Growing up around my family’s Angus cattle operation, I used to believe that raising livestock was about winning shows and the long hours of hard work that led up to it. As I grew older and began to step out of my comfort zone, I was given more opportunities through the National Junior Angus Association. The experiences I have gained have helped me go far beyond the show ring. It has helped strengthen my leadership, communication and interpersonal skills. Being involved in the National Junior Angus Association plays a vital role in the lives of juniors who are passionate about the Angus breed, providing them with friendships that feel like family, valuable opportunities for personal growth, and a solid foundation for future success. 

I attended my first National Junior Angus Show in 2015 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Although it was a vividly hot week in true Oklahoma fashion, I still remember the excitement of creating new friendships, competing in contests for the first time, and connecting with other juniors who shared the same drive and passion for Angus cattle. Whether it is through showing Angus cattle, participating in public speaking contests, or attending LEAD or Raising the Bar conferences, the NJAA encourages juniors to go far beyond their comfort zones. Reflecting on my junior career, I never would have imagined being where I am today if I had not taken those chances, remained persistent and seized every new opportunity that was presented to me. 

Deciding to run for the National Junior Angus Association Board of Directors was one of the biggest and most rewarding decisions I have ever made through the NJAA. At first, the idea was intimidating and completely out of my comfort zone. I was unsure if I was ready for this large leadership role or to represent an incredible group of juniors. However, with plenty of encouragement from mentors, family and friends, I took my chance, and it has completely changed my life. Serving on the board has taught me many valuable skills that I will be able to apply in my future endeavors. 

Many of the NJAA opportunities I have participated in have contributed to where I am today. Attending programs like LEAD (Leaders Engaged in Angus Development) and the Raising the Bar Conference have been fundamental in shaping who I am today. Being able to see new perspectives on agriculture in different parts of the country and discovering new career opportunities are what challenge you to think differently, to lead with purpose, and to recognize the impact you can have not only within the Angus breed but in your community and the agricultural industry. 

Being part of the NJAA has taught me the importance of responsibility, humility and the value of hard work, but more importantly, it has given me a voice. It is more than a youth organization; it is a foundation for the future of agriculture and new opportunities. Reaching out of my comfort zone in the NJAA deepened my passion for the Angus breed and the people behind it, and it has pushed me to grow in many ways that I will always be grateful for.