The Junior’s Perspective – Junior (Judges’?) Perspective

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272 – March, 2024

By Jessica Braatz

Stepping out of the juniors’ ring at eighteen, I found myself facing an unexpected twist in my journey. For nine years, competing in junior showmanship had given me a clear purpose and direction, but suddenly, the world was my oyster. What to do with my newfound freedom? How involved did I still want to be while in college? This was my big opportunity to flee from our sport and never look back! Of course, I couldn’t do that. No matter how big the ups or downs, I always found my way back. When considering how fundamental junior showmanship was in my journey, the decision became clear: it was time to return to the junior’s ring, but this time from the center.

Acquiring my judging license was easier than I expected, challenging, but not prohibitively so. I found the process very user-friendly and inexpensive while also thorough. I will say, though, the exam is not for the faint of heart! The entire process took me less than six months, making it the perfect introduction to the world of judging, and a new way to give back to our sport. And before I knew it, I had an upcoming assignment.

At first, I wasn’t sure if I would like to judge very much. The idea of having the final say of the day and awarding my best junior was daunting. There is so much power in that ribbon. While many kids have won dozens, others hope desperately every day to return home with their first pink and green victory. I’ve found that just one of them creates an unstoppable snowball, instilling confidence in an already talented individual. The first best junior is an uphill battle–the rest are a marathon.

For my first assignment, I wasn’t quite sure where to get my book; somehow forgot that I needed a judge’s badge, and my hands trembled as I wrote down the start time. I gave my first set of instructions shakily, stumbling over the words as they tumbled out of my mouth. By Open Senior, though, I gave my directions with a newfound comfort and determination. Gradually, I became more comfortable and my anxiety changed to something else–purpose. As a junior showmanship judge, I have the power to directly influence the lives of the younger generation, and I hope to be one of those great judges who was fundamental to me.

Click here to read the complete article
272 – March, 2024

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