Junior Corner

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Opportunities Are Everywhere You Look

To my AJSA members celebrating another year of junior nationals in the books—congratulations. It takes an army to be able to travel to junior nationals, so with that being said, take the time to thank your parents, guardians or other people in your life that helped on your journey to Des Moines. This truly is a special time in our lives we get to spend with one another, so don’t take it for granted.

One of my favorite memories throughout my childhood has been traveling to junior nationals. Every year we would rush to Hobby Lobby to finish an art project, take photos in the pasture of an evening checking cows and of course practice showmanship every night before we turned the cattle out of the barns. The hectic nature of getting ready for junior nationals would always lead to a sense of relief once we moved into the barns. I always made the most of the opportunities given to me while at junior nationals.

This may seem redundant, but opportunities are everywhere you may look. While I was growing up, I spent many hours with one of my favorite Shorthorn ladies from California. Along with my parents, she was instrumental in my involvement with the AJSA. I attended many cattle shows, K-State games and even was in her wedding— meeting so many of her friends and family that shared the same love for the cattle industry.

I spent time throughout my junior career dedicated to expanding my leadership skills, cattle industry knowledge and career experiences. For two summers I spent working for two other breed associations expanding my horizons and understanding the importance of saying yes to any opportunity that presents itself. Through my time at all three associations, I’ve made countless connections, learned essential life lessons, and fell deeper in love with the cattle industry.

Remember that wedding I talked about? The photographer for the couple that weekend was someone I was truly inspired by. Low and behold while working at my internships’ junior national last summer, that same photographer approached me about our long-lost connection. If I hadn’t jumped at the chance to talk with her and catch up on my life, I wouldn’t have found my future employer.

I’m the type of person who always jumps at an opportunity and as my last parting words, I encourage you, junior members to do the same. The memories, lessons, and people you meet by saying yes are so important to your future successes.

Thank you again AJSA members for the opportunity to serve as your President this past year. I am truly blessed that I was able to be an advocate for this incredible breed association. The lives that have touched my heart over the past three years will give me memories that I will cherish on for the rest of my life. Thank you to my fellow board members for being my closest friends and business partners—and congratulations to the new three elected board members. Cherish this time and continue to represent this breed with pride.

Junior Board

President :: Faye Smith

Vice President :: Miller Smith

Secretary :: Colton Hulsey

Public Relations :: Merideth Behrens

Fundraising :: Xavier Ferris

Director :: Ryan Lane

Director :: Amanda Smee

Director :: Brayden DeBorde

Director :: Haylee Ferguson

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Words of Advice

I’m the type of person who always jumps at an opportunity and as my last parting words, I encourage you, junior members to do the same.