very far without a pit crew. We need people we can count on and trust—people who can pick us up during our lows. Who is your pit crew?

With sincere appreciation,

Stephanie Berenda

Indiana FFA Northern Region Vice President

Attitude of Gratitude

What kind of person do you want to be?
When I think about my response to this question, I immediately think of my mother's thankful attitude even during some of the hardest points in her life.
Around this time last year, my mom was unable to bend her right knee and couldn't put any weight on it. She was kicked by my steer after weigh-in at my county fair, breaking her tibia and tearing her MCL. She had to get a bone graft by her patella and multiple rods and screws inserted. Unable to drive, unable to walk without crutches, looking at months of recovery and months of physical therapy, having to relearn how to walk correctly, years worth of pain left to endure, and aches and pains that will never entirely go away where only some of the things my mother had to deal with, all while homeschooling two elementary school kids.Despite all of her physical limitations, my mother kept a positive attitude in everything she did. She still showed up for all of my brother's games without fail, supported me in all of my FFA and speech contests, helped my sister with anything she needed, and was always there as a listening ear. To an outside eye, my mom had every right to complain and be miserable; but she chose to be grateful and thankful for what she had. 
We're all going through different things this holiday season: loss of friends or family, discontent with life, financial struggles, school stress, relationships or friendships ending, or any number of things I haven't named. No matter how hard it gets, be thankful for what you have and enjoy the life you have. 
Focus on the good because when you do, the bad gets better. 
With gratitude and joy,Christina Caldwell 

God Bless The Broken Road

It is so easy to get caught up in the moment, and forget all of the moments and memories that lead up to you being to where you are today. For me, it’s a long story full of twists and turns, full of ups and downs, laughter and tears, and, most importantly, relationships. Family, friends, mentors, and even people I met on my journey have gotten me to where I am. In my mind, everything happens for a reason; even though we may not know it at the time, there is a greater plan at play. I'm not sure that I could pin-point the moment that made me a State Officer, or the moment I realized that my best friends were my best friends, but I could tell you when I really learned how precious life really is. 11/22/23: a day that will be etched into my memory forever because that is the day that I lost one of my best friends. You see, when people tell you not to take life for granted, I always knew that they were right but I didn’t understand it fully. To me, people passing away wasn’t something that happened frequently or to anyone that I knew. I was in complete shock; I felt broken. How could life keep going on all around and he would be forever 18? Maybe that’s the beauty of it all, though; this messy journey, this broken road called life. Well, this could be tied into a beautiful bow the day after his eighteenth birthday. So young, full of life and dreams and hope; as we come upon one year of the hard lesson I had to learn the day Evan left, I never take my moments for granted. I try to live in the moment, always, and remember all of the beautiful souls that lead me down this beautifully broken road. 

Forever thankful for the moments we shared, 

Sienna Alexander 

Indiana FFA State Reporter

Acts Of Service

I had the opportunity to head back home for my FFA chapter’s Annual Veteran’s Day Program. This was always my favorite project that the chapter hosted. It was so inspiring to see members from 7th to 12th grade honor those who served. Throughout my life, I was influenced by many people who had a servant's heart. I also wanted to keep this going in my day-to-day life. I made volunteering for my community a priority. 

As the National Anthem played, I thought back to my graduation day when we recognized my classmates who were going into the service. This brought chills and tears to my eyes as I watched one of my best friends stand and wave to the crowd. Dylan truly chose to live to serve when he decided to enlist in the United States Navy. As we sent him off to basic, the tears that swelled his eyes saying goodbye to our small town still sting. 

To be a servant leader is to put others before yourself to better the people around you. All this time, I thought I was doing just that. After taking a step back and looking at those Veterans around me in the gymnasium who were too frail to even stand, I knew that these service men and women were the ones who exemplify servant leadership. Although I did not enlist in the service and risk everything to give back and serve my country. I hope one day I can say selflessly that I have a servant's heart. I want to live a life like the selfless Veterans who served and the current service men and women who are currently showing acts of service. I want to live like Dylan, always giving back to others.