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