What happens to working students with a work ethic? Have you ever met someone who outworks everyone around the and who never seems to tire? Just keeps working as others fall by the wayside? So focused on getting the job done that others just fall away, unable to keep up the marathon pace?
That's Yvonne Barteau.
I met Yvonne when I was 22. I had a certain level of experience, a lot of imagination, and determination, but not much education. Yvonne took me on as a student, taught me the basics, and gave me the opportunity. The only conditions were to work hard, don't quit, be honest, and be loyal. And yes, I was exhausted trying to keep up. I was a skinny no nothing kid who craved opportunity. But in the horse industry no money, no horse, and no experience usually equals no opportunity. Yvonne has never colored inside the lines in her training or her drive. She would mentor a working student and in a few years teach them to bronze and silver medals on quirky horses.
Me? I learned to be a colt starter and commercial farm manager, the best job ever. Now I'm circling back around getting help from my friend and mentor of 27 years, Yvonne Barteau. Who, as it turns out, can still outwork me hands down. She is tenacious to the end. If you want to learn a work ethic, give her a year or more of your life as a working student. Work hard. Be loyal. Swallow your pride. Eat some dirt and humble pie. You will be better at it at the other end because you will know how to show up for the job early, work until late, learn all day long, and achieve well past your dreams.
Yvonne dreams for you too. When you do well she will look at you as if to say "I never had any doubts." If you do poorly, "Well it's just more work."
