Championdrive.com is pleased to present this week's “Beyond the Winners Circle” featuring Danika Herod from Lubbock, Texas. We invite you to read our interview with Danika below. Please continue to check back weekly for our next edition of “Beyond the Winners Circle”. 
Where do you live?
I currently live in Lubbock, Texas. I am originally from Barry, Texas which is 60 miles south of Dallas,Texas.
College/Major?
I received my Bachelor's degree in nursing at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. I am currently enrolled in the Masters Program for Nurse Administration at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center and will graduate in December 2012.
What is your job/career?
I am a registered nurse and currently work in the pediatric intensive care unit at University Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas.
Has showing impacted your career?
Showing has impacted my career in many ways believe it or not. Throughout my show career I learned many valuable lessons such as time management, responsibility and leadership skills. Each of these I use in my everyday work life as they are all needed to be a good nurse. Having met many people across the state has allowed me to recognize and have connections with several patients.
 What do you feel your biggest accomplishment is thus far?
My biggest accomplishment thus far would be obtaining my Bachelor's degree in Nursing. This was a goal of mine that I reached at an early age, and I am very proud of myself. This achievement would not have been possible without the support group I have and the many lessons I have learned throughout my life; many of those being on the road at livestock shows.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I see myself living in Dallas, working as a manager in the pediatric ICU at Medical City. I hope to be married with 2 children, one of which I hope to be almost to the age of being able to show. I want to have built a home and raising livestock on several acres.
What was your favorite show? Why?
My all time favorite show is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I enjoy the atmosphere at this show and how involved my family is. I remember when Houston started at Rosenberg; we never knew what the weather would be like. I remember having to pack everything up to get ready for the long haul. The excitement for me was the sift. It was nail biting waiting to see if you would be one of the lucky ones to make it to the big dome, aka Houston. It was a sad moment putting your sheep on the truck, but It sure was exciting to load everything back up and head on to Houston!
What was your favorite lamb you showed? Why?
My favorite lamb was named Pretty Girl. She was my showmanship sheep when I was 10 years old. Her and I fit together very well. I knew her moves and she knew mine. I was fortunate to have a lamb that showed that well for me and who was also competitive. That year I won my first all around showmanship for TCLA….Super exciting!
Another favorite animal of mine was Snickerdoodle. This hamp was a beast. He was one of the best lambs I ever showed as far as market goes. He was a trickster though, when we would get ready to drench him he would start this coughing fit. He would act like he was choking until we left the pen with the drench gun, and then he was fine. He also acted like he was hurt every morning when it was time for him to be exercised in the run pen. 6am rolled around and oh Snickerdoodle would be limping! When we were “through running” for the day he was just fine. Snickerdoodle allowed me to receive Reserve Champion Medium Wool at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
What did you enjoy the most about showing?
My most favorite thing about showing was the bond I formed with my family. My father, Jack Herod, is my best friend. Showing was our thing and we loved doing it together. Having my brother follow in my footsteps  and excel as he has makes me very happy. He has accomplished so much. Not only has showing made my family very close, but we have made many new friends along the way. No matter where we are, we can guarantee that our friends will be there. We have a group of about 25 that travels together, and they are just like family. I thank God for the show friends and family he has blessed me with.
What do you miss most about showing?
I miss the excitement. I miss getting to go out into the ring and know I had complete control of how well I showed. I miss the nervous feeling of walking into the grand champion drive, or the look I used to get from my father letting me know how proud he was of me. I am fortunate that I can still go and get excited from the other side of the fence as I cheer for my younger brother. This is his senior year, so it is all about to come to an end; not too sure how I am going to handle it.
If you could go back and do one thing over (showing wise), what would it be?
I would want to walk into the show ring at the Houston Livestock Show just one more time. I enjoyed everything I did, and wouldn't change any of it. It shaped me into the person I am, I just wish I could have one more shot at trying to win Houston.
Who helped you along the way the most?
I have to give all the credit to my father. He was my biggest fan, at the same time very fast to critique me. We shed many tears together and even more laughs and huge smiles. He is my hero!
What is a piece of advice for those looking to go into your career?
Strive for what you want. If you have a goal, stick to it. It is never fun nor easy on the journey, but as you look back you laugh and are thankful for all the hard work you put into it. Keep your grades up, and learn to juggle multiple tasks! Never let your expectations fall, hold standards high for yourself.
If you had two lambs in the grand drive, who would you get to show the other one?
My Brother of course! Trenton Herod would be the one to help me out and show the other sheep for me. He would do it willingly as I would for him. I trust he would do a great job because he is a good showman and just as competitive as his big sissy!
Thank you and best wishes Danika!
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