I was in my second to last semester of college working two jobs for the school, taking 18 credits, and being a Research lab assistant. I was burnt out, ready to graduate, and living on the motto, C’s Get Degrees. Each week I made sure to read the weekly involvement email from the school. This week I saw that miniature therapy horses were coming to the school. I thought “Oh my gosh, this is so cool, I miss horse time”. I decided to stop by the Horses on my way from work to my class. I was filled with JOY just like every other college student. But I think it had a bigger impact on me. I was going through so many life changes, and I hadn’t been around horses since coming back to school. I teared up a little bit. After waiting a bit, I was able to talk to the founder of the organization. I asked about the possibility of volunteering. They were so happy to have me volunteer. Over the next 6 months, I volunteered with them, bringing JOY to the community the way they brought joy to me. Each visit is life-changing for everyone, not just the people we see but the volunteers too. This organization finally made me feel like I had a place and family in Florida after 3 three years. The joy they brought to me and everyone else I have brought joy to with the horses has created a huge impact on not just the Tampa Bay area but central Florida as a whole.
For the love of humankind.