Spotlight on Students is a feature that showcases WYWLA students 

and cool experiences they've had and/or recognitions received.

This month, we highlight Senior Alauna Rose and 8th Grader Olivia Flynn!

What has horseback riding taught you about patience, responsibility, or confidence, and how has it shaped who you are today?

Horseback riding has taught me that confidence is needed when doing anything. When riding, many things are happening; you have to control and guide the horse while also focusing on what your body is doing, the position, and what cues you are giving. With so many things going on, you have to be confident with your decisions because it can go south very quickly. 2025 was a hard year for my confidence because in December of 2024, I wasn’t clear enough with a horse, and she bolted with me. I didn’t fall off, but I was very scared after it. After a year of regaining my confidence, I have learned that confidence in my actions is essential.

How has your riding improved over the years, and what challenges did you overcome along the way?

I have been riding for a little over 5 years. During this time, I faced numerous challenges, including feeling like I wasn't improving, not having a horse to lease, not feeling like I belonged, and a lack of confidence, among others. Over the years, I have become a more technical, knowledgeable rider because I have pushed through my struggles. When I would feel like I wasn’t improving, I would zone in on areas I struggled with, and I would talk to my trainers about it and they would help me. When I didn’t have a horse to lease or ride, I rode lesson horses and furthered my skills so I could lease a more difficult horse.

Can you share a memorable or emotional moment you’ve had with a horse that really stuck with you?

Late 2024 and early 2025, I leased a horse, and her name was Donny. I loved her so much, but she would constantly go lame (abnormal gait due to pain). I wasn’t able to do much with her or ride her much, but I enjoyed grooming, walking, and hanging out with her. She was the sweetest horse and would always cheer me up when I was upset or mad, even though I wasn’t able to ride her much. She was later put down due to colic, but she taught me so many lessons, riding and non-riding-wise.

What is the hardest skill you’ve learned so far, and what did it take to master it?

The hardest skill I have learned so far might be how to lift a horse. I leased a horse named Forniz, and she would get very low on her front end, so I would have to rock her back onto her haunches. It took me about a year to get the hang of it. I still sometimes struggle with it when I occasionally ride her. There are also many more hard skills I’ve learned and am still trying to learn.

If you compete, what has been your most meaningful competition experience, and why did it stand out?

I compete in the show jumpers and IEA. My most meaningful show was probably one in August of 2024. I was showing Forniz and the weeks leading up to it, I had really been struggling with my core strength and lifting her. On the last day of the show, I had some really good rounds where I was lifting her up properly. Even though I didn’t place, I was, and still am, very proud of Forniz and how far we came.

What accomplishment in riding are you most proud of, and what did you have to do to achieve it?

I am most proud of owning my horse, Fitz, whom I bought from my trainer. I didn’t plan on buying her until I was offered the chance. I leased her for a couple of months before I bought her. I had to gain Fitz’s trust, on and off the ground, because she had, and still has, some trust and confidence issues. Fitz is the most difficult, complicated, complex, and overall odd horse I have ridden and leased. Learning her ways and how to adapt to her has been a struggle, and will most likely continue to be (I have only ridden her for 5-6 months).

What goals do you have for your riding in the future, and what steps are you taking to reach them?

In the future, I want to show Fitz (I’m not currently showing her). To prepare for this, I practice at my barn, doing exercises with her that will help me in the show ring. Fitz also has some quirks that, in lessons, I work on smoothing out.

What does horseback riding mean to you beyond just being a sport or hobby?

Horseback riding is so much more than just a sport to everyone involved. For me, it’s the bond between the horse and rider that outweighs everything else. I can come to the barn after a hard day at school and forget about all my worries. Horseback riding gives me a kind, supportive community that I know I can go to when I need help. Horseback riding is a tedious, sometimes grueling, difficult sport, but also a truly freeing experience.

When did you start track and field and why?

I began track and field in 8th grade. Track wasn’t actually my first choice, I wanted to play softball, however I really enjoyed running. The downside to this was that track and softball took place at the same time. I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try something new, which is why I chose to try out for track and field.

Do you do any pregame rituals before games, if so what is it?

Before a track meet I always say a prayer with my family/friends. I also always have my headphones on so I can lock in during warm ups, listening to music calms my nerves. I usually like to listen to KATSEYE, SZA, and Megan Thee Stallion.

What helps you get ready for meets?

The most important thing that gets me ready for meets is encouragement and warmups. I like to keep a positive mindset going into a meet so having people there who encourage me is very helpful. Warming up is also crucial because it makes sure your muscles loosen up so you can perform the way you’d like. 

Did you get offers from other schools, which schools?

I did get offers from other schools, some of those being North Carolina Central University, Indiana Institute of Technology, and South Carolina State University 

Why did you pick A&T?

I chose A&T for a few reasons. One of the biggest reasons was because I wanted to be away from home but close enough to where I can come visit my family if I need to. When I went on my official visit to A&T the campus was very nice and everyone there was so welcoming. I wanted to be in a community where I was welcomed, and where the people around me would uplift me. I got to meet the team and they were just that, everyone was so kind and I felt like I really fit in. A&T also had a really good program for my major (Biology) with many different programs and internships for that field. My last reason was because both my grandparents, and parents are alumni from A&T so I’d love to continue the legacy

How do you balance school and track?

The main way I balance all of my daily responsibilities like school, track, and work is by staying on top of everything. I know that sounds really basic, but making sure that you’re not procrastinating does so much. When I was in 9th & 10th grade I would constantly put off doing assignments till nighttime and would end up doing them late at night. As I reached early college I learned that if I have any spare time in between classes and could knock out a few assignments I should definitely do it there. The earlier I complete assignments the more sleep I get. TRUST me,  the sleep is much needed, especially going through adolescence. Those good 6 or 7 hours of sleep are crucial. When I get more sleep the more productive I am be for the next day.

What was your biggest accomplishment in track and field?

My biggest achievement in track and field was getting 1st place in the 15-16 girls high jump in the 2024 Junior Olympic Championships. It was my first time competing at a track meet on this capacity, and though I was really nervous I was able to place 1st!

What is your favorite event in track and field? 

My favorite event is high jump. I love all the jumps events but high jump is my favorite because it feels like I’m flying in the air, plus it’s the closest thing I can do to a backflip. 

What do you do to celebrate when you win?

Usually I go out with my family and get whatever dinner I like (usually sushi)!

If you could give advice to your younger self what would you say, and why?

I would tell my younger self to not stress myself over my grades. I used to put so much pressure on myself about my grades to the point where I’d be so stressed over them. I would definitely tell myself to take a chill pill because I am very smart and I know I am capable.