Friendship Without Borders

“No distance can stop true connection.”

When I first met Alessandro, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I had never met him before, and I wasn’t even sure if we’d be friends. He came all the way from Italy to spend a year at my high school here in Indiana. The first time we interacted, I thought we couldn’t be any more different. But after a few days of soccer practice, it didn’t take long for us to become best friends. Before I knew it, we were hanging out constantly. He came to help feed cattle, grind feed, take care of my 4-H animals, and even helped during harvest.

Even though we grew up thousands of miles apart, we quickly realized how much we truly had in common. We both valued hard work, family, and faith. Agriculture became the bridge that connected two completely different worlds. Through long days on the farm, late-night talks, and hours of laughter, we learned that friendship and leadership don’t need translation.

Some of my favorite memories include when he came to my 18th birthday party, went with me to the National Farm Machinery Show, and cheered alongside me at a Harlem Wizards game. One of my all-time favorite moments, though, was during our school’s Halloween parade when we dressed up as Mario and Luigi. We laughed almost the entire time, and that moment reminded me how friendships can grow in the most unexpected ways. It didn’t matter that he came from another country. What mattered was the kindness, laughter, and shared experiences that made our lives better.

For me, FFA has been about that same kind of connection. It’s about building relationships that reach beyond borders or backgrounds. It’s about sharing what you love and learning from others along the way. The blue jacket reminds us that no matter where we come from, we can always find common ground through service, agriculture, and friendship.

As we move through another season of opportunity and growth, I hope you take the time to connect with someone new. Learn their story and share yours. I say this because sometimes the greatest lessons aren’t found in a classroom or an arena. They’re found in the friendships that remind us just how big this world can be, and how small it feels when we’re connected.

Always striving,

Calvin Myers

2025–2026 Indiana FFA State Southern Region Vice President

The Power of Showing Up

This past weekend at the Seeking Opportunities and Achieving Results Conference, I had the chance to reconnect with someone who means a lot to me- my friend, Danayah. It had been a long time since we’d seen each other, with my State Officer schedule keeping me constantly on the move. However, when I saw her walk into the conference, it felt like no time had passed at all.

I even shared about Danayah in my reflections at the conference. I shared the story of how I got to mentor her in Prepared Public Speaking and how much she taught me in return. I remember the hours we spent practicing together, working through nerves and fine-tuning every word in her speech. When competition day came, I didn’t take home the title, but she did. Seeing her succeed made every moment worth it. It reminded me that true success isn’t just about winning yourself, but about helping others shine too.

What made this reflection even more meaningful was knowing that before I ever wore this blue jacket with “Association” on the back, Danayah was there for me. She supported me, believed in me, and helped me grow when I was navigating the process of running. She’s been one of those people who quietly makes a difference, and seeing her again reminded me how important it is to appreciate those who lift us up along the way.

When she heard me mention her in my reflections, she was filled with emotion, and honestly, so was I. It was such a powerful reminder of why I do what I do in FFA: to build connections, serve others, and celebrate those who have shaped me along the way.

Reconnecting with Danayah at SOAR reminded me that no matter how busy life gets, it’s always worth taking the time to show up for the people who’ve shown up for you.

Keep showing up, 

Erianna Vela 

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Northern Region Vice President

Adventure is Out There

It was freshman year, and every day I made the familiar walk from my classes to my favorite hallway: the agriculture hallway.

As I entered my teacher, Mrs. Logan Everett’s classroom, I sat down and waited for instructions. Soon enough, the bell rang, and she began making announcements and sharing FFA updates. That day, she mentioned an upcoming FFA event-- the SOAR Conference.

As a first-generation FFA member, I had no idea what a conference would be like. Later in class, Mrs. Everett encouraged me to sign up. At that point in my life, I was very shy, and the idea of attending SOAR felt completely outside my comfort zone.

As a freshman, I was reserved- you wouldn’t catch me raising my hand in class, volunteering to speak, or doing anything remotely close to public speaking. But a few days later, I walked back into the agriculture classroom and handed Mrs. Everett my permission slip. I had made the decision to go.

Fast forward to the bus ride. I sat quietly, looking out the window, anxiously waiting to arrive at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center for the very first time. As I got off the bus, nerves rushed through me. As the conference went on, those nerves began to fade.

I had the chance to try out different contests through the mock CDE/LDE portion, like the FFA Creed and Agricultural Issues- things I had only heard of but never experienced. Beyond contests, I made countless memories with new friends- memories I still carry with me today.

From open recreation time to playing nine square and gaga ball, to simply sitting and talking with FFA members from across the state, my first visit to the Indiana FFA Leadership Center became something that will always hold a close place to my heart.

The conference theme was “Adventure Is Out There,” and throughout the weekend, the State Officers talked about the endless opportunities within FFA and agriculture. My mind began racing with all the possibilities- contests I could compete in, events I could attend, and friendships I could make. Over the course of my time at the conference, I discovered how true that message really was.

When it was time to head home, I grabbed my Happy Gram bag from my team culture group and walked toward the bus. On our stop for dinner, I sat with Mrs. Everett and shared how much fun I’d had.

The bus ride there had been full of nerves and uncertainty. The ride home, however, was filled with excitement and anticipation for the next time I could return.

When we pulled back into the Lebanon High School parking lot, I couldn’t stop talking to my mom about the experience. When I got home, I did what I now always look forward to after conferences- reading my Happy Grams.

As I pulled each note from the bag, I came across one written by Mrs. Everett. It read:

“Lauren, I am so proud of you and the step you took out of your comfort zone today! You are a true example of what an FFA member should be! I can’t wait to watch you grow!”

That Happy Gram note stuck with me. Every time I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone since then, I’ve grown. SOAR was the start, and FFA has continued to be the place where growth happens, whenever you’re willing to take that first step.

Throughout the years, Mrs. Everett has continued to push me to grow in every aspect of life—helping me become a better person, friend, and advocate. If it weren’t for her encouraging me to sign up for my first SOAR Conference or challenging me to do things that felt scary, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

As we head into conference season, whether it’s your very first trip to the Indiana FFA Leadership Center or your fifth, remember this: the Leadership Center is a place to grow. New opportunities, new connections, and new memories are waiting for you at every moment.

Adventure is not just a conference theme, but it is a promise that FFA offers to every member willing to take the first step. So, I encourage you to try something new! Sign up for that FFA event. Go for that leadership position. Step out of your comfort zone. Be the person who encourages a younger member to do the same.

Adventure is out there.

Always in your corner,
Lauren Argotte

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Secretary