College Essay

Dressage “is the art or method of training a horse in obedience and in the precision of movement.” This is the sport I have been participating in for most of my life where perfection is the goal, but is never achieved.
I trained with my first instructor for 10 years and over that time she became not only my role model but also my mentor. She was everything I hoped to be, a talented rider who had trained with the Olympic team and someone who was able to turn what they loved into a life long career. As the years passed and I matured, her flaws became evident. Her lack of consistency and ongoing depression caused her business to suffer. I watched helplessly as someone I loved and spent everyday with dug herself into a hole she couldn’t get out of and ultimately tried to take her own life.
I was forced to make one of the toughest decisions of my young life. I had to choose between my dreams of competing at the highest-level verses what could potentially be the end of a decade long relationship with my friend but troubled trainer.
After weeks of contemplating what I should do, I made the decision to switch trainers. My new instructors were positive, encouraging, dedicated, skilled, and with their consistent teaching my scores began to improve drastically. That summer I won High Point Junior Champion and was the Pacific Northwest Regional Champion. Finally my goal of making it to the 2012 Junior Olympics in Kentucky seemed reachable.
Through making what I would consider the toughest decision of my life I’ve learned to trust myself to make the right choice. I had to chose between continuing to train with someone I loved or doing what would surely help me become a better rider and reach my dreams of making it to the 2012 Junior Olympics. After making my decision, having consistent coaching, and in response having a successful year on the show circuit my self-confidence soared. I also learned the importance of surrounding myself with positive influences. I didn’t...