The HorseWhisperer

Why did you choose to come to WVU?

I came to WVU because of the equine department. It was unlike anywhere else that I looked into because it was the only university that offered more than just a track for vet school. I felt like I had options here, and that was the most attractive quality to me.

Why is WVU special to you?

WVU is special to me because I grew up exponentially here. I was the girl who couldn’t stay overnight anywhere without needing my mom to pick me up in the middle of the night, and then I came to school five hours away and that wasn’t an option anymore. I faced things here that I thought were the end of the world and also had some of my greatest triumphs here. I learned so much about myself and met some of the most amazing people that I wouldn’t trade for the world. There are no words to describe how thankful I am for this university and the decision my 17-year-old self made to spend four years here.

What's your favorite class you've taken at WVU?

All of the horse classes I have taken here have been amazing, but my favorite of all was the Ireland Horse Industry Tour that I went on this summer. We toured Ireland, going to some of the biggest thoroughbred breeding farms and also had plenty of cultural experiences as well. I also am pursuing an internship at one of the farms we visited, so fingers crossed — maybe I’ll be going back after graduation!

Who has been your favorite professor so far?

Crystal Smith has been my favorite professor by far. She has been my teacher for all of the equine classes and is my adviser as well as my boss at the Reedsville Farm. Crystal has an unlimited knowledge bank and always has the best advice — educational or otherwise. She has been essential in my time here and also for my future, and I can’t thank her enough.

What’s the most challenging course you took?

The most challenging course for me has been chemistry. I put if off until the last minute.

What class did you learn the most from?

I learned the most from the Careers in the Equine Industry class. We did sample resumes, sample applications, cover letters, etc., all of which will be super helpful for getting jobs after graduation.

What's your most memorable moment at WVU?

I actually think that being featured on Project Me is pretty memorable! I am so honored to be able to share my experiences with incoming students!

What is WVU's hidden gem nobody knows about?

I have lived in Sunnyside for the past two years, and there is a hidden gem of a parking spot that I know about. ;)

What advice would you give to a student thinking of coming to WVU?

The best advice that I can give incoming students is find someone who is as homesick as you and it will make it so much easier. That is how I met one of my best friends and I am forever thankful for her getting me through that first few weeks. On the same note, make it work for at least a month, use that as your goal, and I promise you by the time that month comes you will be having the time of your life and won’t even think about missing home anymore.

When I'm on campus, you can most likely find me …

When I’m on campus you can most likely find me feeding my coffee addiction somewhere.

When you come to visit campus, you must visit…

You must visit Woodburn Circle. I know it sounds cliché but it is an iconic piece of WVU and is beautiful lit up at night.

Where do you do your best studying?

I do my best studying on my couch.

What advice would you give for surviving finals?

My advice for surviving finals is to take good notes throughout the semester and stay organized. Come the end of the semester, you will thank yourself for keeping all your exams, homework assignments and quizzes to look back on easily. Oh, and make sure you have a coffee pot that can keep up with the demand.

What's your proudest accomplishment so far while at WVU?

Just knowing that I am going to graduate on time. There were times when it wasn’t easy and times that I wanted to lower my course load and maybe stay an extra semester but I am so proud of myself for powering through and never giving up!

Best thing about college life?

The best thing about college life is being able to make your own schedule — school and social. I’m always caught off guard when I am home and leave to go out somewhere and my mom asks me where I’m going.

Worst thing about college life?

The worst thing about college life is having to take care of yourself when you are sick.

How has WVU changed you?

WVU has changed me in many ways, but I think the most significant is my independence.

What do you look forward to most as an alum?

I look forward to coming back to campus for football games and seeing how much campus has improved, even though I’ll probably be extremely jealous.

How has WVU impacted your passion?

WVU has impacted my passion a lot. I came into college knowing that I wanted to work with horses, but I didn’t know what exactly I wanted to do. I got my off- the-track thoroughbred, Sushi, my sophomore year. That definitely helped to sculpt my interests, but so did all of the trips we took as part of the Collegiate Horsemen’s Association. The Equine Program that highlighted thoroughbreds and put equine reproduction on my radar.

If you could do one thing differently in your time at WVU, what would it be?

If I could do one thing differently I would space out the equine classes. I took them all in my first two years, and now I’m a senior taking chemistry and there is no fun in my schedule anymore.

What will you miss most about WVU when you graduate?