“Welcome to Washington, D.C., where the weather is sunny with a slight breeze.”
As I grabbed my bag and walked the tarmac, I was filled with excitement for the adventures ahead!
A few weeks ago, I traveled to Washington, D.C. for National Agriculture Day, where I had the opportunity to celebrate agriculture with student leaders across organizations including National FFA, #SpeakAg Pioneers, Agriculture Future of America (AFA), Tribal Ag Fellowship (TAF), and Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS). As we explored the nation’s capital, we had the opportunity to meet legislators, industry professionals, and others who play a role in shaping the future of agriculture.
During our time in Washington, D.C., we quickly realized that the corduroy blue FFA jacket is a magnet for conversations. People would come up to us without hesitation, and it was clear that the blue jacket is recognized across generations and backgrounds. From alumni who immediately shared their own FFA stories, to parents and supporters who lit up with questions, to those who simply remembered seeing the jacket before but wanted to know more, each interaction showed how widely recognized and respected FFA truly is.
A family you can recognize anywhere is not limited to a single place or moment. It is present in experiences that repeat themselves in our communities and travels alike. Whether at National or State Convention, when entire cities are filled with a sea of corduroy blue, people often stop to ask what is happening or what brings so many members together. In those opportunities, we’re able to share what National or State Convention is. In other moments, like when wearing official dress after a contest or event, it is not uncommon to hear someone ask, “Is it convention time again?” or “Are you all back in Indy?” These familiar interactions create opportunities for us to share the story of FFA with others.
So many generations of FFA members have come before us. They have created and led the legacy that we currently have the joy of living in. Now, we have the opportunity to carry on that legacy and continue to pave the way for the next generation of FFA members.
I encourage you, the next time you are asked about FFA, whether in official dress or not, to take that opportunity and run with it, sharing your journey instead of simply answering the question.
These conversations allow us to speak about the organization we love so deeply. They open the door to explain what we are doing in official dress that day, what we are learning, and how FFA has shaped our lives. Although these moments may be brief, they reflect a legacy that continues to grow and the story each of us is contributing to through our time in FFA.
From the tarmac in Washington, D.C., to being back in my hometown, the experience remained the same. The National FFA jacket sparks conversation, and the conversations creates connections.
Every time you wear your FFA jacket, there is an opportunity to take pride in the conversations that follow. When others ask about your experience, it is a reminder that the family within this organization truly can be recognized anywhere. Every interaction is an opportunity to continue growing our family. Every jacket carries a story, every conversation adds to that story, and every time we choose to share it, we help keep this family growing in ways bigger than ourselves.
Always part of your FFA family,
Lauren Argotte
2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Secretary
