Jordan Elysse Puig, Region VIII Whatakid
Congratulations to the Whatakid of the month, Jordan Elysse Puig! The Laredo, Texas and Region 8 native attends John B. Alexander High School as a senior. She has been a member of the Texas High School Rodeo Association for three years and competes in the barrel racing with her horse
, Pancho. “He always has this calm, pleasant look in his eye and always nickers when I walk up to him,” Jordan said. “He puts his whole heart into each and every run, and I couldn’t ask for a better horse.”
Jordan has been a THSRA state qualifier each year she has competed in the association, and she explained how her favorite part about the organization is the competitive atmosphere. “Everyone shows up to every rodeo competing with the intent to win,” Jordan said. “I feel like the mutual desire to do our best and leave it all out in the arena pushes me to compete at my highest level.”
While her involvement in the THSRA is limited to three years, Jordan has been involved in the sport of rodeo since she was seven years old. She said over the course of her entire rodeo career, she has learned countless life lessons.
“Rodeo has taught me the value of hard work, since nothing worth working for comes easy; rodeo has taught me the importance of perseverance, for it matters more that you stand up after a fall than falling in the first place; and rodeo has taught me responsibility, being able to juggle horses and academics and other sports is a true talent that takes years to master,” Jordan explained.
It is fairly reasonable to say, rodeo kids aren’t quite like the rest. Jordan explained how another one of her favorite things about the rodeo world and the THSRA, specifically, is the uniqueness of the sport. “I feel that people who are involved in the world of rodeo are a different type of breed,” she said. “Their character exemplifies the values of the THSRA and the western world.” Jordan explained how she and others who rodeo are set apart by the values and lessons that are taught throughout rodeo, as well as, the atmosphere and the lessons that go along with it.
While there are numerous perks that accompany the sport, many families are aware sacrifices must be made in order to pursue a path on the rodeo trail; however, most are more than willing to do whatever it takes in pursuit of passion. Jordan and her family are no exception.
“The amount of time spent taking care of horses, practicing, and hauling to the next rodeo rodeo is much more than other sports,” Jordan said. “Like any other rodeo athlete, I have had to make some sacrifices… however, I believe the sport of rodeo is worth sacrificing for. I am eternally grateful for all of the lessons I have learned in that arena dirt; they are irreplaceable and an inseparable part of my identity.”
In addition to the experiences she has had in the arena, Jordan explained how her parents’ contributions over the years have also played a large role in shaping her identity. “My parents have been, and always will be, my heroes,” Jordan said. “I can never repay them for all of the sacrifices they have made and their endless support. Because of them, I am the person I am today.”
Upon graduation, Jordan plans to attend Texas A&M University Honors Program at Mays Business School, an honor only given to 85 out or 1,000 applicants. Once she completes her undergraduate studies, she plans to attend law school.
“It is an absolute honor to be chosen for this month’s Whatakid. I am extremely blessed to be a member of such an awesome region and I am eternally grateful for all of its support.” We wish nothing but the best for Jordan in all of her future endeavors!
