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As kids, we are often told to try new things, whether it be a new food, a new activity or a new sport.

Starting something new is supposed to be an opportunity to expand your horizons, see what you’re good at or enjoy, and learn from your mistakes. Even into our adult lives, trying new things is a great way to continue learning, but sometimes as adults I feel like we are more intimidated to say “yes” than when we were kids. Although the initial “yes” can be intimidating, it often opens new doors that lead to new relationships in the community and new experiences to add to your resume.

Two years ago, I said “yes” to something that made me nervous and maybe even afraid to try “professionally,” but ended up being one of the best “yeses” in my adult career. I agreed to a dairy judging opportunity at a midsized county fair. Little did I know at the time, but this daylong judging event taught me so many life lessons and helped build character all while I was leading by example and even teaching the kids during showmanship judging.

As a 10-year dairy 4-H member, with even more years of showing dairy cattle, I was a member of my county 4-H judging team. I competed at various events and enjoyed judging, but never really pursued it more than at the county and state level in 4-H. It was something that I deemed as fun, but never gave any thought to doing as an adult. Even though I thoroughly enjoy showing dairy cattle and take great interest in what the judge says and does, I never thought of being a judge at a show.

It was not until I was recommended by a mutual friend in the dairy industry to judge this show that I really decided to take a leap into something that made me afraid, but I knew that I was fully capable of doing.

Leading up to the show, I didn’t really give it much thought, but when the time came for the show to begin, I stepped into the arena with the attitude that I would do my best in placing the cattle how I saw them in that moment, based off my knowledge of dairy cattle and each breed and their own unique characteristics. All in all, I was just as qualified as any other individual to serve the role. That said, I just needed to believe in myself and give myself some grace as it was my first time judging.

At the end of the day, I would call it a success. Being able to talk about the cattle that day how I saw them and having the leadsman be able to follow my reasons as to why I placed them the way that I did was a win for me. Not only did I hear positive feedback, but as a result I was asked to judge the subsequent year.

Are there things that I would like to go back and change or perfect? Absolutely. But, at the end of the day, I feel that by saying “yes” to this unique opportunity and using the skills and knowledge that I have gained over the years in the industry, I was able to honestly be in the center of the ring, reading cattle how I thought that they would best show themselves and perform in the barn back home, and give the owner an honest set of reasons.

With that, I highly encourage any person to say “yes” to any given opportunity that you have. If it aligns with your beliefs and goals in life, then why not? There are so many wonderful chances to try new things and learn new skills, or even broaden and perfect our current skill set, but the only way to do so is to take a chance and try something new.

It is so easy to get stuck in our everyday routine, and often change can be a deterrent, but being open minded can in turn result in so much more in life. That simple “yes” can lead to new places, new people, new accomplishments and ultimately a better us!

Submitted by Julie Holler McCormick, a member of the Trumbull County Farm Bureau Board of Trustees.

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.