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Leave Your Mark
It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you are not.
by Jennifer Shike
We all want to be somebody. When we leave this earth, we want people to say, “Now there was someone who made a difference – someone who had an impact!” But isn’t it ironic? Instead of letting ourselves be all we can be, we often spend time worrying about who we are not.
I will never forget my first livestock judging practice at Black Hawk East College. Walking into the auditorium, I asked myself, “Did I make the right choice?” I’ll be honest – I don’t come from a big purebred livestock background. I didn’t show the best market hogs or steers in Iowa.
Instead, my goal growing up was to become the best horseman I could be. I was already riding at the age of 2, and never missed a summer show growing up. When it came time to choose between horses and parties, it was no contest. I always picked the horse show.
However, as I became more involved in both horse and livestock judging, I soon realized that livestock judging was more competitive and challenging to me. I uncovered a passion that will never fade in my life.
I also knew that I was behind. I needed to work harder to make up for my limited livestock background.
My limited background was not my only hurdle to overcome at that first judging practice. I was also the only girl on both of my collegiate livestock judging teams.
There were many days when it seemed easy to let my fear of who I thought I “was not” determine who I was going to be.
I believe we all struggle with basing our self worth or abilities on what other people have done before us. It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap.
We begin to label the people around us – whether it’s their athletic ability, looks, personality, brains, showmanship talents or even their livestock-judging abilities.
Instead of making the most of the talents we possess, we spend our time comparing ourselves to who we think are the best. And when we do that, we are always going to fall short.
There is no way that any two people are going to be the same. We all bring different characteristics and talents to this world. If you spend your time trying to be like Mike, you’re just going to be disappointed.
And while you’re at it, you are going to disappoint the world around you. Why? We need you. Each member of the NJSA (and each breeder and parent) brings unique, special talents to our organization and to our industry.
In the NJSA, we don’t need everyone to be the same. We need all types of leaders and members in our program. Don’t limit yourself by trying to be like someone else.
I also believe it’s important to have good role models and mentors. But instead of imitating these people, take note of the specific qualities that you admire about them.
Incorporate some, but not all, of their philosophies into your own life, and capitalize on your own strengths and abilities along the way.
In May, at the National Youth Leadership Conference in Oklahoma City, Okla., I had the opportunity to witness some of our industry’s most valuable assets – our youth – challenge themselves to grow as leaders by focusing on their strengths and improving upon their weaknesses.
They were encouraged to develop mentoring relationships with people they admire and respect, all while becoming mentors to younger kids in the NJSA.
Mentoring has been very important in my life. And while I think it’s almost necessary to have mentors, I want to remind our NJSA members to be themselves.
Mentors are simply a tool for guidance and development. Mentoring relationships are not designed to completely change who you are. Don’t be intimidated by the success of your mentor – be encouraged by the challenges they faced along the way to become who they are today.
Remember, it’s not easy to leave your mark on this world.
But I am convinced that many of you in our program will go on to leave your mark in the purebred swine industry. Just remember that it’s who you – not who you are not – that matters the most.
