You know, sometimes when you are the older sibling you are expected to be the one with all the answers, but I am not. And you know, it's a lot of pressure having younger eyes watching your moves. I know she was there observing the way I shot free throws, hypnotized when I sing karaoke and the love I feel when she cheers me on from the sidelines at every horse show. I noticed this because, one, I'm extremely jealous of her ocean blue colored eyes and, two, she's observant because she wants to better herself, always trying "to make the best better."
My sister, Josephine, Joey as I call her is one heck of a sister, probably the best one there is. I know she knows that I think she's a "pain" in my ass, donkey I mean. But what she doesn't know is that I also admire her.
Not only is Joey smart, but she is so well versed. Which I believe is a necessary quality of a leader. Leaders don't always lead from the front. Sometimes a #trueleader steps back or even just to the side. She knows when and how to aid different groups and how to deal with different situations.
4-H has been a part of our family's life for ages and I can easily say it has shaped not only myself but also my sister into the people we are today. Last October, Josephine held an AG Day on our family farm and invited 4-H'ers from the urban part of our county to the event. The children learned about all the livestock my sister shows. They were introduced to the idea of bio security which she had learned about at the Purdue workshops the summer before. Her leadership skills opened a new horizon for children who are the not able to experience farm life on the daily.
To be completely honest, I have a jealousy over my sister. She is three-and-a-half years younger than me but can out 'fact' me any day about the animals we raise. However no one notices this because she is so humble about how intelligent she is. But get her going on cow body parts, the secrets of a pig shower, and boer goat reproduction and she will talk to you for hours. She represents a #trueleader by her wisdom and knowledge. I would use her for my "phone a friend" on any given day. 4-H has guided her into her passion and with such self-motivation I know she will go far!
Josephine is not only a leader with her younger peers, her friends, and myself but also to the animals themselves. Every year people at the fair, complete strangers, will ask "oh aren't you scared the cow will run off with you," or "the horse will step on you," or the "pig will bite you," and like most 4-H kids know, the answer to all of those questions is no. My sister shows horses, goats, steers and pigs on a competitive show circuit. Another trait of her leadership, time management. She shows all those animals and does well with them. Reserve champion horsemanship, Grand Champion Goat, Champion steer...the list goes on and on with this kid.
By no means does my family spend 10's of 1000's of dollars on our animals, but Joey still does well and I believe it's because of her showmanship in the ring. She sets an example on how to be moral in a competitive world. She gives space in the horse arena, she stays out of the judge's way and replies, "yes sir," or "ma'am." All of these respectable traits show her true character in the ring and the one that gets me every time, no matter what placing she gets, she shakes not only the judges hand but everyone's in her class and says, "Good Job."
Joey is quick to jump in and lend a hand. For three of my 4-H years she had a broken wrist on three separate occasions. Her fellow Lake County 4-H'ers didn't think twice about helping her get the rabbit on the judges table, the pig to the wash rack, or the hay to the horse. I believe because of this, Joey repays her friends with her labor. During our county fair she can never be found on the carnival rides or buying elephant ears. The kid is in the barn primping and prepping her animals. When she gets done with hers she moves down the line to help the next person. She gives showmanship lessons to younger 4-H'ers, helps wash and move pigs to their pens and I have even caught her brushing the mane and tail of my very own horse. Whether she is handing out ribbons all dolled up as the 4-H Ambassador Queen or lounging in her sweats, she is always the "go to girl" when in need of assistance.
Man, I'm getting choked up...who would've thought that the little pest that stole clothes from my closet, the shotgun rider to every destination I had would become such a wonderful leader. Lake County 4-H is honored to have a sincere and kind 4-H'er in their works. Now I might be a little bias in my judgement of who my favorite junior in high school Saddle & Spurs 4-H'er is but that's fine by me. I recently have left the nest and don't nearly see my best friend as much as I used too. However in some ways I like it because I see a significant growth in Joey's character, citizenship, and leadership skills every time I come home.
Joey, I love being your older sister. You have a wit about you that can make anyone laugh. You are strong, independent and smart. I can't wait to see what awesome things you will do in 20 years down the road. I know you probably think this is lame, but hopefully you get something out of it. And if anything I hope you realize there are little eyes watching and admiring you, so stay humble, smile always, and keep reaching your goals. I think you are just the greatest and JoJo Mare, you are the definition of a #trueleader and I am proud to be your sister!
