A Fond Memory

I think my college experience was a bit different than most other people's.  While most college experiences are about the classes you take and fun you have with friends from campus, I found my fun in another way. Don't get me wrong; I met some amazing people at school, and still cherish their friendships to this day.  There is just one experience that has always stood out for me.

When I was in my second year of college, I moved into an apartment building on campus that required anyone living on my floor to complete a certain number of volunteer hours.  Through a little research, and what I consider to be a whole ton of luck, I found a spot at Strides to Success.  It is a non-profit organization in a small town west of Indianapolis that offers equine-assisted learning and therapy for special needs adults and children.  They use horses to teach lessons and help people cope with issues in their lives.

In my mind, it was just as therapeutic for me as it was for the clients.  In fact, I feel a bit selfish for the amount I benefitted from my time there.  From the first day I stepped on the facility, I was hooked.  It started as a visit two times a week.  Then it progressed until I was there every chance I got, even for entire days at some points.  Every person I met there - client, employee, or other volunteer - was beyond fantastic, and I consider myself lucky to have been allowed to spend with them what little time I was able.

This facility had a central theme of continuity and consistency for their clients.  Because of this, and luckily for me, I was able to work with the same clients through my three years there.  I was able to continue with the same clients and see them grow in their learnings.  Each one of them touched my heart, and I honestly will never forget any one of them.

Some people may question the actual effects of equine-assisted learning, but I will be the first to tell them, it works.

It works well.

As an example, one autistic student I worked with over three years would not speak to anyone except his parents.  Over his years at Strides, he began slight verbal communication with his teacher.  When I started as his volunteer, he wouldn't even look at me.  When I said good morning to him, he would run to the nearest corner and cover his face.  Through the years I worked with him, we worked past that.  He shook my hand.  He laughed with me.  He smiled at me.  But he NEVER spoke.

Then, on one of my last days at Strides, when I was obviously struggling with the fact that I wouldn't be working with him any longer, he spoke to me.

It wasn't much; just a word or two, and I really don't even remember what those words were, but he spoke actual words to me.

Trust me, it is just as amazing an experience as it sounds.  And that was all I could ever need.  Just recalling it makes me want to find another equine-assisted learning volunteer opportunity in this area.

Someday, I will.  Maybe even tomorrow :)