4 minute read
The Harder We Work, The Luckier We Get
The Harder We Work, The Luckier We Get
It is no secret life is full of surprises. The twists and turns, the highs and lows. In the livestock industry, that seems to prove particularly true. With seasons of success come seasons of hardship. But, amidst all of the inevitable change and fluctuation, one thing has remained constant in the life of Kingfisher senior, Myka Elliott: “The harder we work, the luckier we get.”
This quote has been a staple in her show barn all throughout her career. Residing above the barn door, Elliott says this simple saying has shaped her mindset and show experience since the day it was put into place.
“It’s just engrained itself in my brain,” Elliott said. “In all areas of my life, those words have stuck with me and reminded me of the importance and value of working hard.”
Having been raised on a club lamb and ewe operation in Calumet, Oklahoma, Elliott said her character, passions and life experiences have been molded by her involvement in the livestock and agriculture industries.
To Elliott, and countless others active in the Junior Livestock Show Program, it’s this industry that has helped her to become the person she is while simultaneously teaching her invaluable lessons and skills she is sure to carry with her forever, she said.
Today, with many shows and years of experience under her belt, Elliott is a senior at Kingfisher High School. With her mind set on finishing her final year of competing in the ring strong, Elliott said she is putting her best foot forward and working hard inside and outside of the barn.
“These moments of ending are the most special to me because they matter the most,” Elliott said. “Though I am aiming for success, it’s not about the banners at the end of the day, but more so about the memories that are made along the way,” she added.
One of the final times she will be given the opportunity to step into the showring is one she is looking forward to most: the 2024 Oklahoma Youth Expo.
As she prepares to get her three wether lambs ready for OYE, Elliott said she is focusing on being as consistent as possible. From consistency in ensuring animal health, to wrapping legs and exercising, to consistently putting forth her best effort, this challenge is one she is gladly taking on.
Her 2024 show goal is to secure a coveted spot in the OYE Grand Drive.
“As I approach the end of my show career, I think this final year of OYE I will be striving to make it into the limo and have that feeling of, ‘oh my gosh, this is it,’” Elliott said through a smile.
Having shown in the OYE Grand Drive already, Elliott said it is a feeling she will never forget. In fact, it’s a feeling she often reflects on for motivation to keep progressing onward with her projects, she said.
“Going to OYE last year, I think it was the hardest I ever worked with my lambs,” Elliott said. “Being awarded the title of Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb at the 2022
OYE was certainly an eye-opening experience, and having my sisters on the sidelines makes me emotional to think about because it was an exhilarating experience,” she added with a grin.
With high hopes to enjoy every last moment still to come in the final stretch of her senior show season, Elliott said she is eager to see what’s in store and to show others her truth: The harder we work, the luckier we get.
– Written by Emile Mittelstaedt
