08/05/2026
Eight years ago, I captured this video of my kids looking at goats with so much curiosity and wonder. They were drawn to the animals in a way that was hard to explain. You could see the love and connection they had, even before they ever had the chance to raise, care for, or show livestock.
At that time, I never imagined this would become our reality. We didn’t have the financial means, the resources, or even a clear path to get started. Showing livestock felt like something that belonged to other people — families who already had the experience, the connections, the equipment, and the knowledge. It felt so far out of reach for us.
I also remember feeling like I didn’t see many families who looked like ours in the show ring. As a Hispanic family, I rarely saw other families like us showing livestock, and because of that, I didn’t always know if this was something we could truly make happen. I wondered if we belonged, if we had what it took, and if my kids would ever get the opportunity to experience something they loved so naturally.
But I made my kids a promise. I told them that someday, somehow, I would find a way. I didn’t know how long it would take, how much work it would require, or what obstacles we would have to overcome — but I knew their love for these animals was real, and I wanted to give them the chance to follow that passion.
It wasn’t an overnight journey. It took sacrifices, learning, hard work, and stepping outside of our comfort zone. We had to ask questions, learn from others, and sometimes walk into spaces where we felt like beginners. There were moments of doubt and moments where I wondered if we were really going to get there.
But here we are.
Those same kids who once stood quietly watching goats are now raising animals, learning responsibility, building confidence, and creating memories they will carry forever. They’ve learned that you don’t have to come from a certain background, have a certain last name, or start with everything already in place to make your dreams happen.
Sometimes you just need a dream, a promise, and the determination to keep going.
I’m so proud of how far we’ve come. This journey has been about so much more than livestock — it’s been about showing my kids that they belong, that hard work opens doors, and that they can create a place for themselves even when they don’t see many people like them doing it yet. ❤️🐐
