I am currently attending the American Junior Simmental Association Junior National Classic. I have been going to these events since I was very little with my parents, and was very excited to begin competiting and showing. My first junior national was in 1998 in Columbus, Ohio. Sadly, last year, in 2009 I competed in my last junior event as an American Junior Simmental member.
This year I am attending as a spectator. Let me tell you, it is hard. For 11 years, my family and I attended events all over the United States, from Monroe, Louisiana to Fort Collins, Colorado. Not only do you get the chance to compete in the contests, exhibit your cattle, but you also get to meet a lot of great friends.
As a junior member, I always competed in everything. My dad didn't really ever give me a choice, but I loved it. So, you can imagine my dismay, as I am watching the juniors around me heading off to do Public Speaking and Showmanship and feeling a bit left out. I was asked to help with the Mentoring Mixer and a few juniors asked for my help with their Sales Talk. It made me feel very involved to be able to help.
Growing up is awkward and weird. I am very happy to be attending junior nationals with my husband, but it makes it very weird. Married, grown-up, no longer a junior. Though I don't mind not having to do the early show mornings and breaking down heifers.
No matter if I am a junior, adult, or hopefully one day a parent of a junior, I will always love attending these events no matter in what capacity!
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