True Excellence & Entering the Next Chapter

When I think back on what first drew me to Houghton, I immediately think of the equestrian and London Honors programs. I was drawn to the opportunity to be challenged academically while also pursuing my passion for horses in a setting committed to faith and excellence. During my first visit, I was struck by the professionalism, kindness, and strong sense of community within the equestrian program, and that made a lasting impression on me.

At Houghton, I double majored in equestrian performance and business administration, with a minor in equine therapies. More than anything, my time there taught me the value of hard work, community, and pursuing excellence with humility. The equestrian program challenged me to grow in both skill and character and gave me mentors and friendships that continue to shape me. I still remember conversations with Professor Larissa (Strappello ’08) Ries, while I was serving as a teaching assistant in the equine program, about the best ways to challenge and coach newer students in their riding.

The friendships I formed at Houghton have remained one of the most lasting gifts of my time there. Even now, close friends such as Eileen Goodge ’24 continue to be a steady source of encouragement and community, despite living several states away. Through those relationships and experiences, I learned to work hard, love others well, and better see the beauty of God’s creation.

Today, I serve as the Volunteer Coordinator at Cloverleaf Equine Center, in Union Mill, Virginia, where I help coordinate over 120 volunteers each week in a therapeutic equine environment. My equestrian background equipped me teach volunteers about horses, safety, and the care required in this setting, but it also continues to shape the way I lead and encourage others. Houghton taught me that true excellence is not just about technical skill, but about patience, consistency, and the ability to bring out the best in others—lessons I now rely on every day in volunteer coordination.

I remain grateful for the way Houghton strengthened my faith, deepened my love for both horses and people, and prepared me for work that feels deeply meaningful.

Gratitude is the first thing I think of when reflecting on my time at Houghton University. Like many others, I was an eager and excited freshman who looked forward to beginning my undergraduate education. I especially looked forward to starting my equestrian classes. God planted a love for horses in my heart from a very early age, so it was a dream come true to be able to pursue a career with them through the University’s equestrian program.

There have been many parts of the equestrian program that have helped prepare me to enter the equestrian industry with confidence, especially since I did not enter school with a lot of prior equine knowledge. From the classes to working on farm maintenance and chore crew to being a teaching assistant (TA), I have appreciated the wide variety of learning opportunities. One class in particular, Equestrian Pedagogy Methods taught by Professor Larissa (Strappello ’08) Ries, prepared me for my summer internship, where I had the opportunity to teach a lot. The class helped me broaden my riding knowledge and skills, as well as developed me as an instructor. Another opportunity that helped me feel confident heading into my internship was working at the University’s equestrian summer camp. This was my first experience as a camp counselor and riding instructor, so it was nice to have a safe environment where I could grow and learn before stepping into an internship position.

From the beginning, my internship experience was a testament to how God moves and provides in life. I filled out the application for working at Windwalker Farms, a small, Christian, family-owned barn in Fenton, Michigan during Thanksgiving break. The following morning, I received an email from one of the owners expressing their interest in me joining their team. I excitedly accepted. At the end of the summer, I learned that the same night I filled out the application, the owners were actively praying and looking for a college to reach out to about bringing in a student. I was the first out-of-state intern they hosted and am returning there after I graduate this summer as a full-time assistant barn manager.

Along with the equestrian program, my educational experiences as a whole have equipped me for post-graduation life not only as an equine professional, but also as a well-rounded Christian scholar-servant. Everything from the London Honors program to the business and theology classes to the art and science classes has helped me gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world around me. Over the course of four years, I’ve come to realize what a Christian liberal arts education means. It is about preparation for interacting with the world with an open mind, thinking critically about the situations and ideas I encounter, and understanding the things around me from various perspectives. It has expanded my skills and knowledge in ways I would not have otherwise had the opportunity to grow.

As this chapter of my life comes to an end, I am thankful for the friends and memories I have made, the classes and professors (and horses) who taught me, and the God who provided it all. I cannot wait to see where He continues to lead me as I enter the next chapter.