A Little Piece of Home

“Lebanon, Indiana!”

That’s where I call home.

Over the past few months, the Indiana FFA State Officer Team has had the gift of being on the road, going all over the state. Somewhere during almost every visit, I get asked the same question:

“Where are you from?”

I always answer the same way: “I call Lebanon, Indiana home.”

Sometimes I try to find a map and point it out. Other times, I use my hand to show where it is in the state. If neither of those work, I simply do my best to explain it. “It’s between Lafayette and Indianapolis!

The more I answer that question, the more I’ve started to think about it. My hometown is so much more than just a place on a map.

When I think about Lebanon, the first thing that comes to mind isn’t a location. It’s the people.

It’s the teachers and school staff who pour so much into their students.

It’s the friends who push you to take a leap of faith, even when it feels scary.

It’s the family who is always willing to answer a FaceTime call or listen to your stories or crazy ideas.

Between all the miles and all the new places, I’ve started to realize that I never actually left home. I’ve been carrying it with me. You never truly leave home because you carry it with you in who you are and how you love others.

Even when Lebanon is hundreds of miles away, I still find pieces of it in the way I connect with people, and the way I show up each day. I think about the people who poured so much into me to help me become the person I am today.

At some point, all of us will step away from what’s familiar, whether that’s for college, a job, a vacation, or something new.

That step can feel exciting, but it can also feel uncertain. It’s easy to focus on what’s different instead of what still feels like home. It’s up to us to make that choice and find a sense of home in the communities and people around us.

I’ve realized I don’t leave home when I put miles on the odometer. I just make room for more of it. 

In every classroom I’ve visited this year, you’ve made me feel at home through the way you welcomed me into your communities.  You’ve taught me that home isn’t a place, but the people. It’s something you carry with you, like a little piece of home in your pocket, shown in the way you love others because of your roots.

No matter where this blue jacket takes me next, I know one thing for certain: I’ll always carry a little piece of Lebanon, Indiana with me.

With a piece of home in my pocket,

Lauren Argotte

Indiana FFA State Secretary

Ten Things Kaitlyn Can’t Live Without

While on the road the past few weeks, I have met hundreds of FFA members and students. During my classroom facilitation workshop on motivation, we talk about the things that motivate us the most- or things we cannot live without. Hearing so many different perspectives and learning about students favorite hobbies, restaurants, sports, FFA events, things to do for fun, etc. has got me thinking a lot about my favorite things.

1. Agriculture- Honestly, no one can live without this one! Agriculture provides food, fuel, and fiber to the world. So everyone needs agriculture! Personally, I have a deep love and passion for this industry so I definitely couldn’t live without it.
2. Family, Friends, and Mentors- This is the group of people who support me in all that I do. I wouldn’t be half the person I am today without all of the people who have been by my side every single step of the way and have sacrificed so much for me to succeed. The ones who always accept and support me: through the good, bad, ugly, and great.
3. A Calendar- If I didn’t have a place to keep my schedule, I would be a MESS! My calendar is a necessary tool in keeping me organized… and sane.
4. Coke Zero- I know many people would call this a slight addiction (and maybe I would agree with them) but there is nothing like a cold and fizzy Coke Zero! A fresh Coke Zero instantly boosts my mood!
5. House plants- Considering I have over 200 house plants, I feel like they have to make this list. When I work with my plants it helps me think clearly and escape my stressful thoughts at the same time. It is definitely my form of therapy.
6. My Phone- As much as we all hate to admit it, a lot of our lives are in the little box of technology we call an iPhone. This little device helps me navigate where I’m going, connect with friends and family when we cannot be together in person, and answers all of my dumb blonde questions I have throughout the day.
7. Hair spray- The curls in my hair wouldn’t survive without hairspray, and neither would my nylons! Hairspray keeps the nylon runs away!
8. Faith- Put it all in the Lord’s hands. He has a beautiful plan for every single one of us!
9. Trips- I LOVE to travel! Life is better with a trip to look forward to.
10. Ice Cream- In the wise words of my mom, “Ice cream makes everything better!” This is my go to sweet treat, pick me up, or date with friends! Nothing beats yummy ice cream! Bonus points if it’s from Jiffy Treat or Cone Palace, my two favorite ice cream shops in the world!

What are the things you can’t live without? 

Your friend,

Kaitlyn Maruszewski

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State President

More Than a Meal

As a traveling FFA state officer, I spend a lot of time on the road. New towns. New schools. New members. New conversations. Every chapter visit is different, but I have found one question that works almost every time:

“So… where’s the go to supper spot around here?”

It sounds simple, but that question opens doors.

When I ask members about their favorite place to eat, their faces light up. Suddenly, we are not just talking about contests, leadership workshops, or schedules. We are talking about Friday night traditions. After game burgers. The local diner where everyone knows your order. The café that supports their chapter at every fundraiser.

Food connects people because it tells a story.

In agriculture, we already understand the power of food. It is what we produce. It is what feeds communities. But it is also what gathers us around tables, tailgates, and kitchen counters. When members tell me about their favorite supper spot, they are sharing a piece of their hometown pride.

Sometimes it is a café run by an FFA family who talks about their days in FFA as they ring me up at the register. Sometimes it is an international market with nothing but pictures on the wall for a menu. Sometimes it is a small corner spot serving surprisingly good catfish. Maybe it is even a bakery that opens before dawn, serving the best donuts known to man, or an Amish grocery store where you get the best bang for your buck. Whatever it is, it matters to them, and that makes it matter to me.

As I travel, I have realized that asking about food is not really about the food. It is about belonging. It is about saying:

“I want to know what home tastes like to you.”
“I want to know what you love about your hometown.”

More often than not, that simple supper question leads to deeper conversations about their goals after high school, their families, and why FFA matters to them.

Leadership is not always about big speeches or grand gestures. Sometimes it is about pulling up a chair, sharing a meal, and listening.

So if you ever find yourself in a new place, whether it is a chapter visit, a conference, or just a new season of life, try asking:

“What’s the go to supper spot?”

You might leave with more than a full stomach and a smile. You might leave with a stronger connection and a good story.

Always looking for a good conversation over a meal,

Jenna Lawler

2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Reporter