To the Next Generation of Livestock Enthusiasts,
I'm writing you this letter because my time is up. I've reached 21, which means my days in the show ring are over. I won't lie, it's kind of a bittersweet time. However, I knew this day would come eventually, and no matter how much I don't want to, it's time to retire my exhibitor number. Time to call it quits and start a new chapter of my life. But this letter is not for me to wallow, it's for you. Get excited! Now is your time to shine!
You may not have known this, but I've been watching you. I've watched how excited and anxious you've been sitting ring side, waiting for your day to come. I've seen how much you've helped back in the barn, even if it was the littlest things, just so you could join in on the fun. I've watched your little eyes wide and bright as you attentively watched the show, mesmerized by what was going on. From diapers to now, I've seen you grow up. I know you're ready to take your spot in the ring, even if you are replacing my spot.
I do want you to know that I'm here for you. If you need help or advice, I will be more than willing to offer what I know. That's the whole point of the livestock industry: sharing what we know. We don't build up years of experience and knowledge just to take it with us when we are done. We do it to grow as a person and to share it with others so they can grow too. If we all grow, we are ultimately growing the industry which is the most important goal. This may seem like a lot to throw at you right now, but trust me you can handle it.
There is one piece of advice I want to give you right now: treasure your time. Take advantage of every single opportunity you are offered and put your whole heart into it. Not every kid has the chance to do what you do. You were born into this industry for a reason. It wasn't be chance, it was by fate. Your time is just beginning, but have no doubt that it is limited. Some day you will be like me and you're done. You won't be able to get your own animals ready or walk into that show ring anymore. For now, don't worry about that day. Just take it all in now and live for the moment.
By now you're probably sick of reading a letter and ready to head to the barn, so I'll keep this short and sweet. It's now up to you to keep the industry alive, thriving, and represented with the upmost integrity. You may seem small and insignificant now, but trust me you make a difference. Most importantly though, have fun! The friends you make now will some day be your college roommates or even fellow employers. Don't make enemies, make memories. Finally, good luck with the best years of your life!
Sincerely,
The Has Been
I'm writing you this letter because my time is up. I've reached 21, which means my days in the show ring are over. I won't lie, it's kind of a bittersweet time. However, I knew this day would come eventually, and no matter how much I don't want to, it's time to retire my exhibitor number. Time to call it quits and start a new chapter of my life. But this letter is not for me to wallow, it's for you. Get excited! Now is your time to shine!
You may not have known this, but I've been watching you. I've watched how excited and anxious you've been sitting ring side, waiting for your day to come. I've seen how much you've helped back in the barn, even if it was the littlest things, just so you could join in on the fun. I've watched your little eyes wide and bright as you attentively watched the show, mesmerized by what was going on. From diapers to now, I've seen you grow up. I know you're ready to take your spot in the ring, even if you are replacing my spot.
I do want you to know that I'm here for you. If you need help or advice, I will be more than willing to offer what I know. That's the whole point of the livestock industry: sharing what we know. We don't build up years of experience and knowledge just to take it with us when we are done. We do it to grow as a person and to share it with others so they can grow too. If we all grow, we are ultimately growing the industry which is the most important goal. This may seem like a lot to throw at you right now, but trust me you can handle it.
There is one piece of advice I want to give you right now: treasure your time. Take advantage of every single opportunity you are offered and put your whole heart into it. Not every kid has the chance to do what you do. You were born into this industry for a reason. It wasn't be chance, it was by fate. Your time is just beginning, but have no doubt that it is limited. Some day you will be like me and you're done. You won't be able to get your own animals ready or walk into that show ring anymore. For now, don't worry about that day. Just take it all in now and live for the moment.
By now you're probably sick of reading a letter and ready to head to the barn, so I'll keep this short and sweet. It's now up to you to keep the industry alive, thriving, and represented with the upmost integrity. You may seem small and insignificant now, but trust me you make a difference. Most importantly though, have fun! The friends you make now will some day be your college roommates or even fellow employers. Don't make enemies, make memories. Finally, good luck with the best years of your life!
Sincerely,
The Has Been