Ryley will use her scholarship to major in biology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte While her dream is to become a veterinarian, as she begins her studies, her focus will be on nursing.
Riley says in her essay, “Growing up in a Christian home has been a key to my success as a good person. I have always done my best to follow the Lord’s word. I was actively involved in a church youth group until Covid 19 hit and that is where my faith was truly tested. While the world was watching Covid 19 shutting down our communities, I was living the worst nightmare possible.
My family was on the news as one by one they went into a coma. Some tragically did not wake up. During my time of grieving and in utter shock at what was happening in the beginning of the pandemic, I was sadly bullied. I was being called the “Corona Girl” in school by peers who warned to stay away from me and my family because we were the spreaders of the virus.
This was extremely difficult and I prayed hard every night to wake up from this nightmare. While classmates were complaining or cheering no school, I was losing some of the most important people in my life.
I am a third-generation horseman. My father trains Standardbred horses and in his younger years was once a rising star driver. My uncles and aunts are also trainers and owners as well as my cousins. My love and fondness for horses and the horse business is unmeasurable. My dad’s horses at the time were my refuge and loving distractions. I spent as much time as I could in the barn growing up. If I wasn’t on a field playing sports, I would help my dad at the barn.
Fall of my senior year during a soccer game, an opponent crashed into me completely tearing my ACL requiring surgery. My school athletic career was over. Once again, I had to lean on my faith to pull me out of the “Why me?” feelings.
I am proud to say through all my hardships and pain, I was able to always maintain High Honor Roll and a 4.2 to 4.4GP in Honors and AP classes. My goal in life is to continue to help people and restore the good around me. I am active in my community and volunteer whenever possible.
Growing up I always wanted to be a veterinarian and still, that would be my dream job. However, since the pandemic I realized how helpless I felt to my family members in the hospital and wished I was a nurse to take care of them. Sadly, my family was unable to go to the hospital to say goodbye to our loved ones so the wonderful nurses assured us they showed compassion and care. I want to be that person that helps other when they need it most.”