From the hand-me-down Showpig.com shirt that I wore to look cool and fit in, to the collection of attire that served as a uniform this summer; who could have known, one shirt could spark a ten-year passion and drive?

To go back in time a bit, at eight years old, I received a green and blue Showpig.com t-shirt—my first ever pig-themed shirt. I wore it everywhere, eager for everyone to know I was part of the show pig community. Whether it was the curious looks I got at my large city school or the pride I felt belonging to this community, my determination to be part of the livestock industry grew. Now, as I prepare to graduate college two years early, I’ve worked tirelessly to put myself on the fast track to a career with a company like Showpig.com, who intimately serves the people of the livestock industry.

Since finishing my internship, I’ve been in a constant state of reflection on the experience. This reflection is often sparked by common questions from others. What was it like? What did you learn? What was your favorite part? All great questions, but ones that just ask for the surface level of my experience. To dig deeper, requires questions like: Which experiences fueled your passion for this industry? How has this journey impacted your life? What challenges did you face along the way? My answer to all these questions would be strongly tied to the PEOPLE I was blessed with on my intern journey.

The impact of great people all started on day one. Starting a new job can be intimidating, especially when it’s with the company that initiated your drive to be in the industry at age eight! However, the moment I walked through the door on that first day, I just knew it would all be a once in a lifetime experience. The first person who impacted my experience was Michelle Scholl, the Customer Experience Specialist. Her enthusiasm, support, and nurturing attitude set the tone for the entire summer. She was a reflection of my initial impression of the company as a whole, and the adjectives I used to describe Michelle that day, I would still use to describe the company today.  

It was later in my first week that another person would greatly impact my outlook on life and finding my place in this business. That personal interaction was with Megan Wendt. When you find yourself in a room with the owner on your first week, your first reaction is to take notes and dive in, documenting everything THEY say. However, to my surprise, my first experience with Megan was quite different. Rather than being lectured, Megan connected with me on a personal level and asked why I wanted to be there. I immediately resonated with her story and the dedication she and Kevin poured into building Showpig.com. Through sharing her story and personal advice, she helped me pinpoint my passion and my WHY. Ultimately this helped me realize the importance of trusting that every experience will help me grow as a person, if I allow it too, even the unexpected experiences. .

Megan’s teaching taught me that no matter your background, if you have a passion for this business, you can find your place, a message that strongly resonated with me. My journey in the agriculture industry has been anything but conventional. My parents didn’t own a farm or land until I was eight years old, and my initial exposure to agriculture and swine came from weekends spent showing at jackpot shows with my uncle and grandpa. When it was time to choose a college major, I knew I wanted to commit my life to the agriculture industry, driven by my experiences and passions. While I wasn’t interested in becoming a veterinarian or specializing in crops, I was developing a love for social media and even dreamed of being an “influencer” (I still chuckle at my old YouTube page). When agriculture communications came onto my radar, I immediately felt it was the right fit for me. This past summer, I utilized every aspect of my degree, and one of the most influential people I met was Ashley Wagner. Every meeting with her felt like a joyful experience, and she generously shared her passion for social media and marketing. To this day, I aspire to be “an Ashley.” Her dedication to her work and her enthusiasm have fueled my passion and excitement for the future.

While Megan fueled my personal development and Ashley fueled my passion for marketing and communications, it was the hands-on experiences that tied all the elements of my internship together. There’s no doubt that this internship involved a lot of travel, and the weeks on the road pushed my brain to a level of fatigue I’d never experienced before. But, I was fortunate to have Jackie Lackey and Ellen Knauth by my side, constantly challenging me to think creatively and generate new ideas. While I sometimes got frustrated with having to edit a blog or post multiple times, I know I wouldn’t be as skilled as I am today without their guidance. Their constructive feedback encouraged me to explore new perspectives and refine my abilities. I truly appreciate how they fostered a space for growth, empowering me to take ownership of my projects and express my thoughts with confidence. Their support has not only deepened my knowledge but also ignited my passion for innovation in the agriculture industry. After traveling and meeting numerous breeders and educators this summer, I’m confident that no matter where I end up in the agriculture industry, I will come away with valuable experiences and greater passion

When I arrived on site for this internship, I was equipped with a passion for social media, some amateur photography skills, and a positive attitude. But as I reflect on what I left with - it is so much more than those initial skills. This summer has been one of the best experiences of my life. From the endless life and professional skills to the countless times Kiley dropped her phone and our many Starbucks runs to discovering a new love for Topgolf, and all the laughs in between, it’s been invaluable and fantastic. As someone transitioning out of the show ring, this was the perfect opportunity to take my first steps into the next chapter of my life. My story and experiences are an example of how Showpig.com is genuinely dedicated to supporting both the kids and the breeders in our community. From t-shirts to life lessons, Showpig.com has fueled my passion for the industry and deepened love for agriculture.