Junior Column
The “Show Family”
By Callie Hicks, NALJA vice president
Growing up in the show world there
are individuals that are your second
moms and dads, an extra set of hands
in the stalls, or a given babysitter for
younger kids. This is what many call
our show family. It’s the set of people
you cannot imagine being without at
a show. Whether it is your local county
show friends, or those all the way
across the nation, these connections
tend to be the most important. In the
future your show family may help find
your next animal, or your next job.
The most important thing our show
families give us is constant support and
encouragement. However, for those that
are like me getting older is sad. Certain
members of your show family start to
age out or merge into other breeds. But
events like the National Junior Limousin
Show and Congress allow for the show
family to expand constantly. Thankfully,
I have been fortunate enough to keep
adding to my show family throughout
the years. With each new year at Junior
Nationals we meet new people that
become part of our family and each
year the parting of ways at the end of
junior nationals doesn’t get any easier.
However, the goodbye is not for long
and is simply an I’ll see you again. These
shows and show families can be the
gateway to a future within the industry.
My show family has given me a passion
for photography and the constant
encouragement to pursue this passion.
I encourage you to make connections
throughout your time within the cattle
industry and keep those connections
as you progress in life. For those of
you who are aging out, show those
younger members of your show family
the support and encouragement
they need. Always remember,
there is someone somewhere who
looks up to you, make sure you are
setting the right example. I
NALJA Board of Directors
President: Ethan Freund, CO
[email protected]
303-502-4605
Vice President: Callie Hicks, KY
[email protected]
859-699-3893
Secretary: Randa Taylor, TX
[email protected]
817-504-6927
Treasurer: Dominic Ruppert, IL
[email protected]
217-254-2558
Director: Katie Hurt, KY
[email protected]
859-475-7510
Director: Aaron Linhart, IA
[email protected]
641-414-5060
Director: Lindsey Gulotta, LA
[email protected]
985-351-7674
Director: Hannah Ziegler, OH
[email protected]
419-618-2441
Director: Brooke Falk, KS
[email protected]
785-817-2214
Staff Advisor: Katie Campbell
[email protected], 913-683-1415
40 | AUGUST 2018