“A few weeks ago, my English teacher gave us an assignment: choose a song and analyze it
through the lens of various “issues of literature,” exploring both its meaning and purpose. As
soon as I turned to my best friend to begin working on the assignment, we already had one
song in mind: “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield.
Now, a little background about my friends and me: we love to listen to music whenever we
hang out. But if our friend group had a Spotify Wrapped, “Unwritten” would definitely top the
list as the most played song. We’ve sung along to it countless times without really thinking
about its deeper meaning.
As my friend Grace and I sat down to analyze the lyrics for the assignment, something clicked
for me. Even though we had both listened to the song over and over, I’d never really studied
its lyrics before. That’s when I realized – so many of the lyrics felt like they were speaking
directly to us, at this moment in our lives. The song’s message resonated with where we are
right now, and I began to see how it could be interpreted in different ways, depending on
where someone is in their life.
“Unwritten” talks about the unknown, the future that’s still a blank page. And as I thought
about it, I saw how this mirrored our current stage in life. My friends and I are at a point where
our futures don’t have a clear, defined path. Some of us have already committed to a college,
found roommates, and made plans for what comes next. But others are still uncertain –
unsure about what to study, where to go, or what the future holds. And you know what? Both
situations are completely okay.
But here’s the thing: your future is yours to create. “Unwritten” reminds us that, though the
road ahead is unclear, it’s up to us to write the next chapter. Everyone reading this might be
in a different spot in life – whether you’re an underclassman feeling the stress of choosing
your next classes, preparing for a contest, an interview, or contemplating an FFA opportunity.
Throughout my time in the National FFA Organization and countless extracurriculars, one
belief has continued to shine through everything I do: “Just going for it” can unlock countless
opportunities and ventures. The decisions you make are the stepping stones to your future,
and sometimes, taking that first leap- no matter how uncertain – leads to growth, new
experiences, and unexpected rewards. The future may seem daunting at times, but just like
the song says, it’s unwritten – and you have the power to fill the pages.
Whether it’s running for a leadership position, competing in a contest for the first time, or
taking on new challenges, the act of stepping forward – without knowing exactly where it will
lead – opens doors to growth and experiences you could never have expected. Each leap I’ve
taken has written its own unique page in my story and has shown me that the “rest” of my
journey is still unwritten. Just like in “Unwritten,” the best parts of life are the ones yet to
come, and by embracing opportunities, we become the authors of our own stories.”
This blog was written a year ago for District IV FFA, but it doesn’t show what was happening
behind the scenes at the time. While I was writing about the future being unwritten, I was
quietly questioning where my own story was headed. I found myself wondering whether I
should run for State Office, and more so, whether I was even worthy of running at all. The blog
doesn’t capture the thoughts racing through my mind, the doubt, or the hope, that maybe I
was capable of more than I realized.
It also doesn’t show that after it was published, my advisor, Ms. Katelyn Rudolph, sent me a
portion of it when I was unsure about running for State Office. As I read it, I realized I already
had the answer all along- I just didn’t yet have the courage to take the step.
What the blog doesn’t show is the night before State Officer rounds, when my friends and I
had a girlhood night- unknowingly calling it ‘The Rest Is Still Unwritten.’ We knew that when I
returned to Lebanon after State Convention, the State Officer Candidacy chapter of my story
would be written, even though we didn’t yet know how it would turn out.
Right now, you may find yourself in some of the same shoes I was in last year. You might be
contemplating running for State Office, trying a new contest, or deciding whether to take on
an opportunity that feels exciting yet intimidating. My advice: take that step. You are the
author of your own story, and you are enough just as you are. Sometimes trusting the plan
and taking the leap leads to new chapters you never imagined.
One thing has become clear since I first wrote this blog: you don’t need every answer before
taking the next step. After all, the rest is still unwritten, and the future is full of blank pages
that we get to fill with joy and courage.
Thank you for being the best part of our story,
Lauren Argotte
2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Secretary
