Some seasons of life require you to wear a lot of hats. Student. Entrepreneur. Mom to a beautiful boy on the spectrum. Wife. Dog mom. And during this time of year… proud volunteer for HLSR. When my shifts come up, I’m on my feet 8–10 hours a day serving on two committees. It’s long days, dusty boots, and yes… the smell of cow patties that doesn’t bother me anymore. But it also means the smell of hay, BBQ in the air, and the feeling of another successful rodeo season. This experience is something I truly love because every year I meet new people and hear their stories. Farmers. Livestock handlers. Cowboys and cowgirls. Families who dedicate their entire year to raising and caring for their animals. Some of these kids sleep in tents beside their animals. Some wake up at 3AM to prepare. Some spend months working toward just a few minutes in the show ring. It’s commitment. It’s sacrifice. It’s pride. Being part of this each year humbles me more than people realize. I come home with...