Newest additions are at the top of the page.
We have always been impressed with
the horses in training with Tina and have always thought about sending a horse to
her. Enter Jed and Kelsey. Kelsey is currently showing in 14-18 youth with Jed, a 5 year
old that we purchased last year. After a successful year showing that included a Pinto
World Reserve Championship in Sr. Youth Discipline Rail, we decided that Jed needed to
further his education including adding the driving classes. Jed spent 4 months at
Tina’s and we are extremely happy with the outcome. Not only has he become a driving
machine but his rail and pattern classes have improved greatly. Tina is an exceptional
lady. She has been so understanding with the fact that we cannot keep Jed in full-time
training but has continued to work with us at shows. We have nothing but fun at her
stables and only wish that we would live closer to this very talented lady. She has went
above and beyond our expectations. Kelsey and Jed’s accomplishments at the 2008 Pinto
World show attest to that. 2 World Champions, 2 Reserve World Champions, a third, a
fourth, and two sixths in top ten over-all placings, and they ended up fourth in the
all-around 14-18 age group. We hope to continue Jed’s higher learning of education
with Tina. We would highly recommend Tina to anyone that is looking for a fun, dependable,
and honest trainer that will help you obtain your goals at any level. We greatly
appreciate everything she has done for us.
The Champagne’s |
Tina, I thought since I am taking "Sparkle" home I would write you a
little
thank you note! First of all, I want to thank you for being the deciding factor
in my decision to buy Sparkle; I called you right after I rode her for the
first time, and after talking to you I decided I had to have her. She is the
perfect horse for me, and after what I've been through with horses I feel
blessed to have found her, and to have been fortunate enough to have
purchased a horse who had had such a wonderful trainer in the past.
When I was looking at her you were completely honest with me about her (as
was Karen). I appreciated it when you told me that she was going to be
exactly as you said she was, and that you were a trainer who was not
willing to compromise what you've built for yourself, just to get a horse sold. I
lent you my trust right away, and you've not disappointed me! I also
appreciated that you said if I bought her, you would help me even though
you were limiting the number of new clients you could take on, and you've also
delivered on that end as well. Thank you for keeping her in training all
the times I kept extending her stay. I loved having Sparkle in your barn,
she was supposed to stay for 45 days, and that turned into 8 months!
I've really enjoyed my time as your client, and will still consider myself
one even when Sparkle gets home, so thank you! I've had some trouble with
trainers in the past, and it was refreshing to find someone who truly
seemed to care about helping me become a better rider and a better horseperson.
You've been patient with me and my novice mistakes, but you have also
built up my confidence. You made me go from thinking that I could maybe ride a
horse, to knowing that I can not only ride a horse, but that I can take my
mare home and be just fine with her. You always tell me, "Girl, stop
worrying," and that is not something I'll soon forget. You made me feel
like you wanted me to come for lessons, like you sincerely care about how we do
together, and that means the world to me. I feel like I've picked up a lot
of skills as a rider that I would other wise not have, had I not brought
Sparkle back for training.
So, thank you Tina, for taking me on as a client, you've helped me out so
much, and Sparkle and I can't wait to come back-although you are only an
e-mail away :)
Also, thanks for telling me about your experience as an RN. It made me
really excited about my career choice. Not only are you interested in the
horse parts of your client's lives, but in their lives as well, and that's
great quality! Thanks again, so much!
I have been compelled to write a testimonial for Tina Langness for
some time now, put it off because it is so difficult to attain such a goal; Tina has given
me so much, I can hardly manage to summarize the amazing and special experiences I have
had in my time knowing her.
I came upon Tina when I was young, around 14, looking for a new horse to show
competitively at the more local level. Little did I know at the time what a wonderful and
fruitful career I had in head of me. Tina took me in, and skillfully helped with the task
of finding a horse to suit my growing interest and adeptness to showing. She paired me
with a mare named Miss Texas Fleetwood, who I immediately fell in love with. Tina, Elly
and I worked very hard, and especially in the first year of showing, Tina was invaluable
to me. She went above and beyond her job, to help me with basic and more intricate tasks;
everything from teaching me to band mane to lending me her show clothes. She gave me
confidence in my first real horse, and more importantly in myself. With every trip I made
to her barn, my knowledge and confidence grew; and I still feel the same way to this day.
I had a wonderful start with Elly: APHA points in 5 events, 2 WI State 4-H championships,
2 Reserve State Championships, wins at WSCA Champ Show and countless wins in local shows.
When it was finally came time to sell my beloved mare and move on, Tina was there to help
and the sale went as smooth and effortlessly as parting with a horse could be.
By this time, I had learned so many skills from Tina; judging horses, showing them, caring
for them, riding, training, and my developing talent of spotting prospects, which allowed
me to pick out a young horse named Pretty Darn Awesome, a.k.a. “Apollo”. He had
the look, the height, and the personality, but still a gamble, as he was not naturally the
coolest moving horse. I brought him to Tina’s in his three year old year, and she
literally transformed him into the horse of my dreams. I have witnessed this time and time
again: Tina can spot a young horse, who is often looked over by many others because they
lack ‘obvious’ talent, and she molds them and shapes how they think, how they
ride, and even how they move, making them into accomplished show horses. She can find, and
then cultivate, the very best qualities in a horse. She did this successfully with Apollo,
and my first year, with minimal showing, we easily attained our ROM in HUS, along with
points in English Equitation and Showmanship, and an undefeated open show season in
English Pleasure, with wins at WCSA Champ Show and WI State 4-H. Apollo is back in
training with Tina, and I know that this will be an amazing season, and when the time
comes to move on to another horse, Tina will be there to guide me.
This has truly been an amazing opportunity as an outlet for me to grow and prosper, and I
know that with Tina’s help, the same can happen for anyone who has a serious interest
in horses. But for me, it is much more than that; I have not only grown as a rider, but as
a person. Tina is my dependable trainer, a reliable mentor,my icon, but more importantly,
a trusted lifelong friend. I look foreword to more great times ahead! :)
Jessie Kopp
Tina - first off thanks so much for your time with us last Saturday. You didn't know us
from Adam - but spent the majority of the afternoon patiently showing us horses and
watching Katie ride. As a mother that means a lot to me. I have been reading through your
testimonials on your web page and can honestly say that after just a few hours with you I
can see what all these folks are talking about! Since we live so far away, I know asking
you to give Katie lessons would be a bit impractical - but if you would be willing to take
her on, perhaps we could arrange a quarterly or semi-annual boot camp for her - I would
love to hear more about how you work with your other long distance customers. Again - You
are fantastic and so tuned into both the horse and rider that I can't help but believe you
could make a real difference with Katie. She liked you so much - and I can't tell you the
number of times she told me that she wished we lived closer to you.
Julie A. Zimmer
Caren Cunningham
I have been thinking about you and just want to say thanks.
I’m not sure if you hear that enough.
Thank you for so many things but especially for finding me Lacy. We have been having so
much fun together. She has turned out to be the perfect horse for me, really easy to get
along with and safe. She has been so good in the show ring and we have been doing very
well. I think she likes the easy life she has right now. I only showed at 4 different
shows this summer but qualified in all 5 of my classes. Actually at the show last weekend
we qualified in 4 of my classes for next year already. She was so good. It was pilot error
in Showmanship (I needed to trust her more and not be so nervous) but we still got 3rd. I
can’t complain about that. She did was I asked her to do. So many people came up to
me that day and said how much they like my horse. Of course I was smiling but also know
she wouldn’t be the horse she is without your’s and Traci’s help.
That’s another thing I want to thank you for is your friendship with Traci. It’s
not an easy job bringing up a teenager but I feel because you were in our lives at that
time it helped her to turn out to be a very special young woman. She has so much knowledge
about horses and also life.
Thanks again and keep up the great work you do with the horses and your clients.
Everyone’s successes show how much you care about all of us. The successes are not
only in the show ring but life in general and the great experience will always stay with
us through our entire life.
Love,
Caren
Tina-
I wanted to thank you again for coming on Sunday. You didn't have to come, you could have
stayed home and enjoyed your day off. But you care so much about us that you came and that
means a lot to me. I really appreciate the time you put in and all the extra things you do
to help me. You calm me down and make me feel really great about my horse and myself. For
the first time in my 8 years of showing at the County Fair, I wasn't worried if my horse
was going to be naughty, because I knew she was going to be good. I wasn't worried if I
was riding badly, because I knew I wasn't. All of that is because of you and there is no
way I can ever thank you enough. People in 4-H always told me I was a good rider, but I
was riding an Arab so they didn't have to worry about me. But now, they have to worry
about me because I am a good rider and I have a competitive horse and that feels so good,
I can't even tell you! I couldn't have asked for anything better for my last year of 4-H
and I am so grateful to be able to have your guidance. I want you to know how much I
appreciate you and all things you do even if I told you or show you all the time.
Thank you Tina!
Laren
Jody Knutson
Tina is one of the most talented people I know! She has a remarkable eye when it comes to
matching horse and rider. I am quite new to the show scene, and under Tina's guidance, my
show season was better than I ever dreamed possible. I appreciate her kind and gentle
training methods, and how well she communicates with us riders. Tina truly creates a fun
atmosphere to be in!
Heidi Hambuch
Wow! What a ride....This was my horse's first year showing and my first year seriously
showing. We both learned so much, had some great success and a good time. Here are some of
the reasons why I have enjoyed training with Tina and I know my horse has too. Tina is a
great communicator with the horse and rider. It is an asset to have a trainer that is good
at teaching the rider how to effectively communicate with their horse. Tina's attention to
detail is a huge advantage in the show ring. I greatly appreciate Tina's concern for the
horse's well being, be it physical or mental. It is a great benefit that she is pro-active
in the horse's health.
Kimberly Panasuk
It takes a special talent to be able to communicate effectively with horses. Over the last
few months, I have watched and experienced a refined understanding of this communication
while working with Tina Langness. Tina has an incredible ability to recognize where a
horse is at physically and mentally and can easily assess what the next piece of the
training puzzle will be for the horse. To her, they are all individuals who need to be
ridden and cared for that way and her program adapts to fit every horse's needs. Still,
the result is the same- a horse who wants to do his job and has the right tools to be able
to do what the rider asks.
While this is a remarkable talent on it's own, I have also discovered Tina's wonderful
ability to teach in which she makes it easy for the student to understand what the horse
needs. Her students learn to feel what is happening with their horses and I see not only
great riders, but great horsemen as well. Tina possesses a rare gift that is not commonly
found and I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with her.
Tina, thank you so much for everything you have done for me!Ê This summer has been such a
wonderful experience and I'll never forget it.Ê I have learned so much from you - not
just about training but life and myself. The lessons I have learned will go with me to
California and everywhere I go in life.Ê It has been such an honor to work with one of
the best out there - everyday your talent and ability has shocked me and made me want to
better myself.Ê What's more is that you are an incredible person with so many gifts and
just being around you is so much fun.
Melissa Vanblaricom
I consider it a very lucky day the day I came across an ad in the local paper looking for
stable help. As a horse lover without a horse of my own, I missed being around horses. In
the past I had always had friends nearby with horses or worked at a training stable. It
was about a year and a half ago that I answered that ad and was introduced to Tina
Langness. I started out doing chores, grooming, tacking, and longeing horses. Not long
after, I started lessons on Tina's mare, Soots. She is a wonderful mare and will forever
be on my list of unforgettable horses. At the end of the summer Tina gave me the
opportunity to show Soots at a WSCA show. Soots and I qualified for the Champ Show-
incredible for only working together once a week over the summer, a tribute to Tina's
ability as a trainer and teacher. Tina next moved me onto working with her young horses.
It was trying but very rewarding, as the horse and I were learning groundwork skills
together. Tina is a remarkably talented and knowledgeable horsewoman. It is truly amazing
to watch the progress she makes with a horse. I am so thankful for the opportunities she
has given me. I have come a long way and still have along way to go, and I look forward to
continuing my journey with Tina Langness.
Karen M. Heggerness
Tina's training program is excellent!!! I bought my Appaloosa mare from Tina as a 2 year
old and now as a 3 year old she has been in training with Tina. The difference in her
gaits and manners from a year ago to now is amazing. My mare's gaits have gone from being
fast and rough to being slow and smooth. ( I can actually sit to the trot!)
Lisa Reynolds
I have had 2 horses with Tina to be started since this spring. She works harder than any
one I know, and gets a lot done on the horses in a short amount of time, without pushing
them beyond what they are capable of or ready for. They get a balanced, nice start and
learn to turn on the front end the back end; move off your leg and get a nice stop on
them. I am an amateur and have been able to take the 2 year olds home after 60 days and
get along with them myself and ride them lightly at home. Our program has been very
amiable between Tina and myself, not to push the 2 year olds too hard, and get them home
to take a break. We sold one, and I can't wait to get the other one back this fall, to get
him ready for showing early next spring!
I also have been very pleased with watching the training process and program she has, as
she works hard to make sure the horses have the skills to later make nice all around
horses, that can do patterns and so on, while she is getting them ready for the pleasure
events. My goals this year were to learn more about starting the young horses-so I learned
ground driving, flexing exercises and many other helpful things. I also took lessons on
older horses in the barn, and learned a lot. I think she is very skilled at helping you
determine your goals; placing the right horse with the right person, AND will help you
sell a horse that may not be the right match for you. Oh, by the way, she also has an
excellent care and feeding program!
Stacy Eichman-Cardwell
I grew up with turtles. Consequently, when we purchased a horse for our daughter, Brianna,
I was more than a little out of my comfort zone. Luckily our neighbors recommended Tina
Langness. Tina has not only trainer our horse and daughter, she has helped us with general
horse care and behavioral issues, and has assisted us in selecting appropriate tack and
show apparel. When Brie started showing 4-H, Tina was immensely helpful, not only with the
basics but also with the art of showing. Tina can bring out the best in our daughter and
her horse.
I appreciate Tina's willingness to work not only with green horses but with green clients
as well. Tina has not pushed our family or our daughter into achieving what she might
want; she has let our family set our own pace in achieving our goals. Now as Brianna is
gaining interest and confidence in showing, we look forward to many more years of Tina's
extensive expertise.
Caren Cunningham
I was a "show mom" for many years. Tina convinced me that I was ready to show
horses. She helped me find a kind, gentle APHA mare. The mare was green broke, but Tina
saw she had potential to be a nice show horse for me. Tina has a knack of matching the
right horse with the right rider.
Lacy and I have learned a lot together under Tina's training program. This year we showed
in some classes I never thought I would, HUS and Trail. Tina was always there giving me
confidence, support and of course her training expertise. I had a lot of fun learning new
riding skills and showing in different classes.
Tina's attention to detail and keeping us on task has benefited me in so many ways. She is
very dedicated to her work and you can tell she really loves being around horses and
people. We feel very fortunate to have Tina as our trainer and friend.
Jessie Kopp
Elly and I are doing great! I ride her on the trails, and she rides along like she's done
it her whole life. Sometimes I even do a little pleasure in our arena, and I can get her
to do a awesome western lope without spurs! I also worked on doing an English canter, then
making her come back to my leg and western lope, and then back to English canter (dont
worry, I don't make her work on pleasure hardly ever). One time I rode her bareback too.
She has her own paddock that has a run into a nice 12 X 24 foot stall. She is really
enjoying it. When I bring her the hay, or even just go out in the paddock, she follows me
around; and if I run, she runs. I think this will come in handy for showmanship! Thank you
so much for the pleasure horse of my dreams!
Traci Cunningham
I consider myself lucky to have found a trainer as talented as Tina. She has a program
that will work with any horse and rider combination. I have watched Tina work with a lot
of students, all of whom are at different experience levels. She takes a lot of time to
understand exactly where each person is in their ability and knowledge of horses. She will
create a program for that individual. She helps you achieve the goals that you set for
yourself. If there comes a time that you realize you need to move on to another horse to
accomplish your goals, Tina will help you find that perfect horse that fits your needs.
Once a horse gets into a training program with Tina, whether it be a young horse that she
is just starting or a horse that needs the finishing touches put on, it is so amazing to
watch as she brings each horse to their full potential. It takes a lot of patience and
understanding just how much you can ask out of each horse before you push them too far. It
is one thing to watch Tina ride, but for her to be able to put the owner up and teach them
how to accomplish what she has taught that horse takes so much understanding. There are
people who can make a horse give them a championship ride, but to be able to then get off
and have an amateur or youth get on and also get a championship ride, takes a true
understanding of that horse and rider combination.
This summer has been so exciting and rewarding. I decided last year that I really wanted
to get out and show competitively at the MPHA shows. Tina found me a great 2 y/o mare at
the end of last year. I showed her as a 3 y/o this past year. I would have never imagined
that we would have accomplished so much our first year out. As the year progressed we
decided to show in more classes and shows outside of MN, and go for titles and awards that
had not even seemed possible for our first year out. Tina was there every step of the way.
On the rail for guidance if needed, at the gate with a big smile and congratulations after
a great class. Or there to laugh after totally blowing a horsemanship patter we had
practiced all morning long!
We all had a great season and so much fun! Tina, you should be very proud of all your
accomplishments over the years, in your students and horses that you trained and have now
moved on to become such talented and successful horses.
I am very grateful to have Tina in my life not only as a great trainer but as a true
friend.
Fran & Wendy Wallo
"It was the year that my daughter was moving up to the APHA 14-18 youth division and
we needed to find a special horse, a talented one that would be capable of doing it all!
Thanks to Tina, she found SIMPLY TROUBLE for us--affectionately know as Leonard. Tina knew
exactly what we were looking for and thought Wendy and Leonard would make an excellent
team. That they did! The dynamic team totaled over 600 youth points in a show season; two
top-ten placing at the World Show; and ended up in the AJPHA TOP 20 in the Nation with
points in 14 youth divisions. Tina said Leonard will do it all - and that he did. A '10'
mover with a heart to please - he is truly the best horse and friend we have ever owned.
"Thanks, Tina, you do make dreams come true."
(I got goose bumps writing this and tears in my eyes just reminiscing about all the good
times Wendy and I shared with Leonard -- he was a major part of her youth.)
Alex Kerber
I am 10 years old and have worked and trained with Tina for a year now. It is really
awesome having the opportunity to be able to work and train with her. I was really green
when I started and had only ridden a couple of times. I have learned how to groom and tack
a horse and also to communicate with a horse. Now I have been learning a lot in western
pleasure and have been riding in English a little too. I never thought I would ever be
able to get as far as I am with horses. I even do barn chores one night a week so I am
also learning about how to care for a horse. This Christmas, with the help of Tina, Santa
brought me my very own horse. I was so surprised. Her name is Star and she is awesome.
Tina is a great teacher and I am learning so much. I would recommend her to anyone from
the most novice to the most advanced. she's that good!
Debbie Krueger
Tina is a great Trainer with great enthusiasm for training. My 9 year old daughter
Cheyanne literally worships the ground that she walks on. No matter how busy she is at the
shows she always seems to have the time to answer all the little questions that Cheyanne
has. she's always there with those little tips. She helped Cheyanne to achieve two Reserve
Grand Champions in the MPHA for thirteen and under showmanship and western pleasure on
Nashville Escapade, she also gave lessons to Cheyanne on her quarter horse Heir O Dynamic
this past year. She explains things in a way that my daughter just doesn't forget even
under the pressure of showing. Cheyanne has achieved many WSCA awards and high points
thanks to the help of Tina. Me as a rider myself cannot wait to get my 2 year old gelding
ÒScooby DooÓ to Tina this January.
Linda Larson
When I was all but ready to give up on my horse, Tina came with new ideas to help me with
a successful show year. I would and have recommended Tina for a trainer to many people I
have crossed paths with. Not only is she a great trainer she is a good friend. When I no
longer could afford to keep my horse in training, Tina still took the time at the shows to
watch my classes and have a word of advice with a compliment at the end of every sentence.
Jill Roraff
When sitting down to write this testimonial for Tina Langess, I was so overwhelmed with
positive thoughts and great memories I had no idea where to start and absolutely no clue
how to put these thoughts into words on paper. While I feel that it may never be possible
to put all my feelings into a fully intelligible testimonial, I will do my best. When I
made the first call to schedule a lesson with Tina I was so nervous that a trainer of her
talent would not have the time for a timid rider who had hit the dirt too many times to
have much confidence left. Tina was willing to give me a shot and I made the two hour
drive for a lesson that changed me in more ways than one. After my first lesson I was
fearful that I had made a fool of myself and that I would not be welcome back. Tina and I
walked back to the barn and as I was gathering up my things to leave she said, “Same
time next week?” This was one of the most memorable moments I have had in my whole
horse experience. I had found someone who was willing to help me be a better rider,
something I wanted more than anything. She was not ready to give up on me even though I
had pretty much given up on myself. She said we needed to take our time and build up my
confidence but she felt I could be a better rider if I was willing to work hard. I was
ready to work hard. Weeks went by, and things that initially seemed impossible before got
easier and I was gaining my confidence back. Tina has incredible patience and would walk
me through every step of the way when I was learning and always be willing to answer my
questions no matter how small or simple. I looked forward to every lesson and I was
learning new things all the time and Tina was teaching me to laugh at myself and my
mistakes sometimes. Tina has an incredible talent with her horses and I have been known to
just watch in awe as she works all of her horses from the yearlings, ready to start two
year olds, to her finished show horses. She can take horses to their full potential and is
able to adapt to each horse’s temperament and skills. Tina has an amazing ability to
make each horse perform at their absolute best and get the most out of them without any
harsh methods. I admire Tina’s honesty and patience when it comes to working with all
of her client’s horses. If she feels that horse isn’t right for a person or
discipline they are working on she will be honest and work with them to find the right fit
for both horse and rider so that their goals and abilities are used to their best
potential. I decided it was time to chase my dream to show on the Paint circuit which had
been a dream of mine for years and I had never felt I would be ready to realize my dream
before Tina, but now, that dream was within my grasp. I needed a horse for this dream to
become reality and once again, I turned to Tina to help me. Tina knew exactly what I
needed in a horse and found me a horse I could have never dreamed of owning in my lifetime
but it was now a possible because of Tina and I found myself the new owner of the
phenomenal show mare Real Lovely. “Cloe” was the perfect match for me. Tina had
found me a proven show horse with patience and talent and fitted what I needed perfectly.
Now I spend lots of time riding Cloe and learning English, Western, and Showmanship and
Tina is still here to help me out along the way and guide me through our new adventures.
Tina is always willing to help you find what you need or what you are looking for when it
comes to horses. Tina was willing to come with me and help me pick out a young prospect
for me which I found in Real Lovely’s then weanling full sister Real
Romantic/”Zoe”. I look forward to the future with these amazing mares and
Tina’s guidance. Few times in life will you be fortunate to find someone who is your
trainer, friend and mentor. I have found all three in Tina Langness. Tina is my teacher,
my inspiration, my support and also my hero. Thank you Tina, for having faith in me when I
didn’t think I had faith in myself anymore. Thanks for believing in a timid and
fearful rider and giving her a chance to learn and find her courage and never giving up
even in the worst of times. There are not enough words or thank yous in the world for what
you have done for me, and I will be forever grateful to you. Thank you for teaching me so
much. Thank you for teaching me that if I am willing to work hard I can get better, and
that I can reach my goals. I learned not only horse skills from you but also faith,
patience, perseverance, discipline, and courage. Thank you for knowing when to push me
forward and when to let me figure it out on my own. I probably didn’t express myself
as well as I had hoped in this testimonial but like I said what Tina has done for me and
my dreams is not easily written or spoken. I can only hope she knows that she is
appreciated and that I admire her. She is my hero. Sincerely, Jill Roraff .
Christopher Strong
Tina has a unique gift for horses that I have only started to understand with 10 years of
her expertise guiding me. This gift has reached her to new heights. She is able to see a
horse in a pasture, close her eyes and see the full potential that he has, to make him a
winner in the ring. She is able to match personality and disposition of rider to a horse
that is equally matched. Tina doesn't just train horses for a rider to get on and ride,
she creates winning teams. She loves horses and enjoys what she does which makes the
training process so much easier to understand. With this atmosphere the rider and horse
respect each other and are able to communicate in a way that only a friendship can create.
Tina has taught me a great deal. She has taught me patience, understanding, and confidence
in my self. Not only do I use these in the ring but in school, my job, and in life. When
giving a speech I am prepared to get up and speak by using the same techniques Tina has
showed me before in my showmanship, equitation, and horsemanship classes. I grew up and
will continue to grow with Tina. She took me from open shows, to 4H, then on to Quarter
Horse, and that leads to today.
Tina found me a QH that I loved. He taught me so much in so many ways, without him I
wouldn't be the rider I am today. I recently sold him and bought a Paint from Tina, who is
perfect for me. I will continue to work with him and learn through her. She is not just a
trainer; she is a life long friend. Thank you Tina for all your dedication and hard work
through out the years. Without you in my life, I wouldn't be the person I am today.
Jamie Mattison
Hey Tina! You'll never guess what happened! I checked my email on Tuesday morning before
school and guess what I found in my inbox?!?! A congratulations on my status as a finalist
for the Questbridge scholarship!!!!! I'm using tons of exclamation points to emphasize
this . . . oh my lord, I may be going to college for free!
There were 2100 geniuses who applied and I was one of the about 10% chosen, and I'm not
even close to being a genius. Holy crap. The little girl from Hicktown could have her
dream come true. I can't even believe this is happening to me, it's so unreal. No one gets
a full scholarship, it simply doesn't happen. But it may happen to me! I say this because
even though I'm a finalist, it doesn't mean that I automatically get the scholarship. I
have to rank the "partner colleges" and they rank the applicants and if I get
matched up, boom bang poof, I get to go to that college for free.
It's like a coupon that's worth a hell of a lot of money! Like 200000 dollars worth! I
won't know until December 1st though, and in the meantime I''ll be doing paperwork like
crazy. And not sleeping. Whoa, deep breaths. This is crazy .
Anyway, I also wanted to let you know that the best essay I wrote (or at least that's what
I think) on my application was one about my experiences as your employee. How I sucked at
scooping poop and it made me a better person; it was probably one of the most personal
things I've written, and I'm positive that it may have been a major deciding factor on my
application. We'll never know the truth of course, but just maybe if I'd never met you, I
may have never gotten this incredible gift that could make my dreams come true.
So I wanted to thank you a hundred times and a half for all that you've done for me. And
to let you know that you're really a lot like a second mom, not replacing my real one, but
supplementing her sometimes. Yeah, so that's my "INCREDIBLE NEWS!" Hope to see
you sometime soon and I hope you did great at the show, you always do.
Love, Jamie
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