Agriculture has always been the foundation of my life—it’s not just what I do, but who I am. Growing up on our family farm,I spent my days working in the hay fields and tending to cattle, gaining hands-on experience that deepened my appreciation for the industry. I am proud to be the fifth generation of our family, living on this beautiful piece of land. I’ve always known that my future would be rooted in agriculture because it’s more than a career path—it’s the backbone of our world. My passion for the cattle industry extends beyond the commercial side—I am truly dedicated to the world of show cattle. I have been attending livestock shows since I was just six weeks old, and I can’t imagine ever stepping away from them. Showing cattle has opened incredible doors for me, allowing me to travel across the country, build connections with some of the most respected cattle operations in the U.S., and proudly represent the Shorthorn breed as a state director at numerous events. The greatest gift is the time spent with my immediate family and the lifelong friendships I have formed—a second family that I treasure. While I love the show side of the industry, my dad and grandpa always kept me grounded, reminding me that commercial cattle are the backbone of agriculture—the "real cattle," as they say. Many kids my age dread hard work, but I thrive on it. Some think I’m crazy for missing so much school to attend livestock shows, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. To me, success isn’t just measured in grades—it’s found in the dedication, discipline, and passion I bring to both my education and the cattle industry. In the fall of 2025, I will begin my journey at Oklahoma State University, pursuing a degree in Animal Science with a focus on Production. While in college, I plan to work at one of the many prestigious show cattle operations in the Stillwater area, where I can gain hands-on experience, expand my knowledge, and build valuable industry connections. This past summer, while attending the Texas A&M Beef Short Course, I developed a deep fascination with genetics and the cutting-edge advancements in cattle reproduction. My dream is to become an embryologist, but my grandfather has always hoped I would become a large animal veterinarian. He has been my greatest mentor, teaching me everything he knows about cattle, farming, and running an operation. He knows my passion for agriculture is unmatched, and he trusts me to continue what he spent a lifetime building. Because of him, I am seriously considering veterinary medicine, not only to honor his wishes but also to serve a critical need in our community, where large animal vets are scarce. No matter which path I take, I know my goals and future will be dedicated to the industry that has shaped me—ensuring its success for generations to come.