From Chapter to Chapter: Why the Blue Jacket Matters

There is something special about walking into a school wearing a blue jacket.

Every chapter visit is different. Different buildings. Different students. Different advisors. But the heartbeat is always the same: agriculture, opportunity, and people who care deeply about their students.

Over the past several weeks, the team and I have been visiting with different chapters across the state of Indiana. I have had the opportunity to visit Indian Creek, Corydon Central, Crawford County, Paoli, Woodlan, and Lakeland FFA, and each stop has reminded me why this organization is so powerful.

At Indian Creek, Mr. Dunn and Mrs. Ulrich demonstrated flexibility and commitment to their students. Even with a busy schedule, their willingness to combine classes and encourage collaboration between middle and high school students showed intentional leadership in action.

At Corydon Central, I was reminded that leadership is often built in small moments. Whether it was facilitating teamwork conversations, helping Brayden with homework, or playing chess with Kyler, those one-on-one interactions reinforced how strong relationships create strong programs.

At Crawford County, Mr. Howell and his students made the day one I won’t forget. Watching welding students push themselves outside their comfort zones was a powerful reminder that growth rarely happens in comfort. The “Pasture of Strengths” we created together still sticks with me as a visual reminder that every student brings their own unique strengths to the classroom.

At Paoli FFA, their commitment to creating opportunities for students was evident in their swine operation. They provide members with the chance to purchase a quality hog at a great price. Their willingness to invest in hands-on experiences shows how agricultural education can equip students with responsibility, work ethic, and confidence that extends far beyond the barn.

At Woodlan FFA, Mrs. Hammon and her members welcomed us with incredible hospitality. Spending time with their officer team over lunch and seeing their willingness to try new things showed me what trueleadership looks like.

At Lakeland FFA, Mr. Taylor and Mrs. Bateman opened their classrooms and allowed us to work directly with their students. Their advocacy for agricultural education was evident in every conversation, and I left encouraged by the students' engagement.

Each chapter visit teaches me something new. Sometimes it’s about teamwork. Sometimes it’s about perseverance. Sometimes it’s simply about showing up and being present.

What has stood out most is this: the blue jacket may say “Association,” but it represents something much bigger than one person. It represents every advisor who stays late. Every student who takes a risk. Every member who steps into a contest, workshop, or leadership role and is unsure of what might happen next.

And the journey isn’t over.

The team and I are excited for the road ahead, and I’m looking forward to my upcoming visits to Churubusco, Columbia City, Whitko, Warsaw, Shoals, North Daviess, Washington, Gibson Southern, and South Knox. I’m excited to meet new members, hear new stories, and continue learning from the incredible people who make up Indiana FFA.

Chapter visits aren’t just about delivering workshops or facilitating activities. They’re about connection. They’re about listening. They’re about reminding students that their strengths matter and that their future in agriculture is full of possibilities.

Every time I leave a school, I drive away grateful, grateful for the advisors who pour into their students, the members who engage and ask questions, and the opportunity to serve.

Because at the end of the day, it’s never just about the miles traveled.

It’s about the people met along the way.

Always striving,

Calvin Myers

2025–2026 Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President

Unwritten

“A few weeks ago, my English teacher gave us an assignment: choose a song and analyze it

through the lens of various "issues of literature," exploring both its meaning and purpose. As

soon as I turned to my best friend to begin working on the assignment, we already had one

song in mind: "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield.

Now, a little background about my friends and me: we love to listen to music whenever we

hang out. But if our friend group had a Spotify Wrapped, "Unwritten" would definitely top the

list as the most played song. We’ve sung along to it countless times without really thinking

about its deeper meaning.

As my friend Grace and I sat down to analyze the lyrics for the assignment, something clicked

for me. Even though we had both listened to the song over and over, I’d never really studied

its lyrics before. That’s when I realized - so many of the lyrics felt like they were speaking

directly to us, at this moment in our lives. The song’s message resonated with where we are

right now, and I began to see how it could be interpreted in different ways, depending on

where someone is in their life.

"Unwritten" talks about the unknown, the future that’s still a blank page. And as I thought

about it, I saw how this mirrored our current stage in life. My friends and I are at a point where

our futures don’t have a clear, defined path. Some of us have already committed to a college,

found roommates, and made plans for what comes next. But others are still uncertain -

unsure about what to study, where to go, or what the future holds. And you know what? Both

situations are completely okay.

But here's the thing: your future is yours to create. "Unwritten" reminds us that, though the

road ahead is unclear, it's up to us to write the next chapter. Everyone reading this might be

in a different spot in life - whether you're an underclassman feeling the stress of choosing

your next classes, preparing for a contest, an interview, or contemplating an FFA opportunity.

Throughout my time in the National FFA Organization and countless extracurriculars, one

belief has continued to shine through everything I do: "Just going for it" can unlock countless

opportunities and ventures. The decisions you make are the stepping stones to your future,

and sometimes, taking that first leap- no matter how uncertain - leads to growth, new

experiences, and unexpected rewards. The future may seem daunting at times, but just like

the song says, it’s unwritten - and you have the power to fill the pages.

Whether it’s running for a leadership position, competing in a contest for the first time, or

taking on new challenges, the act of stepping forward - without knowing exactly where it will

lead - opens doors to growth and experiences you could never have expected. Each leap I’ve

taken has written its own unique page in my story and has shown me that the “rest” of my

journey is still unwritten. Just like in "Unwritten," the best parts of life are the ones yet to

come, and by embracing opportunities, we become the authors of our own stories.”

This blog was written a year ago for District IV FFA, but it doesn’t show what was happening

behind the scenes at the time. While I was writing about the future being unwritten, I was

quietly questioning where my own story was headed. I found myself wondering whether I

should run for State Office, and more so, whether I was even worthy of running at all. The blog

doesn’t capture the thoughts racing through my mind, the doubt, or the hope, that maybe I

was capable of more than I realized.

It also doesn’t show that after it was published, my advisor, Ms. Katelyn Rudolph, sent me a

portion of it when I was unsure about running for State Office. As I read it, I realized I already

had the answer all along- I just didn’t yet have the courage to take the step.

What the blog doesn’t show is the night before State Officer rounds, when my friends and I

had a girlhood night- unknowingly calling it ‘The Rest Is Still Unwritten.’ We knew that when I

returned to Lebanon after State Convention, the State Officer Candidacy chapter of my story

would be written, even though we didn’t yet know how it would turn out.

Right now, you may find yourself in some of the same shoes I was in last year. You might be

contemplating running for State Office, trying a new contest, or deciding whether to take on

an opportunity that feels exciting yet intimidating. My advice: take that step. You are the

author of your own story, and you are enough just as you are. Sometimes trusting the plan

and taking the leap leads to new chapters you never imagined.

One thing has become clear since I first wrote this blog: you don’t need every answer before

taking the next step. After all, the rest is still unwritten, and the future is full of blank pages

that we get to fill with joy and courage.

Thank you for being the best part of our story,

Lauren Argotte

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Secretary

Write That Down!

If you know me, you know I LOVE the show How I Met Your Mother. I watched all nine seasons and fell in love with the characters. The premise of the show is that the main character, Ted Mosby, is telling his kids the story of how he met their mother. He teaches them lots of life lessons through these stories. He is telling them this HUGE story so that he doesn’t forget how it all happened. 

Throughout my year as a state officer, I have taken up journaling. I try to journal every day and I usually do it before I go to sleep. I write about what I did that day, how I’m feeling, and of course all of the fun stories I’ve collected that day. I also collect random items from the day to include in my journal. Anything from the wristband for an event to my visitor sticker form the school I visited that day. It’s my time to relax, unwind, and capture the best moments of this year so I never forget. 

This season of my life is flying by faster than I ever could’ve imagined. Much like Ted in How I Met Your Mother, each one of my days if FILLED with stories I never want to forget. From late nights at the Great Indiana State Fair to ice cream runs with my teammates to FFA members that I meet traveling on chapter visits, I write it all down. I even find myself throughout the day making mental notes of important things I want to be sure make it into my journal that night.

The other day I looked back at my journal entries from a few months ago, and I noticed how many fun times and stories had become jumbled in my memory. However, because I wrote it all down I can relive those memories anytime just by opening a book. 

No matter the season of life you are in right now; fast paced, laid back, or anywhere in between, I encourage you to write it ALL down. Someday you’re going to look back and wish you could remember it all exactly like it was. Because if Ted Mosby taught me anything, it’s that someday you’ll want to tell the story, and you’ll be glad you remembered every single detail.

Collecting the memories,

Kaitlyn Maruszewski 

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State President

Saying Yes, Staying Curious, and Soaking in the Journey

During the month of December, our team has the opportunity to travel across Indiana and meet with businesses and leaders who help fuel our agriculture industry. Each visit looks a little different from different buildings, different jobs, different missions. However, the lessons they have shared so far all have something in common: growth happens when you say yes, stay curious, and choose to never stop learning.

From the moment we stepped into our first meeting, one message kept coming back to me. No matter how large the company was, every leader talked about people first. Throughout our visits, I have been reminded that agriculture is built by communities, strengthened by relationships, and carried forward by those who are willing to step up and serve. Whether it was encouraging us to “build the bench” for the next generation, take care of others, or lift the communities we’re a part of, it has become clear that leadership always starts with people. 

I also keep hearing about the importance of saying yes, even when the opportunity feels big or uncomfortable. Many of the leaders we’ve sat down with shared that their careers started because they applied for an internship they weren’t sure about, took a chance on something new, or stepped outside their comfort zone. Their advice has stuck with me: if you want to grow, you have to be willing to try. 

Across every visit, one theme keeps returning: never stop learning, no matter where you are in life. Whether it’s understanding business, asking good questions, traveling, building your network, showing your personality, paying attention, or being open to change, these habits shape who you become. The people we meet aren’t successful because they have everything figured out. They are successful because they choose to keep learning every day. 

One of my favorite parts of this month has been traveling with our Indiana FFA Foundation Director, Mrs. Chaudion. Her stories, experience, and leadership add so much to each visit. She continually reminds us that even after your year in the jacket ends, your impact and your learning don’t have to.

So here’s my challenge to you:
Say yes. Ask questions. Build your network.
Your future's so much brighter than you think.

Always striving,

Calvin Myers

2025–2026 Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President

A Joke A Day Keeps the Blues Away!

So far in my year of service, my schedule is full of long days, late nights, and miles upon miles of travel. I love the work I get to do and the impact I get to make, but being more than 200 miles away from home can make some days feel a little longer than usual. Luckily, I have a support system back home that never lets me forget where I come from—especially my little brother, Sawyer.

Sawyer is in the fifth grade, but he already carries himself with the enthusiasm of someone ready to make a difference. He’s incredibly smart, thoughtful, passionate about everything he does, and quite possibly one of the funniest people I know. He wants to follow in my footsteps by being in FFA someday, so he tags along to as many events as he can, always ready to learn, make new friends, and be my biggest cheerleader (even asking countless times if he can live with me and my teammates). While the miles Sawyer has traveled to see me mean the world, one of my favorite ways Sawyer supports me is with his jokes. 

Some days, right when my teammates and I need a little boost in morale, my phone lights up with a call from Sawyer. And without fail, he always has a joke ready to go. Some recent highlights include: 

• “How much did Santa’s sleigh cost? Nothing—it was on the house.”

• “What do you call a cop in bed? Undercover.”

• And the one he said I would like best: “What car did Jesus drive? A Christ-ler.”

But it’s more than just jokes. When Sawyer came as a guest to my banquet, he surprised both my teammate Calvin and me with two of his own Tech Decks that he was willing to give away to make us happy. For those of us who don’t know what a Tech Deck is, it is a miniature and functional skateboard you can play with. He also writes me letters, sends me little gifts, and leaves sweet messages reminding me how much he misses me back home. 

Each one of these small acts means a world more than he knows. They bring a bit of home to me, making the busy days and long drives feel lighter. Sawyer doesn’t know this, but his acts of kindness remind me why I do what I do, and who I do it for.

I hope that someday, when he puts on the blue corduroy jacket himself, he knows that he has already embodied everything FFA stands for: leadership, service, and heart.

I couldn’t be prouder to call him my little brother.

Love you Soy Boy, 

Erianna Vela 

2025- 2026 Indiana FFA State Northern Region Vice President

The Beauty in the Journey

One of my favorite things to do is go on car drives or walks while listening to music and looking at the beautiful nature around us.  No matter where I’m headed, there’s always beauty in the journey. Throughout my life, I’ve had the gift of traveling-whether across the state, the nation, or even different parts of the world, and there’s always beauty to be found in every road you take. I believe this reflects one of life’s most important lessons: finding beauty in the journey. In today’s world, everything moves so fast. We have so many distractions and a million things pulling us in different directions, and we often take the beauty of a journey for granted. “Be where your feet are.” This quote hangs on my prayer board and fills the pages of my journal. It’s a daily reminder to slow down and truly experience the moment I’m in. I’m guilty myself. Growing up, I always kept myself busy, and my mom constantly reminded me to “slow down.” She was right, we all just need to slow down. It reminds me of one of my favorite songs, “Things That Matter” by Josiah Queen: “Slow me down, this world is moving faster, But I don’t want to miss the things that matter.” It’s a reminder that even though the world moves fast, the journey is in our hands- to slow down and take in what matters most. These quotes and sayings flow through my mind often, reminding me to be present and enjoy the journey. It takes me back to high school. Everyone always says high school will be the fastest four years. As an incoming freshman, I didn’t believe this. I thought high school would drag on and feel like the opposite of the fastest four years. Turns out, I was so wrong. Four years flew by, but I’m forever grateful for the memories and people who filled my journey. The decision was up to me throughout high school- to slow down with all the business and enjoy the journey and the people around me. By slowing down, I was able to make genuine connections with the teachers, friends, and people who make my village. I was able to “be where my feet were” and live in the moment without constantly thinking about what was next. I’m forever grateful younger Lauren took her mom’s advice to “slow down” and take in the things that matter. I found the beauty in all the parts of my journey by doing so. No matter our age or stage in life, it’s important to find the beauty in our journey. Every season brings new people, moments, and beauty, but each one holds moments worth noticing. When we slow down and pay attention, we start to see how even small experiences shape us. Life will always move fast, but we don’t have to. We can choose to step off the gas, slow down, notice what’s around us, and find beauty in the journey. Just like on those long car rides, the beauty is already there, we just have to look. Finding beauty in every step, Lauren Argotte 2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Secretary

Leaving Your Mark

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to attend an event at my home chapter, Tri-Central in Tipton County, IN. The event was called the TC Ag Fest, and the night consisted of a chicken noodle dinner from chickens the chapter raised, a small career fair, and an SAE work experience auction. My teammate, Calvin, was able to come along too and was even able to serve as the auctioneer for the night. It was so much fun and very rewarding to see a lot of familiar faces and reconnect with old friends. 

At the end of the evening, while we were helping clean up, a member of my chapter, Braiden, pointed out the wall where all the state officers who visit our school sign their names. It was officially my turn to sign it. This moment crept up on me and was not something that I was expecting to do while I was there. All at once I was hit with many emotions, but the heaviest ones were gratitude and pride. 

Gratitude for my home chapter who sparked my passions.

Gratitude for the people who have poured into me.

Gratitude for the community who has supported me through everything. 

And pride in being able to leave my mark on the place that has truly shaped me.

Being influential enough to (literally) leave my mark on a place that has influenced me so much was a surreal moment, and it made me realize that my influence was only possible because of those who had supported and pushed me into who I am today. 

Who are the people that have poured into you and pushed you to be who you are today? I would bet that many of them work without much of a title, position, or praise, because sometimes true influence comes from those behind the scenes. The people who see every breakdown, hard day, and challenge. These people, our mentors, friends, parents, grandparents, teachers, etc. They are the ones who have left their mark on us, and they prove that most of the time it doesn’t come with a physical mark, but instead a feeling, change of behavior, or new way of thinking. 

As I looked at my name joining the signatures of those who came before me, I couldn’t help but think about how each name represented a story, a season, and a legacy of impact. It reminded me that influence isn’t measured by how many people know your name, but by how many lives are better because you showed up.

Leaving your mark doesn’t require a title, position, or role. It takes encouragement, service, time, and dedication. Who will you leave your mark on? 

Leaving my mark with gratitude, 

Kaitlyn Maruszewski 

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State President