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 realize it at the time but I had been in the middle of constant drama, a failing business, and a trainer suffering from depression. Not only was none of this going to help me get where I wanted but it was exhausting and stressful just being in that environment. One of the most surprising yet fulfilling outcomes of this decision was in the end I was able to continue to have a relationship with my old mentor. Being honest with her and myself has had a positive impact on both our lives. My goals are within reach and I noticed she is trying hard to be more consistent and optimistic with her remaining students. Having such rewarding results from this decision has given me the confidence to make the right choice for myself even though it may seem difficult at the time.