Growing up showing livestock, I have learned so many valuable lessons I will carry around with me for the rest of my life. I spent most of my summers in my boots covered in sawdust. I was always at the barn working with my hogs. Now that my 10 years in the show ring is almost here, I can't help but think of how grateful I am for being a part of 4-H and all the livestock industry has done for me.

Thank you for teaching me to love early mornings.

It's so difficult for me to get up at 6 a.m. knowing my friends are sleeping in during their summer vacation. However, I get right up; I make my cup of coffee and head straight to the barn. I may need six cups of coffee for the day, but getting up every morning to see the sun rise and get greeted by sloppy pig kisses is so worth it.

Thank you for teaching me how to be responsible and hard working.

Learning to take care of multiple animals can be very time-consuming and difficult. The livestock industry has taught me how to follow through with my project and do the best I can. These are two lessons I can use for the rest of my life. I am so thankful I learned them at a young age.

SEE ALSO: A Thank You Letter To 4-H

Thank you for teaching me not to be afraid to get a little dirty, but to love the glitz and glam of show life as well.

Honestly, showing livestock is more of getting your boots dirty and animal poop on your jeans more than anything. But I am not afraid to get dirt under my pretty pink nails, chances are it's not the worst thing that has.

Thank you for giving me so many life-long friends.

I have made some great friends through showing livestock. Some from close by and others from far away. Sometimes we may get competitive in the show ring, but at the end of the day, we're all still friends. We all share a passion and love for this crazy lifestyle and I wouldn't want it any way.

Thank you for creating a bond between my family and me.

This is something I overlooked when I was younger, but as I grew older, I began to realize the bond I share with my step sisters and step dad over livestock. I grew up watching both my sisters show, and now I have that similar passion and drive to win. We spend all summer working hard. Sometimes we all get on each other's nerves, but I wouldn't want to be busting my butt with anyone else.

I look back on all the early mornings, late nights, and hard work that has taken place over the past 10 years. I couldn't be more thankful to be involved in such an amazing industry. When I was 9 years old, I would never imagined to fall in love with four-legged animal with a snout. I will miss the smell of fresh shavings and the sound of oinks from happy baby pigs. But I will especially miss the bond between a girl and her show pig.