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.

Finding Pride In My American Roots

It’s July 4, 1976. George Washington is in the middle of leading the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as the final draft of the Declaration of Independence is being signed by those in attendance. This document will change history forever as a new nation will be formed and will be declared the United States of America. 

Aside from being a big history buff, there are few things that I love more than being an American citizen. I genuinely love this country and wake up each morning thankful to know that I live in the greatest nation in the world. Just a few short days ago, I had the opportunity to participate in my first election. I was so proud to utilize my constitutional right and was yet again thankful to know that I live in a nation that is governed by its people and is for its people. 

Recently, at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, I had the amazing opportunity to bear the Indiana State Flag in the presentation of each of the associations’ flags throughout the nation. I couldn’t help but become overwhelmed with joy and happiness as I carried my state’s flag alongside 51 other states and U.S. territories. 

What was most meaningful about this experience, however, was that I was surrounded by 51 other individuals who were just as proud and happy to be Americans as me. Not only were we each proud to bear our own state’s or territory’s flag, but we were proud to represent the big picture as a whole: “one nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.” While we each wore our own state’s name on the back of our FFA jackets, we were each proud of uniting under one organization and one nation. 

Although many things contribute to my great love for this country, there is one reason that rises to the top as to what makes this country so great: pride. We as American citizens take pride in our great nation. We are proud of the freedoms and peace that we experience in this nation. We are proud of being grounded in a democracy that puts its people first and is boosted by a Constitution that establishes liberty for every American. 

I find pride in my country because it has exemplified what the ideals of pride, love, liberty, patriotism, sacrifice, freedom, and unity should look like for nearly 250 years. This nation is where my roots lie; I am beyond humbled and proud to carry on my family’s generational love for this beautiful nation. I am truly proud to be an American and am blessed to know that my roots lie in the greatest nation in the world. 

Finding pride in my American roots,

Cale Williams

Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President

Boring Times, Good Memories

Oh Canada, one of my favorite places I’ve traveled to. You see, my chapter has an achievement camping trip to Canada every year which I thoroughly enjoyed. We would spend the week fishing, camping, and hiking. I enjoyed all those activities but my first year did not go as planned in one of those areas. It was Monday, which meant the big day fishing. Everyone hiked back to a lake to fish as we were told that it was a honey hole and every year lots of fish were caught by everyone. My buddy Connor and I decided that we would fish in one of the smaller rowboats together and were prepared to come back after the day with a stringer full of fish. Connor and I had already caught fish on another lake that we were told people rarely caught anything at, so how could we struggle here? We were right, not even 5 minutes in and we had already reeled in about a few fish big enough to keep, this had to be our day. Then we were wrong, fast forward a couple of hours and the only thing we were catching was logs underwater and trees on the land. We couldn’t get a single bite, but we thought things could turn around with one bite. Unfortunately, that bite never came so we sat there bored, with no cell phones or cell service, and in the middle of a lake in the middle of the woods in Canada with nothing but good scenery around… actually, that’s not that bad. Despite having no luck fishing I was able to enjoy amazing views and good conversation with no distractions as the whole crew gathered back up. Connor and I saw the huge amount of fish that everyone else brought in and we were blown away as we stood there with our three fish, a bit embarrassed but laughing nonetheless. It took us a bit to get over our horrible day of fishing but when it came down to it we had a good boring day. There are many times in life when we get bored and because things do not go our way, we pick up our phones or watch television to distract us from the boredom. Thankfully on that beautiful Monday in Canada, I didn’t have those options and I learned that even though it was a boring time all I got from it were good memories. Take the time in your life when you get bored to turn away from distractions and embrace what is right in front of you. Turns out you’ll probably remember a conversation you had or a sight you saw more than that time you were bored and looked at a screen. Boring Times lead to Good Memories.
Embrace what’s in front of you,Ethan WolheterIndiana FFA State President

Exploring National Convention

Take in every single moment. This is something I have learned to be vitally important throughout my life, and it is more crucial than ever at National Convention. At National Convention, you have the unique opportunity to meet members from all over the United States. Not only do you meet fellow members, but inside the expo hall, you also have the chance to connect with various vendors and stakeholders.

One of my favorite experiences at National Convention was heading to the expo hall, especially to the Culvers’ booth for a free scoop of custard. It may seem like a small thing, but it brought so many members together, and there’s always a conversation waiting to be started in line. You can forge many new connections during National Convention, and these can turn into long-lasting relationships. Reflecting on my time with my chapter, I realize that I didn’t take in every moment and missed opportunities to make those connections.

So, what can you expect at National Convention? You can anticipate an amazing time in general sessions, where you’ll hear from keynote speakers like Temple Grandin, listen to the retiring addresses of national officers, and celebrate award winners. Another highlight is the shopping mall; if you’re anything like me, you’ll always leave the store with something. Similar to the mall, you can expect to come out of the expo hall with some goodies, and the best part is that many things in the expo hall are FREE! Can you believe that?

Additionally, within the same area as the expo hall is the FFA mega store, which is the place to be for the latest FFA fashion. One last thing: no matter what your plans are during National Convention, if you can do one thing, make it a priority to connect with members from across the nation.

Explore Convention,

Garrett Bolin 

Indiana FFA State Sentinel

Serving After the Blue Jacket

    The weight of the blue corduroy jacket brings a comforting sense to all members who wear it. A feeling that they belong in this organization. The jacket serves as a compass on their journey of membership. 

    The first FFA jacket I ever wore belonged to my brother Austin. I remember zipping up the jacket for the first time as it hugged me. I knew this jacket marked the start of my journey in FFA. I knew this jacket meant I had big shoes to fill.

    Austin acquired many leadership positions during his time in FFA as he led with others’ best interests at heart. Austin’s leadership tactics are that of a shepherd. The shepherd stands back while his lambs wander and discover for themselves. The lambs fail to realize the shepherd has been guiding them the entire time. A good shepherd stays with his lamb throughout the night enduring the same cold weather. He is not any better than those who depend on his guidance. 

    Austin was a servant leader to all Indiana FFA members as he served as Indiana FFA State Treasurer from 2018-2019. His passion for serving others did not cease when he hung up his jacket. Austin has since joined the United States National Guard. He is now a Ranger tabbed First Lieutenant, serving as an Infantry Platoon Leader. He is currently deployed exemplifying his servant leadership.

    I am very fortunate to watch Austin inspire countless people. Whether Austin was in the corduroy jacket or serving our country, my brother brings others to their fullest potential. Austin never expects any praise for his efforts as he has the modesty of a shepherd. He only wants to make a difference.

    Service does not end with your FFA membership. Service is a dedication to the world around you. FFA is only a stepping stone that marks the start of your commitment to service. Let your jacket guide you throughout your career in FFA. Let your experiences and values of our organization guide you in your next chapter of life.

    As I continue to look up to my older brother, I hope to be half the leader he is. Austin lives to serve just like the FFA motto suggests. A life of service is a life of purpose.

Living to serve,

Stephanie Berenda

Indiana FFA Northern Region Vice President

Running on Empty

        Far too often my to-do list and thoughts turn from “Create this, write that, contact them, build a relationship with them” to “be better, improve more” and keep going until it sounds like “you're not doing enough, you’re not doing well enough, you’re not enough”. The thoughts circle and spiral until you don’t remember where you started, where you are, or why you’re there. The thoughts drain you like nothing else. Before you know it only a few thoughts have brought you to a feeling of nothing and no one around. Empty.

        Maybe this isn’t your exact thought process, but I’m sure at one point or another you have felt this emptiness. I know I have. 

        I remember the expression that everyone has a cup that fills or empties based on their actions. If you are constantly going, going, gone then your cup will empty quickly; if you take time to do what you enjoy your cup will slowly fill back up. I’m someone who enjoys working, too much at times; this leads me to not realizing when I am getting burned out until it is far too late. Many days I work first thing in the morning through dinner and then after dinner, I either work more or watch some TV while thinking about everything I could or should be doing. This only empties my cup further or if I can successfully take my mind off work while watching TV, then my cup stays at a stalemate. To refill my cup I must prioritize the things I genuinely enjoy doing. For me this is crafting; from crocheting to pottery to basketry, anything I can get my hands on to create something out of seemingly nothing fills my cup up. The feeling of creative freedom where I don’t have to do anything, but that I get to. My cup empties quickly but fills very slowly. Emptying a cup is quick and takes little energy, filling it up, however, that takes time and effort. 

        One of my favorite ways to use my cup of energy is to fill up the cups of those around me. Oftentimes for me, this isn’t buying them a gift, but it’s spending time with them. Asking them questions and caring about what they say in return. It’s finding the moment to sit down and chat about anything, no matter how mundane it may seem at the time. These moments, no matter how small or large, are the moments that stick with me the most.

Finding the balance between emptying and filling my cup is one of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn. You see, if I only empty my cup then I’m running on fumes trying to make it seem like I’m full and filling others. But if I were to only fill my cup then I would get nothing done and wouldn’t be able to fill up those around me. That balance is key to enjoying life and truly finding joy. A joy that comes with everything you do and is evident to everyone around you. Emptiness robs people of their joy; joy replaces emptiness. Your joy can fill your feelings of emptiness and can rub off on others so they feel less alone.

What fills your cup?

Christina Caldwell

Indiana FFA State Secretary

National Blue For You

Why does National FFA make custom jackets? Why not stick to the standard sizing? Although this may seem like a silly question, I frequently find myself asking it when it comes to ordering new jackets. My answer is so everyone knows that they can fit in FFA.

 I know that one of the biggest hurdles I faced as a young FFA member, and still do, is where do I fit in? Not only do I not come from an agriculture background, but I love dressing up, the color pink, and competing in pageants. How could I fit in? We as humans love to put everyone and everything into boxes and for some reason, the “typical” FFA member is a mystery everyone has been trying to solve for decades. Still, we haven’t been able to and we will never be able to. Why? In 1988, when we changed the name from Future Farmers of America to the National FFA Organization, we broke the barrier of what a “typical” FFA member looks like, therefore leaving the mystery forever unsolved. 

If we all turned and looked into a mirror right now we all would look like a “typical” FFA member because a “typical” member can be whoever you want it to be. For me, it’s a girl who loves competing in FFA events and advocating for agriculture, but also has never grown up with ties to agriculture, loves to wear pink and compete in pageants, and is a little too obsessed with Western fashion for my own good. For you, the “typical” member might be completely different, but that’s the beauty of an inclusive organization, isn’t it? To include? 

You see, National FFA knows exactly what they are doing when they are making a tailored jacket to fit each and every member perfectly. They hope that we can wear our blue corduroy with pride and know that this organization will help to guide and grow us. So, next time you slip on that corduroy jacket, just know you belong and that National Blue was made specifically for you. 

Your “Typical” FFA Member, 

Sienna Alexander

Indiana FFA State Reporter

Changing of Seasons

        Every year the leaves start falling around the same time to signify that autumn is on its way. And every year my excitement for this season grows more than the last. With the change of seasons, there are pumpkins, warm sweaters, and a cool brisk breeze that always puts a smile on my face. This season never fails to disappoint. It is the perfect time for our annual fall ride.

        Fall break would roll around for my siblings and I so that meant only one thing. We would have to clean out the camper, get the horses ready, and start packing every bit of old clothes we could find. This was our tradition, going horse camping at Brown County State Park. My family and I would go out for several hours into the woods on horseback each day, then come back to the campground where we would always have the best meals over an open fire. I would be wrapped up in my flannel listening to all the stories the adults had to tell. Nothing else mattered when we were trapped in the woods with no cell service. 

My brothers and I would always argue about who was going to feed and water the horses each morning and night. I somehow got out of it most of the time. Although something would always go wrong while on this week-long trip, I sit back and remember how many memories I have made while being parked in a campground with my family and a couple of old horses. 

Now that it is time for the seasons to change again, the seasons of my family getting together have also changed. The excitement of fall break has dwindled, the chaos of getting everything ready to go camping is gone, and the feeling of all of us sitting around a campfire late at night telling stories is out of my sight. Our lives are like seasons, always changing with time. Sometimes it’s hard to let go of certain seasons in life, but how exciting is it to start a new one?

Changing seasons,

Kyatalin Baker

Indiana FFA State Treasurer

Oh, The Places You'll Go

One of my favorite pastimes has always been traveling; from visiting Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida a few more times than I would like to admit to attending the Final Four in Phoenix, Arizona to cheer on my Boilermakers, it is pretty safe to say that I love traveling. Visiting new locations allows you to see how other places operate differently than you are used to. Despite the geographical or cultural differences throughout our nation and world, it is fascinating to see how we each use our diverse and unique backgrounds to contribute something meaningful and impactful to our society. As the corn begins to turn gold and the days get slightly shorter, the State Officers are finally on the road getting to do what we love most: interacting with countless Indiana FFA members! These past two weeks, we have each had a schedule filled to the brim with Chapter Visits and District Kickoffs. In fact, over the past two weeks, I have traveled over 1,400 miles to meet with many of you all and establish my own connections throughout the state.  If I am being completely honest, I was fairly nervous walking into my first chapter visit at Norwell High School last week. Fortunately, the Norwell FFA Chapter made me feel right at home and allowed me to be myself. Later on that day, I attended the Jay County FFA Chapter. Before this visit, I parked in the front row of the parking lot located next to the office. At the closing of my workshop at the end of the day, however, a school administrator came over the intercom and announced to the whole school that “if you have a Black Chevy Equinox with a Purdue plate parked in the front row, you need to move immediately in order to clear the bus lane.” While this situation was quite embarrassing for me and I was slightly worried that my car would be towed, I learned to laugh about it and find joy in the moment.  My Chapter Visit and District Kickoff experiences have no doubt been short of entertaining and will provide me with a plethora of stories to reflect upon. However, my favorite part of these experiences has no doubt been having the opportunity to see how each chapter and district navigates its programming a little differently. These unique characteristics that each individual chapter brings to the table are what make our organization so diverse and original. Without each chapter combining its distinctive attributes, the Indiana FFA Organization would lack individuality and originality. Thus, by continuing to promote these differences within our organization, we are truly able to cultivate a more interesting, inclusive place for everyone.  I will forever be grateful for and cherish the moments that I have spent in countless classrooms across the state and those that I will continue to create throughout the year. By participating in these visits, I have been exposed to the diversity that each chapter and community possesses. If I did not have the opportunity to travel throughout the state, I would never truly know the extent to which our organization is so unique. Thus, I have been counting my blessings and genuinely trying to take advantage of the places I’ll go! Taking in the places I’ll go, Cale Williams Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President

Just Keep Skiing

Summertime is full of fun, to say the least. For me, it was the time spent at the lake that made my summers. I enjoy every part of the warm days at my grandparents' lakehouse, whether that means swimming, kayaking, fishing, tubing, skiing or just going for a plain old pontoon ride. 

I really only wanted to swim when I was younger, but then I overcame my fear of the big tall raft. I enjoyed playing on the raft and then eventually got over being scared of going tubing behind the speedboat. At this point, I basically had done everything I felt I needed to on the water. It turns out I still hadn’t gotten the hang of waterskiing. Now I had attempted on several occasions to get up skiing but never had accomplished it, I failed again and again and again. I finally, after numerous tries, succeeded and got up skiing. I had achieved the goal and overcame the challenge, but I didn’t really like skiing. So I decided that since I had done it a couple of times I could say that I could ski and go back to swimming and tubing. Of course, as my parents usually do, my parents made me get back out there and ski. I remember telling my mom that I didn’t even like skiing and that it was no fun at all, and wondering why I couldn't stick with nearly flying a tube 5 feet in the air as the main thing I did on the lake. My mom responded, “If you keep at it you’ll probably end up liking skiing more than tubing”. Let’s just say that moms are always right and after much perseverance and improving my skills, I now enjoy skiing more, but not by much.

I say this all to make the point that sometimes we will try things in life that we don’t like and oftentimes we fall into the trap of saying to ourselves “Well I tried it but I didn’t like so I don’t need to do it anymore”, even when if we just give it another shot or keep at it there is a chance that we could really enjoy it. As the seasons change and summer closes, keep an open mind when it comes to new things, whether that be a school club, sport, or FFA contest, because even if you don’t enjoy it at first, it may be like water skiing for me, and you may end up liking it.

Just keep Skiing,

Ethan Wolheter

Indiana FFA State President

Life is a Highway

Cars, in my opinion, is one of the best movies ever. This movie describes my journey in FFA almost perfectly. Lightning McQueen is overconfident at first. You can especially see this during the first race of the film. Lightning McQueen had such a lead, but his overconfidence led to him tying the race instead of winning. I had the same mindset going into district officer interviews, overconfidence. Just like Lightning, I was disappointed in the result, as I had not been slated as a district officer. Now think about Lightning and how he got another setback in terms of having to stay in Radiator Springs. Instead of enjoying his time in Radiator Springs, all he could think about was getting out. I, just like Lightning, had another setback. This setback came at the 94th Indiana FFA State Convention, I wanted to become the Section III Director. I was dead set on being elected, just like Lightning was dead set on getting to his next race. When I didn't get elected, I was disappointed. I did not enjoy my time at the convention and see the support I had around me. Lightning’s mentor got him out of his rut just as my mentor, Mr. Dunn, helped me through the year. I spent my entire senior year feeling like an underdog, as I wasn't enough, just like how Lightning, as a rookie, would have been seen as an underdog against veterans like The King and Chick Hicks. In the final race of the film, Lightning might not win, but it shows that he is there to stay. In between the events of Cars and Cars 2, Lightning wins 4 Piston Cups. This was his victory and it to me can be compared to my victory of being elected as a state officer. Just like how Lightning’s journey was like a highway, with straightaways, curves, and turns, so was my journey in FFA. So if you ever feel like the underdog, just know that no matter what setbacks you experience, you can overcome them and still achieve your goals. Kachow, Garrett Bolin Indiana FFA State Sentinel

Dead Last to Top Five

Nothing beats the feeling of walking into the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the Indiana State Fair. The nerves set in as “nice, cool seventy-two degrees” gives you the chills as you feel the air shift from the August heat outside. The pressure is on.

As I rounded off my seventh year of 4-H, my family and I exhibited three steers at the Indiana State Fair. Our expectations were high. My family genuinely believed we had three rockstars that would stand out in the show ring. Our hopes were soon crushed by disappointment.

The first steer I took into the coliseum placed fourth in class. The second steer stood fifth. We hung our heads low as we walked up to the coliseum for the third time. As we waited in the make-up ring, I found it impossible to smile. My father tells me, “It can’t get any worse than this” to cheer me up. It did get worse. My steer stood dead last in class. My family left the coliseum devasted and heartbroken. I was overwhelmed with emotions thinking, “How was it even possible for our family to stand at the bottom of a class?” I wanted to give up.

After we left the ring, my parents and I headed to the top of the coliseum. We reflected on what went wrong. We concluded that we had fallen into the same pattern. We had gotten comfortable buying the same type of steers every fall, feeding the same feeds, and using the same hair products. We knew we needed to make a change, but we were uncertain how to make these changes. My brothers and I had used the same tricks for thirteen years. We realized we needed guidance.

That fall, my family and I set out to find the “perfect” show steer and a team that would support us. My family found a steer located at Josh Streitmatter Cattle. Josh and Marissa not only guided my family in the show ring, but they became lifelong friends. They stood by my family through wins and losses giving insight on how to improve. Our two families became one team. One team with the same dream: make the top five at the Indiana State Fair.

This past August, my family exhibited both the 3rd and 4th Overall Steer at the Indiana State Fair. My family would not have been able to achieve this goal without Josh and Marissa.

As we navigate through life, we need people who support us unconditionally. People who will support us through our highs and lows. People who will guide us and bring out the best in us. These people are rare and hard to find. Appreciate them. They are on your team no matter what.

Find your team,

Stephanie Berenda

Indiana FFA State Northern Region Vice President

Enjoying Every Moment

Enjoying every moment. That is what I decided on day one, and it is going to be my major goal throughout state office. This year is something I only get to do once and I want to remember all of it. The Great Indiana State Fair showed me how hard this goal was really going to be but how worth it every moment would be too. 
I love the state fair; I look forward to it every year. Traveling up with my family to walk around the state fair or to compete in rabbit showmanship or public speaking is one of the highlights of my year. There is just something about the atmosphere that is energizing even on the hottest days of summer. This year was no different. 
Though we had longer days and later nights, this year's state fair was my favorite one yet. Being up there for three weeks meant that I got to meet so many FFA members of districts all across the state.The long days were made quicker by constant connections with FFA members across the state.The late nights were my favorite part because they were spent learning more about my fellow teammates and the country market workers.The early mornings allowed me to be productive and start my morning off right. 
Plus if you know me then you know I love food, trying all the new things but especially eating all the junk food. Being up at the state fair for three weeks allowed me to eat my way around the fair and eat my fair favorites multiple times. If you get the chance I highly recommend Ben's pretzels, the dole whip place shaped like a pineapple, or anything from the fried Oreo place outside the coliseum.
From the fair vibe to the friends to the food this year at the Great Indiana State Fair was nothing short of phenomenal. 

“The pavilion is now closed. Please join us again next year in August 2025. Enjoy your night at the Great Indiana State Fair”

Enjoy every second,Christina Caldwell Indiana FFA State Secretary 

Futuristic Eyes

The worst day of my life. I remember sitting on my back patio and telling my mom that this was the worst day of my life. In Eighth grade, I had a huge friend group, like ten girls, and every single one of them played volleyball. I knew I wasn’t great, but I had put in so much work that summer, I went to private lessons, every summer practice there was, and even practiced in my backyard. Finally, the day came and we all tried out for the team. I was nervous and excited and when it was my turn to talk with the coach and she was already crying I knew it wasn’t good. She told me my efforts didn’t go unnoticed, but she just didn’t have a spot for me and when I found out every single one of my friends were on the team my entire world felt like it was tumbling down around me. 

I went home that night and cried to my mom about how “This isn’t fair” and every time she came back to me with the same response, “Everything happens for a reason”. I brushed her off and rolled my eyes as any thirteen year old girl in my position would do and went to play on the trampoline with my younger sister. We played popcorn, and tag, and all of the games you could think of and then the begs of “please double bounce me” came about. I agreed, and on the third double bounce my sister came crashing down, landed on her leg wrong, and had broken it in two places. She was only four years old. My heart sank. How could this be happening to me? Could this day get any worse? I already got cut from the volleyball team and now I just broke my four year old sister's leg? How is there a reason for this? 

Little did I know that the “worst day of my life” would completely change the trajectory of my life. You see, it was when I got cut from the volleyball team that a teacher at my school, who just so happened to be a past state officer's mother, saw potential in me and introduced me to FFA. My parents were never in FFA, I had no obvious ties to agriculture, and I had never even heard of FFA before, but she took a chance on me. I am now a first generation FFA member, the first Hoosier degree, district officer, and state officer since my chapter has been rechartered. If only I could have seen how the worst day of my life would have subsequently turned into one of the best. 

With Futuristic Eyes, 

Sienna Alexander 

Indiana FFA State Reporter