Harley Mackey

MSSA Scholarship Essay

            The Mountain States Stockdog Association has been such a blessing in my life. Having the opportunity to represent this Association as well as Steve Wight for two incredible years has grown myself and my horsemanship skills. Back in 2021, I had the opportunity to voluntarily work as royalty, which took on many tasks. I was expected to show up on time, fully ready to carry flags extremely early in the morning. After carrying flags for the opening ceremony, I was expected to work cattle all day long, following instructions from the cattle boss. This grew me by learning how to work as a team, learning to work under pressure, managing my time, putting in 110% effort in everything that was asked of me, and so much more. I learned to get into a rhythm to help things run smoothly and always looked for opportunities to help where I could. I was also tested with my horsemanship skills. I was asked by some friends if my sister and I would be willing to ride some of their young horses. This was a perfect opportunity to give their horses a chance to work hard for the second half of the day, as well as teaching myself and my sister how to be the calm and confident riders these young horses needed. This first experience was filled with so much fun and laughter.

            That next year in 2022, my sister and I were asked to come back, but as stock setters this time. I was so excited about this opportunity and the trust that this Association and Mr. Wight had in my sister and me. We were now asked to get up even earlier to help gather the cows, sort, and prepare them for long hard days. We were also asked to carry flags for the opening ceremonies. This experience was just as amazing as my first experience. I continued to learn more about myself and the expectations that I had to uphold for this Association, Mr. Wight, and my sister. I have grown so much physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually from these great opportunities that I have been blessed with. I will never forget or take advantage of the lessons and experiences that I have had during these two incredible years with MSSA.

            My plans after graduation are to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. I plan to attend Laramie County Community College and obtain my associate’s degree in nursing as well as obtaining an associate’s degree in business/marketing. I plan to rodeo for this college until I receive my degrees. Once I complete this, I plan to transfer to the University of Wyoming to obtain my bachelor’s degree in nursing. I plan to finish the rest of my college rodeo eligibility at the University of Wyoming. For college rodeo, I plan to make the College National Finals Rodeo all four years and hopefully receive the CNFR Champion Barrel Racing title at least once. I am still wanting to go to Texas at some point for school and rodeo but am not entirely sure if I will be able to make that happen. But for now, that is my plan after graduation. I am so grateful for the opportunities that MSSA have blessed me with and hope to represent this incredible association in the future.

What scholastic honors or distinctions have you received?

-Straight A’s at Laramie County Community College -Straight A’s at Odessa College -High School GPA 3.93 -Hathaway GPA 4.07 -Ranked 12 of 75 in Senior High School Class

Description of Financial Need (how will the funds be used)

If accepted for this scholarship, the funds would be used towards helping me pay for my Major in Nursing, as well as my Minor in Business/Marketing.

How are you affiliated with MSSA

I am affiliated with MSSA by working for them during 2021 as royalty and 2022 as a stock setter.