Kimberly finds a little piece of Heaven – US style
01 June 2011
Equine student Kimberly Boyle has taken a big step towards her dream of a career working with special needs children and teaching them to share her love of horses.
The 19 year-old from Carluke in South Lanarkshire is embarking on the adventure of a lifetime, when she travels to the United States for two months after selection as a leader at a summer camp for youngsters in Pennsylvania.
Kimberly, who has a cochlear implant to give her a "sense of sound", has already completed a Certificate in Equine Studies course at Oatridge and is currently studying for an Advanced Certificate in Equine Studies. She was actively encouraged by her tutors to apply for summer camp work in the US and they are as delighted as she is that she has been successful.
She will fly out of Scotland on Monday, June 13, first of all to New York and then travel onwards to the tiny town of Starrucca (population 216) in Pennsylvania, where she will take up the post as a "bunk counsellor" and teach horse riding in the "English style".
Starrucca is described on the town's official website as "a heavenly place to be", especially during July, and Kimberly will be there right through until August 20.
Growing up on a farm - home is Middlehope near Carluke - Kimberly has always been around horses. She says: "I love horse riding and being with my horses, but I'm really looking forward to looking after the horses at the summer camp and most of all, getting involved in all sorts of activities with the children.
"I hope the trip will boost my confidence and that the experience in another country will help me when I start looking for a job in future. Nothing is going to stop me doing what I would like to gain in life."
Sharon Anderson, the Equine Team Leader at Oatridge, says: "We're all delighted for Kimberly. She took up the challenge of applying to go to the United States and we're very proud that she has been successful. I'm sure she will be a great ambassador for the College and for Scotland."
