Ranch Boy City Boy Sheldon Kernodle

“Hey Sheldon, did you clean the horse pens yet?” Few people hear this question on an average basis. For me, however, it's something I hear very often--but, at the same time, it is only one aspect of my life. Many people think of me more as a city boy because of how I act and what I wear. What they don’t know is that, when I go home, I’m known as the ranch boy. Being two different types of people helped shaped who I am today. It has given me experience in different aspects of everyday life.

I was born and raised as a ranch boy in Sandpoint, Idaho, a small town with many types of people and personalities. I live on a large family ranch of about 400 acres where we raise cattle, horses, chickens and other farm animals. My neighbors include my cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents; since they live only a couple miles away, it isn’t rare to see them passing by or for them visit us every once in a while.

Life on a ranch is hard work. On the farm there is always work to be done, but the key phrase my family uses is “Work now, play later.” That phrase gave me the work ethic I have. It pushed me to realize that if you work hard, accomplish all of your goals, and finish what you started, then after that you can enjoy your life with...