Managing University and Horses with Jenna Levesque

It’s that time of year again. Leaves start to change colors, the horses start to grow their fuzzy coats, pumpkin spice lattes come back out, and classes start again. The caffeine count goes up, and the hours of sleep go down. Trying to compete at the upper levels while being a full-time university student is not easy, but I am here to tell you from personal experience, it is possible.

Four years ago, I committed to a small school in VA. Weeks before the move-in date I did the most typical thing an inspiring upper-level event rider could do, I deferred. At first for just one semester, and then shortly after for a second. I was devastated at the thought of leaving the program I have been so fortunate to work and be a student in. While I continued to work full-time as a working student for Caitlin Silliman, I was also completing college credits online. After completing my freshman year online, my parents then pulled the “we are going to sell the horse if you don’t go to University” card, and the “we are not joking this time.” Still not wanting to move away from the opportunities offered as an eventer in Chester County, I found West Chester University. A mid-sized university located just 30 minutes away from the barn. After figuring this out, I decided to apply as a transfer student, and was accepted; all before even visiting the school and less than a month before classes even began. While terrified and still unsure of this change, I can confidently say that looking back it was one of the best decisions I ever could have made. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for threatening to sell my horse.

While now in my senior year of University, I have learned a lot about navigating school, competing at upper levels, and in my case still working part-time as a working student. It’s not easy. I had a lot of people warn me of this, but I never thought it would be a problem for me as I had been a full-time working student for years before starting classes. I was used to working hard, putting in the hours, and being tired. I was wrong, it is in fact not easy. It takes a lot of adjustment, making mistakes, and learning from them.

When trying to work and compete at the upper levels, you are not a normal college student. Not every Thursday through Saturday is going to be spent going out. You will not be able to stay up until past midnight hanging out with friends and still get up to go to the barn at 6 am the next day. Trust me, I have tried and it’s not enjoyable. You probably will walk through campus in breeches at some point, it’s inevitable. The hay and straw will follow you to class, and if you’re like me, your hairnet might still be tied in when you sit down for your Management 202 lecture. At the end of long barn days or weekends away competing, the last thing you want to do is sit down and study or complete assignments, but unfortunately, that’s typically what needs to be done. Although these past few years have been some of the busiest and most challenging of my life, I wouldn’t trade them for anything. During my time at university, I’ve forged countless new friendships, explored new activities, joined various clubs, and created lasting memories that I will treasure forever. While I’ve always been outgoing, my university experience has truly allowed me to grow and evolve, and bringing me closer to the person I aspire to be. If you’re considering attending university while still aiming to train/compete at the upper levels, I assure you it’s not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.