Miss American Angus | Speech | Archives
The Power of One
The power of one lies within all of us. It is exhibited by our choices and actions in every moment of every day. We can either embrace the power with its infinite possibilities or become victim to a lack of courage and drive.
As we examine and utilize the power we each possess, we must remember the words of Albert Einstein. “Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
We all have the power to impact the lives of others. The effortless act of kindness, such as a smile, will leave an impact unknown to size. The Power of One is the ability to be yourself while impacting those around you.
The distinct power I possess has been influenced by many different life experiences. I would like to take this time to share with you, exactly what power means to me. Power stands for Perseverance, Opportunity, Well-rounded, Enthusiasm, and Representative.
“P” equals Perseverance. It is the ability to overcome life’s obstacles. At the age of 12, I was diagnosed with Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease causing joint swelling and stiffness along with other complications. Although this has limited most of my physical activity, I have not allowed it to stop me from showing. My cattle are my therapists, and even on my worst days-when my whole body aches-I seek refuge in working with my cattle. My cattle keep me going and reinforce my perseverance. My doctor always says, she is the only doctor in the clinic who has cow pictures on her patient bulletin board.
“O” stands for Opportunity. It is the possibility to use your power to achieve great things. The opportunities the Angus association has given each of us are irreplaceable. The adult and junior associations, auxiliary, and foundation not only give us the chance to exhibit our cattle, but also provide opportunities to learn and grow. This is done through educational contests and conferences. I have learned the facts of Certified Angus Beef through participating in the cook-off contest, as a supremette, cow, biker, newscaster, or other characters. Undoubtedly, my knowledge grew each time I competed. My dad can count on me to help sell our cattle with my experience in team sales, and I have practiced my public speaking skills through the public speaking contest. At this moment, I am very glad I did. I improved my creativity through the poster and photography contests, and I learned many things about leadership and the industry through the LEAD conferences. I have benefited greatly from all of these opportunities and I am grateful that we, as juniors, are provided with numerous personal growth and career success avenues. The number one opportunity we all possess is the ability to educate individuals about our industry. A recent article in the Angus Journal stated that many people either know nothing or are misinformed about our industry. It is our responsibility as producers to raise awareness. As the article said, we know the most. But if we don’t educate the public, somebody will and we put accuracy at risk. Now is the time to seize all available opportunities.
“W” represents Well-Rounded. I am the woman you see here today because of the wonderful experiences I have enjoyed. I have excelled in academics maintaining a 4.0 GPA with advanced classes. In addition, I have served in various leadership positions including Michigan Junior Angus Association Director, treasurer and currently President. I was extremely fortunate to serve in a leadership position with Business Professionals of America, as state historian for the prestigious State Executive Council. I wore many shoes in high school as I served as a class officer, math team member, algebra tutor, and national honor society officer. With all of these activities, my favorite place to be STILL is the barn. This past summer, all the hard work we put into our cattle as a family reaped benefits when my brother and I were named Herdsmen of the Year at the All-American Angus Breeders Futurity. We were the youngest and first brother/sister duo to receive this award.
“E” is for Enthusiasm –. It is shown through a smile on your face when you’re doing what you love. My family and I possess much enthusiasm for Angus cattle. It’s not only the cattle we have a passion for, but also the industry. We not only go to shows to walk in the ring; we go to see the people, participate in events and expand our knowledge. All the while we are greatly enjoying ourselves. Nothing compares with the excitement of getting ready for a show. Spreading this excitement and enthusiasm to younger members will ensure the future success of the Angus industry. We must also show this enthusiasm when talking to those outside the industry because our enthusiasm will increase their confidence in our product.
“R” denotes Representative – I am a representative of my family, and my actions reflect on the ideals and principles which have been instilled in me. I also represent my community. I come from a small town in Southwest Michigan, and the support I have received through the years has been remarkable. I represent the various clubs I am a part of, and lastly, I represent the Angus associations. As a member, I have done my best to show the love and enthusiasm I have for Angus cattle.
The power I hold is represented by perseverance, opportunities, well-roundedness, enthusiasm, and all I represent.
Power is shown through our industry- The Angus industry. Since 1873 the growth of the industry has been continuous, not only in the number of cattle and members, but also in reputation and power. The power of the industry is presented through the Angus Advantage, which states, that high demand plus high-quality genetics and programs that transfer value from pasture to plate, give producers a product and the profit they desire. In order for the Angus Industry to possess its power, we as breeders must express our individual power – the power of one. Through expressing our power we will prove that Angus is the most powerful and best breed of beef!
Remember the Power of One; it only takes one hero to save the day, only one point to win the game, only one cow to win the show, and only one moment to change your life. I do not need to look any further than this moment to prove that one moment can change your life. It is wonderful to be one of the scholarship winners and have this opportunity to pursue this goal and dream.
I cannot wait to see how the industry continues to use their power and how each individual contributes. Remember, as one individual we can accomplish great things but as one industry the possibilities are endless.
Thank you.
