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