10/15/2023
🌟✨ Testimonial Week Celebration! ✨🌟
Our Sunday Testimonial is from MET Alumni/Community Outreach Coordinator, Serinah Palafox!
“My name is Serinah Palafox, and I've been a proud member of Metropolitan Equestrian (MET) for six transformative years. Throughout this period, Jane DaCosta and the entire Metropolitan Equestrian organization have profoundly impacted my life in ways words cannot adequately express.
In November of 2017, I stumbled upon an Instagram ad inviting inexperienced riders to join a team. Prior to that moment, I had never ridden a horse, save for the ones at my local petting zoo. When the possibility of riding a horse presented itself, I knew, without a doubt, that I had to be a part of that team.
Equestrian sports were never in the trajectory of my life. As a young girl, I watched the show Heartland and yearned for a chance to ride horses. I pleaded with my parents to give me the opportunity, but sadly, it was financially out of reach. It seemed like equestrian dreams were reserved for others, not "people like me."
Against all odds, Jane took a chance on me and offered a scholarship to join MET. This scholarship made it financially feasible for my family to enroll me in the program, and I became a part of MET's IEA team.
In a short year of showing, countless opportunities arose within this incredible organization. MET turned my dream of potentially riding at a collegiate level into a reality. During my college search, MET provided invaluable educational and athletic resources, which led to a congressional nomination to West Point Military Academy. I had the honor of meeting the head coaches, Peter and Sherry Cashman. Through the generosity of Jane and a kind-hearted donor, I was granted the amazing opportunity to compete at the College Preparatory Invitational (CPI) in West Palm Beach, Florida. It was there that I met my future college coach, Tammy Sousa. This event, alongside MET, enabled me to secure over $180,000 in college scholarships to attend Hartwick College.
As a collegiate athlete and alumna of MET, the organization continued to offer boundless opportunities for growth and learning. Shortly into my undergrad, I became an intern within the organization, serving on their Community Outreach committee. As an intern, I was exposed to the realm of grant writing, educated about the Foundation Center, and came to understand the crucial role of donors and their impact on our organization. I was also tasked with starting up the Youth Advocacy Committee, a profound opportunity to collaborate with fellow MET students. Through this committee, we voiced our concerns, shared our thoughts, advocated for students, and engaged with congressional members, urging legislative changes to create more opportunities for young aspiring athletes. Additionally, I attended various partnership events, some involving teaching animal husbandry and introducing young children to equestrian sports. This journey allowed me to connect with an array of equestrian professionals, such as Chris Mitchell, Bernie Traurig, Anne Kursinski, Sally Batton, and many more.
As you can see, MET transcends being just a team—it's a boundless realm of opportunities. Even as a recent graduate from Hartwick College, MET remains a vital force in my life. During my job search, MET graciously offered me the chance to return and work for them while I navigate my career path. As an alumna, I've had the privilege to network with fellow MET peers, alumni, staff, and parents, each hailing from diverse walks of life. Thanks to this remarkable organization, I am now one step closer to achieving my aspirations.
To the public eye, MET might seem like another non-profit organization or a stable with added amenities. However, Metropolitan Equestrian is home to all its students. It is a place of education and athleticism, fostering growth, networking opportunities, self-discovery, understanding one's worth, entrepreneurship, team camaraderie, equine therapy, education on non-profits, and an immense supportive family dedicated to helping you become the best version of yourself. I Without them, my childhood dreams of receiving a remarkable scholarship to ride at Hartwick College, participate in the IHSA Regional Finals, become the captain of my college equestrian dreams, attend a horse show at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), and countless other opportunities would have never been attainable. Without this incredible organization, I am uncertain where I would have ended up.”
Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association
