Volunteer Flex

While balancing school and life, these students are going above and beyond to make a difference in their community - here’s how their volunteer efforts are spreading  positivity. 

Junior Quinn Owen explained, “I do lots of volunteer work, but the main volunteer work that I do is through my horse riding organization, Westernaires. I help the lower division classes a lot of the time where I ride with inexperienced riders and show them the ropes.”

By volunteering with younger riders, Quinn not only helps them get more comfortable on a horse but also builds a welcoming and supportive environment. Her guidance allows new riders to build confidence and develop the skills they need to feel at ease in the saddle.

“I’ve been inspired to pay it forward,” details Owen on why she started to volunteer. “When I was on those lower-level teams in Westernaires, older riders who gave up their time to ride with me made it really meaningful. I wanted to be that person for somebody else.”

Because of her personal experiences as a beginner, Owen understands how important it is to have support when learning to ride. Through volunteering, she’s able to offer that same encouragement to others. 

She recalled a favorite memory: “I was riding with one of the lower-level Westernaires classes, and there was this girl who was really scared… she was crying and saying she wanted to get off her horse. So I asked the instructors if she could get on my horse. The instructors were okay with that, so we put her on my horse, and I led her around the arena and she talked to me. It helped gain her confidence back. That was really awesome.”

Owen’s support was able to help the younger rider overcome her fear and gain confidence. Building a positive presence is especially important when working with inexperienced riders. 

Owen explained one thing she has learned from volunteering: “Patience, I’ve definitely learned a lot about patience, which can be a struggle for me. Volunteering helped me realize that if you’re persistent, people will be able to get there.”

Another student at JA who is making a difference in their community is senior Ali Smith.

“I volunteer a lot at my church and at this summer camp called IdRaHaJe. I’ve done four mission trips and I’ve served on the salt program at IdRaHaJe for the past 3 years,” Smith said.

Volunteering at a church or camp nearby is another great opportunity to get volunteer hours. 

Smith’s faith inspired her service. “As a Christian, I’m inspired by Jesus serving the lowest of the low. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus, showing kindness to those who don’t have as much and share my love of Christ through volunteering.”

Smith’s faith guides her through her service while helping others in her volunteer work. She finds joy in her work, especially when mentoring younger campers.

“Any time a kid comes to Christ for the first time you can celebrate with them and play games with them. Being like an older sister is so rewarding and it’s great when they ask you for advice.”