Meet our student of the month, Shelby Vinson. She’s a senior who uses her flexible ICA schedule to participate in rodeos all across North America.
My ICA Story
I started with Alpha and Omega Academy the beginning of my sophomore year of high school. My family was introduced to the academy through another rodeo family who encouraged us to look into the school. At the time I was struggling in my traditional high school because I was missing many days of school to travel and participate in rodeos.
When we called the school, we were shocked to find out it was only 30 miles from my home! After visiting with Sarah Ripplinger, my academic advisor, my parents and I drove to the academy where I was able to tour the school and meet some of the teachers. I have to admit that prior to the visit I was a bit apprehensive because it was so different from the schools I had been attending. My mind changed completely after the visit. Everyone was so welcoming! I was surprised by how truly excited the teachers were about helping me learn.
The biggest piece of advice I that I could give to other ICA students is to not be afraid to ask for help. ICA teachers are so understanding and really want to help you learn and be the best you can be. With the use of technology I am able to connect with my teachers whenever I have questions. It has also surprised me how my teachers are focused on me as a person. I have always felt as though they have taken the extra time to get to know me personally.
Rodeo Life
I have been riding since before I can remember. My dad put me on a horse when I was very young, and I am grateful that he has blessed me with a passion for horses and rodeo. I love rodeo because it is so challenging and teaches me a lot of responsibility. Today I compete in barrel racing all over the continent, as far away as Canada, California, and even Florida.
Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of becoming a professional, and ICA has allowed me to do that. Online distance learning has taught me to be more accountable and a better problem solver. I also love that distance learning is flexible so that I am able to learn on my own time. It allows me to be available for small things like being home when the horse farrier comes and big things like traveling to Texas for three weeks to compete in rodeos.
My Hobbies
In my free time I enjoy riding horses and giving lessons to other barrel racers. It makes me overjoyed to see them competing to their best ability while they strive to reach their goals! When I am not consumed with rodeo and horse activities, my passion is music. I don’t sing or play an instrument; I just love listening to all genres of music. My friends often like to play songs and challenge me to guess the artist and name of the song. I really enjoy challenging myself, as well, because I am an extremely competitive person.
My Greatest Accomplishment
As far as my accomplishments, I have been very blessed to win every rodeo association in the Midwest and also hold the position as the highest money winner in those associations.
Future Plans
After I graduate high school, I want to fully commit to a professional rodeo career. My ultimate goal is to qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo. After I have fulfilled all of my rodeo goals, I would like to go to college and obtain a business degree. The small business class at ICA has allowed me to explore the possibility of planning and starting my own business, and it’s something I really enjoy learning about.
My dream job would be to open up my own equine rehabilitation facility in the Midwest. This facility would make sure the horses stay in the best possible condition for competitive use. As a side business, I would enjoy training young horses for competition.