Meet Natalie, a BMOS student who is pursuing her equestrian dreams thanks to a flexible school schedule and supportive community.
Where do you live?
I live in Hingham, Massachusetts, about 40 minutes from Boston
Favorite subject: English
Favorite snack: Pickles
Tell us about your equine background
I started riding over ten years ago at the age of four, originally just following in my older sister’s footsteps until I found my true passion for the sport. Over the last 6 years, my riding has really leveled up and now I compete up and down the East Coast at some of the most prestigious competitions. Whether it’s riding, helping around the barn, or learning more about horse care and horsemanship, I truly love any and all time I get to spend around horses
What do you like about going to school online?
What I love about online school—and specifically BMOS—is the ability to excel both in school and riding equally. For a while, I felt like I had to choose one or another, but with BMOS I am able to work with teachers, collaborate with classmates, and be challenged by my studies while also getting to fulfill my equestrian dreams and compete at a high and intense level.
Would you rather travel back in time or travel to the future?
I think I would rather travel back in time to relive some of my favorite memories and experiences; I don’t want to spoil whatever the future has to offer!
How does the BMOS schedule help you as a rider and online student?
What I love about Bryn Mawr Online School is that my schedule stays consistent every week. Mondays and Wednesdays my classes start at 11:30, and Tuesdays and Thursdays my classes start at 8:45.This gives me a consistent weekly schedule to work with, but also allows so much flexibility for my riding schedule whether I’m traveling, competing, or training at home.
What activity/class have you enjoyed the most through BMOS?
While I don’t get to attend as much as I want to due to my busy schedule, I truly love our weekly “Community Time” gatherings with the whole school. It reminds me of the incredible community I have at BMOS, and allows me to connect and laugh with my peers and faculty.
What’s something you want people to know about BMOS?
Something I want people to know about BMOS is the extensive amount of time and effort the teachers and faculty put in to give you the best school experience possible. When I first joined Bryn Mawr Online School I couldn’t believe how personable all the teachers were and how caring and interested they were in not only my academic life, but my riding life as well.
Being engaged in my classes was something that was really important to me if I was going to be doing online school. The BMOS teachers expect participation and discussion in our classes which I love. I really didn’t expect to feel such a tie to the BMOS community, but after even a few weeks I felt fully connected and immersed in what I would call my BMOS Family.
