My greatest achievement to date is a moment that may seem small to others, but meant the world to me; a little girl looked down at me and said she wanted to ride horses forever. In that moment, I saw myself in her, a younger version of me with the same spark, the same love for horses, and the same curiosity about the world. It was a full-circle moment that brought tears to my eyes. This happened during the spring riding clinic on my grandfather's Appaloosa horse ranch. Every year, kids as young as five come to learn how to ride, and I help run the event. There's a lot that goes into making sure things run smoothly, kids need guidance, the horses need to feel safe, and someone has to be there to bridge that connection. Horses are sensitive animals, and they mirror our emotions. So part of my job is not only to ensure safety, but also to help the kids feel confident and calm. One summer afternoon, I was helping a little girl who looked about four and a half, though she proudly told me she was five, ride one of the older, gentler horses. After her turn, I reached out to help her dismount, but she insisted, "No, it's okay, I can get down myself." And she did, with perfect form. I was honestly impressed. Later, when it was time for her to get back on, I gave her a boost into the saddle, and she sighed and said, "Ugh, I wish I could ride horses forever. I love horses." I smiled at her, "Me too. Did you know you can go to college for horses? That's what I'm going to do." Her whole face lit up. "Really!? I can't wait to grow up and go to college like you and see horses every day!" That moment filled my heart. It reminded me that the work I'm doing, the path I'm walking, is not just for me. It's for her and others like her. It taught me that our passions can spark something in others, especially in the younger generation. We all carry knowledge, and when we share it, we create a ripple effect that can last for generations. In the future, I hope that same little girl and I can stand side by side, teaching the next generation after her. I hope to restore the Appaloosa breed, continue preserving horsemanship traditions passed down through my family, and most of all, inspire more youth to pursue their passions just like I have. Whether it's through horses, culture, or education, I want to show them that their dreams are valid and within reach.

'ehe ta'c leeheyn, hello good day. Today, I have to offer the story of how I began my love for horses and knew I wanted them to be permanently in my life. About nine years ago my mother would take me to my future grandfather's horse ranch to take riding lessons. I started scared, but soon enough I would begin to surpass all those older than me in these lessons. I wanted to be atop a horse all day, every day. I was starting to fall in love with the horse culture; just watching them move, training them, and most of all riding them. So while the older kids would go out on their daily trail ride, all the younger kids would be left behind. I wanted to ride so badly, but couldn't due to the small number of horses. I followed them on foot so I could be by them. My future grandfather noticed this and saw how I was connected to horses. So to keep that flame going, he gifted me an Appaloosa horse which is the traditional horse of the Nez Perce people. He helped me train the Titiluu siluu (ancestor's eyes) and from training him I learned so much about horses and myself. One of the main things that I have learned from working with horses is how they reflect your internal emotions, if you're upset then they will feel it. From this experience, I have had as a child and to now, I want to have horses. I am pursuing a degree in Equine Science so I can continue my grandfather's Appaloosa horse ranch. Additionally, I want to teach the Nez Perce horse culture to the next generation of horse riders. Then eventually when I have a good amount of riders, I hope to push them into rodeo events. I want them to try rodeo because I believe that it would not only benefit them as a rider but also their personal lives. Many kids in my community who don't do extracurricular activities are bored, and when they're bored they get addicted to something; phones, video games, alcohol, drugs, and weed. I want to give them something to do, something that could give them a new perspective on life. These are my life goals that I want to accomplish. I want to benefit not only the generations that are here today but the generations that will be here in the future.

My Native American background has impacted my education thus far by giving me the motivation to get a degree to help both my community and the passing down of my culture. The reason why I wanted to go to college in the first place was due to my horse, Titiluu Siluu meaning ancestor eyes, and my connection to the horses. After I get my degree in Equine Science, I want to come back to my community and inherit my grandfather's Appaloosa horse ranch. With the ranch, I hope to bring younger members of my community to learn more about the Nez Perce horse culture and hopefully get more Native Americans into Rodeo events. The reason why I would like to bring more community members into the horse culture is because horses have made a lasting impact on my tribe and me. Additionally, in the words of an elder, "If you don't use something it will disappear." I think it is important to teach the next generation of tribal members because our connection to the horse was so beneficial that it changed the entire Nez Perce way of life. We were able to travel further and faster and we became a strong force. The way I apply this teaching is whenever I am working with horses or teaching children to ride. I think it is important for people to learn how to ride horses because it can teach you about yourself. As a young girl, I was brought to horse riding lessons from age 5 to 10, and from my first time on a horse, I knew that I wanted horses to be in my future. I would ask my dad to bring me to where the Nez Perce Tribe kept their horses just so I could watch them and feed them grass. I think being around horses has helped me learn that you can communicate with other living beings without words, but with emotions and body language. To honor the horses, I implement horseshoes into my beadwork and regalia. The set I am currently working on will have horseshoes on them along with a traditional floral design. It is not just me that implements horses into beadwork but also my family. We don't all ride horses but we all see the changes that horses have brought to our people. Additionally, I think it was a very good idea for my paternal grandfather to teach me about horses because I want to continue that knowledge by passing it down.