CommunicationsSeedstock EDGE | “For the Record” | “The Pinnacle” | |
| Seedstock EDGE Seedstock EDGE main | Seedstock EDGE archives Advertising rates/deadlines | Mail dates Subscribe today! | Seedstock EDGE staff |
The People That Make You Better
By Jennifer Shike
People never improve unless they look to some standard or example higher and better than themselves. Each year I realize more and more the importance of mentors. With every new obstacle or situation that comes my way, it seems that I draw on the advice of former role models or look for suggestions from a new mentor. No one is perfect. Everyone can benefit from the advice of somebody older and wiser that has already “been down that road.” Some of the most important lessons I have learned occurred in the shadows of the people I look up to in life. I am fortunate to call many people my “mentors” - people who have helped me become a better writer, a more polished speaker, a sharper judge, a more talented horse rider, a better wife and a more appreciative daughter. My large “fleet” of mentors continually reinforces that there are many things in life I can learn from other people.
One of my first role models (outside of my parents) was Angie, an older girl that showed horses. She always looked so confident and polished. She knew how to win. I spent many hours learning how to improve my horsemanship skills by watching her across the ring. I even met with her during the week when my dad had time to drive me to her house for a practice. I became a better rider because of her, but I also learned other lessons such as the value of hard work and the importance of dedication to your dreams.
A few years later, when I was in high school, Jodi, a young woman from my church asked me if I wanted to be in a weekly Bible study. She invested an hour each week just to learn more about my life and go through this book. She was a great example for a young girl getting ready to leave for college. Jodi was living proof that integrity, high morals and a strong faith reap greater rewards than money and luck.
In college, I was fortunate enough to meet Susan. I know that I would not be at the National Swine Registry today if she hadn’t encouraged me to go after goals that were “too big” in some people’s eyes. Susan helped me sharpen my skills and improve my abilities as a communicator. It was during this time that I began to realize how necessary it is to have someone to look up to and admire. And at the same time, to have someone encourage and motivate you to succeed. One of the greatest compliments I ever received in college was “she’s the next Susan.”
Who doesn’t need people to look up to and model after? I believe the minute you think you have everything figured out, and you don’t need any help, will be the minute that you fall flat on your face. We can all aspire to be better in some area of our life.
I enjoy the challenge of self-improvement - mentally, physically and spiritually. I guess that is why I think it is necessary to continually find mentors in your life and at the same time, to continually seek younger people you can mentor, too.
In the NJSA, there are many opportunities to mentor youth. We have nearly 3,500 members across the country. If you can’t find someone to mentor in this business, just give me a call. I’ll set you up!
One of the new directors on the NJSA Board told me the other day that his favorite part of the National Junior Summer Spectacular was watching and helping with the novice division of the showmanship contest. He explained that he sought a leadership position in the NJSA because he wanted to become a role model for youth and help them reach their goals. In the same breath, he told me about the NJSA members he looked up to and respected.
I’m privileged to be a part of this group of youth who desire and seek to continually improve themselves and the people around them. I enjoyed watching the youth interact at the recent NJSS. It was amazing to watch some of the older kids reach out and work with the younger kids at this event. I get so caught up in managing every detail of the NJSS, that I often don’t get to see the “whole picture” until after the show is over.
I think I’ve figured out how the show ran so smoothly. I believe one of the big reasons is the talented youth serving as role models to the younger kids in our organization. Their examples are rubbing off. If you were one of those NJSA members who helped a younger member pen their gilt, find the room for the judging contest, or try a new event, I want to tell you thanks. This industry needs more people like you.
Look around. Whether you are six years old or 60, there is somebody out there that you can positively influence and somebody who can positively influence you. Take advantage of the unique gifts we all possess to better your own future.
