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What Lies Within Us
by Jennifer Shike
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters
compared to what lies within us. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
After the 2002 National Junior Summer Spectacular, Dan Baker gave me a card bearing these words that will remain on the bulle- tin board in my office for the rest of my life. It was just one of those things that struck a chord in my heart and reminded me of some very important truths from a very important person in my life.
I’ll be honest – when I met Dan Baker I did not know what to think at first. Let’s just say I can’t count the number of times I asked myself, “Is he joking or is he serious?” I’m sure there are still stories today that I believe to be true that were figments of Dan’s imagination!
In addition to providing superb entertainment during my internship, Dan also provided great leadership and support. I always enjoyed the opportunity to sit back in his office and talk about a story idea or how to get a better picture. Dan is an excellent teacher and does his best to help young people grow and improve. He is not selfish. He would rather help someone with less experience learn how to do something great than do it himself and soak up the credit. He puts other people ahead of himself.
Dan truly cares about “what lies within himself and others.” Dan can get along with just about anyone. His friendly personality and positive outlook on life are contagious. Dan’s life has not been easy – he has been through many tough times, but he doesn’t use those tough times as an excuse for a poor attitude today. Instead, he throws himself into being the best person he can be at work and at home.
He has been a positive example of loving your spouse. He and his wife, Sandy, have a very special relationship. He treats her like a queen. I admire that because he always puts her first. And in return, he receives that treatment right back! We all know that family is important to Dan and that made him especially understanding when we interns were homesick for our families.
Dan could also be very honest and upfront with me. I appreciated hearing his heartfelt opinions. I respected his experience and knowledge of the industry, and most importantly, his wisdom on relationships. I’ll forever be thankful that he didn’t just tell me what I wanted to hear, but instead he told me the truth – even when that was sometimes difficult to hear. He helped me grow and develop into a better person.
When I left NSR that summer of 1998, Dan was one of the people that I stayed in contact with while I was miles away at K-State. And he was one of the first people I looked forward to seeing when I returned to NSR in 2000 as the junior coordinator. Now as fellow employees, my relationship and respect for Dan has continued to grow. He provided me with great support and encouragement as I set out to do a job that had never been done before at NSR. I could count on Dan to roll up his sleeves and join me in whatever task was at hand. When I was shaking in my boots before a show or a meeting, Dan was there with a smile and a joke.
I’m not the only one who has benefited from Dan. The National Junior Swine Association also owes great thanks to him for his excellent photography at our shows, his auctioneering talents, and most of all, his positive attitude around the kids. Even though Dan is retiring from his position at the Seedstock Edge, the NJSA still plans to call on him for his expertise at our junior shows and events. Dan has been an essential part of our program since its inception and believes in the value of the NJSA in our young members’ lives.
It is not easy to say goodbye to someone you admire and respect. It is hard to put into words what this office will be like without Dan Baker. I just want to thank you, Dan, for showing me that what is inside matters most. As you embark on a new adventure in life, I hope you will hold these words close to your heart and remember – it’s not what lies behind you or what lies before you – it’s what lies within you that makes you one of the most influential people in my life and the lives of many in this industry.
