As I sit here going through pictures after spending the last two days attached to my camera in various horse related activities and coming off the high of watching the police catch the second Boston Bombing suspect, I got to thinking... my life is pretty awesome.
While that probably sounds conceited, it's something I've forgotten in the midst of my troubles the last few months.
If you are friends with me on Facebook and keep up with my news feed there (don't feel guilty if you don't, I post a lot), you know that last month I was granted a Fulbright. But due to circumstances, including the months of rehab I have ahead with my hand, I had to turn it down. I spent a week thinking long and hard about it and decided at the time that the unknowns with my hand left too much to chance. That probably proved to be a wise decision since I had two major setbacks in the three week, including a third surgery, after I declined.
I have definitely had some "wtf" days where I think about the offer I turned down but then I consider the upside. My biggest goal is to work in the horse racing industry. I do want to spent time doing that in Europe and the Fulbright would have gotten me there but it's unlikely I'd be able to do all that I do here.
I'm in the perfect place to visit a bunch of world class farms, can go to a track 15 minutes from my house to watch serious horses compete/work out, I can attend sales to learn more about a part of the industry that I am in love with, and I've been given the opportunity to intern at a farm so I can learn some of the inside stuff that I had never considered. Plus, I've learned that being a fan of the sport is a lot different than working in it.
Just from my time at Three Chimneys and working for Paulick Report and America's Best Racing, I've been forced to look at the sport in a different light and have learned more than I could have imagined. And I plan on working out even more opportunities (hint: if you're looking for a part-time intern or extra help, I'll be available) in the Fall after my hand is farther on the road to recovery to learn even more.
So yes, the Fulbright would have been an awesome experience but for my goals, staying close to home for the time being is probably more worthwhile to me. I am extremely thankful to the people that helped me get the Fulbright (Dr. K, Butler, etc etc) and who knows, maybe I'll try for it again in a few years. But if the last two days (and even the past six months) have taught me anything, it's that my hand injury was a blessing in disguise. I can't wait to see what is in store next (as long as it isn't bad and doesn't have anything to do with my hand outside of recovering).
Until next time,
Melissa
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