Volunteering
Volunteering with dogs, horses and animals, whoever needs love — is my “outie” experience. These animals offer a quiet, grounding presence that helps me focus and reset, while the support I provide in these areas has a meaningful impact on both the animals and those they help. It’s a simple but powerful exchange that benefits all involved.
Eco-Farming Volunteer Experience in Costa Rica
Volunteering in Costa Rica was a fabulously rewarding and eye-opening adventure. My best friend and I went to challenge our worldviews, and we found more than we expected. From day one, we were welcomed into a family-like atmosphere, thanks to Heyner and Jenny, whose warmth and hospitality made us feel at home in a strange place so far away. We got hands-on experience in animal care, farming, and maintaining the property, and we learned about the local culture while getting our hands dirty with goats, cows, and crops. The work was fulfilling, and the downtime was just as important, especially when we bonded over karaoke sessions with the family. It was a perfect mix of learning, helping, and having fun. The connection with the community, the land, and the animals gave me a deeper appreciation for simple living, and I left feeling a sense of self I had lost before I arrived.
Hounds Around Town
Twice a week, I joined the "Hounds Around Town" program at Fayetteville Animal Services during my downtime in college. It’s a fun way to get my dog fix while giving the shelter dogs a much-needed break. One of my most memorable experiences was fostering a dog named Bruno, I became obsessed with him. He was such a sweet, goofy guy, and it felt so rewarding to see his personality come out as he got some fresh air and social time. When he eventually got adopted. I got the photos of him with his new family and cried. It was a beautiful reminder of how small acts of kindness can ripple out into something much bigger.
Equestrian Therapeutic Riding
Volunteering at Courage Therapeutic Riding Center felt like stepping into a space where everything slows down, yet so much is happening beneath the surface. Each time I was there, I got to witness how horses can guide someone toward a better sense of themselves. It’s not just about riding, it’s about building trust, breaking down barriers, and learning things that go beyond what words can explain. Being part of that process, even just once a week, felt like I was contributing to something bigger than myself, where the lessons learned are as much for me as they are for the clients. It’s one of those places where you can’t help but leave feeling lighter, a little more connected, and definitely more inspired.
