When I was a freshman in high school, I began competing in a few FFA
contests. One of them was dairy judging, where you evaluate dairy cattle based on udder
quality, frame, dairy strength, feet, and legs. Over the years, dairy judging helped me
grow both my knowledge of dairy cattle and my ability to speak confidently in front of
others. I was lucky to be coached by Mr. Glen Jones, a retired ag teacher, and Mr. Jim
Wildermuth, who took over after Mr. Jones when he retired.
I was always excited to learn and practice, especially when my friends were there with
me. One of my favorite memories was traveling with Jack and Riley to the All-American
Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for the national dairy judging contest. When we
arrived, we spent time practicing at a few local dairy farms. Afterward, we toured the
Hershey’s Chocolate Factory, and then went to the gift
shop, where my buddies and I bought some funny stuff. Riley bought a pair of socks,
Jack picked up a four-pound box of Jolly Ranchers, and I proudly carried out a four-
pound chocolate bar.
Later that night, after supper, I put my chocolate bar in the hotel freezer. But, that didn’t
last long. Jack decided the chocolate needed to be “tastefully broken in,” and body-slammed it with
his elbow on the hotel bed. Then Riley finished the job with a one-inch punch, just like a
martial arts master. The room was full of laughter…and chocolate pieces were everywhere.
Those are the moments that remind me how special these experiences were. The
friendships, the laughter, and the memories made along the way will always mean more
than any score or ribbon. I’m grateful to my coaches for giving me the chance to
experience all of it. At the end of the day, it’s about learning, growing, and remembering
to have fun along the journey.
Here’s a verse from the book of Proverbs
Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding – Proverbs 3:13
Stay Wismatic,
Jesus Santana
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