I started horse back riding when I was young, and have never looked back. It has given me a community of individuals that I am so thankful for. I have met so many people in my life and many I now consider family. Volunteering at the farm has taught me what commitment looks like, even on the coldest day of the year, those horses still need to be cared for. It has given me the opportunity to work with youth and discover that I actually enjoy it. While volunteering at the barn I have participated in running the kids' camp events, where I assisted children in riding correctly and safely. I helped the children overcome their fears around the horses, and taught them about the Do's and Don'ts for riding horses. We supported children and youth that faced challenges in their daily lives. It has taught me that even on the hard days showing up and trying is better than not showing up at all. It has shown me how to be patient and consistent. I worked with a horse that would run whenever you tried approaching her, she was unsure and scared. I showed up everyday all winter long and waited. I would show up to the field and give all of the other horses treats and eventually, after about a month, she finally got brave enough to take one. From there we took baby steps unit I could catch her. Fast forward two years and she now will let anyone catch and ride her. She has come so far, and has truly taught me what showing up can look like. Some days I got discouraged thinking we made no progress, but we had, I just never realized it yet. This has given me confidence in my work, and drives me to keep working on my goals and hobbies, even when I believe I have become stuck.