School & Program
Emory & Henry College, Equine Studies   

Meadowridge Student Since
Grade 1

Tell us about your time at Meadowridge and the connections you’ve made.

It’s been a supportive and fun journey. Meadowridge has always been a secure and stable place for me, surrounded by my friends and teachers. The friends I’ve made here are truly my family. The neat thing about Meadowridge is that you pretty much get to be friends with everyone in your grade. We all know one another, we’re comfortable with each other and there’s not a single person that doesn’t get along with anyone.

What does it mean to you to be a Meadowridge Lifer? 

It makes me feel proud to be a Lifer. This experience has definitely shaped me and prepared me in aspects of my life. Being here since Grade 1 has made me a well-rounded student and appreciate other people and perspectives. Now that I’m leaving home, I feel more prepared and set to experience life.

What do you want to be remembered for as a Meadowridge student?

I want to be remembered for my kindness, for pushing the boundaries and taking risks. Whenever I can, I advocate not only for myself, but for others, especially on matters of mental health. I don’t shy away from difficult conversations. The DP is demanding, and I’ve always been a voice in ensuring our mental wellness is a priority.  

What will you always remember?

I’ll remember and miss all the trips we’ve been on and the environment here. Some of us have been friends for over 12 years. We’ve spent more time with our friends than we have with our own families, so I’ll miss seeing my friends the most.   

What are you looking forward to in the years ahead? 

Every time I think about the program I’m going to take; I get a big smile. I feel like I’m going to thrive next year because Equine Studies is suited perfectly for me and what I want to learn. I’m so excited to be learning more about horses and working with them. Because I’m so passionate about horses, I feel like I can’t really go wrong in a program where I get to work with horses every day.

I’m excited to start my program but will be more excited to see my friends again after some time apart. The good thing is, we’ve already planned out what the year will look like when we’re all at different schools in the US and in Canada. We have dates and places of when and where we’ll meet. Though I’m nervous about “new,” I will continue to prioritize my friends and have a support system in place. 

How did you make your decision on your program at Emory & Henry College? Any goals?    

I’ll be studying Equine Studies or Equine Business Management at Emory & Henry College in the States. I wanted to study business, but I also felt like I needed to do something with horses and animals. Animals have been a big part of my life. I’ve had chickens and even raised chicks in my bedroom, I have a cat, but I hold a special connection with horses. I’ve been riding since I was two and they’ve been my biggest supporters through my best and hardest days. A four-year business degree never sounded very appealing to me, but when my horseback riding trainer told me about the possibility of business with equine studies, I began researching it.

I found many programs in the States and felt Emory & Henry College had the best program for me. Out of everything and anything I’ve done, I feel most confident when I’m with horses or riding. I’m not certain yet about what I’ll do as a career, but I know I want to do something that I love. I would love to open an animal rescue or sanctuary one day.

Any parting words of wisdom for our Meadowridge Community? 

I always say to “wear your heart on your sleeve.” Being kind, spreading kindness, and being you are the most important things you can do. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself or for others. IB and The DP are challenging, but sometimes you also need to prioritize yourself over academics. Not going into a conventional field doesn’t mean you’re not going to be successful. If you do what you love and what you want to do, and not because someone else thinks it’s best for you, you won’t regret it.