Sara Murphy APLit4

Closed spaces make me anxious, from congested freeways too crowded sidewalks, while open spaces that expand into the horizon provide a much-needed respite. Silicon Valley exemplifies the former, where I have spent my whole life. But 15 hours by car or 2 by plane, life moves a little slower and open space is abundant in the Teton range. Life has its perks living in Silicon Valley: progressive attitudes, inventive minds, and endless opportunities. The fast-paced lifestyle is not only expected but rewarded, often at the expense of others. The homeless population has grown exponentially in the last twenty years with the changing economy, where high-density housing replaces plans for affordable ones and the cost of fresh produce climbs each year. There is no more space for people to go; even the streets are full. On my walk to school, just a block, I pass by a homeless man in a tent, trash littered in the curb, and construction sites lining the roads and skyline. My natural pre...

Sunday  is my favorite day of the week. It’s the only day I don’t have to set my alarm, though, between the two dogs, my whole family is up by 8. All of my homework is finished and responsibilities dealt with by Saturday afternoon, leaving me with a day off. I don’t even have to run. But my favorite part about Sundays is my family’s morning tradition: breakfast. By 8:30, my parents are back from their Sunday run. By 8:45, the kitchen has erupted into organized chaos. I check the chicken coop for eggs and dash back inside to start whisking them in a giant glass bowl. My brother is slicing Saturday’s everything bagels and methodically toasting them to each person's specifications (I like mine almost burnt, while my brother enjoys his slightly warm). In the meantime, my youngest brother harvests oranges from the tree outback and starts on the orange juice. My dad makes pancakes, while my mom turns leftovers into a delicious addition. From mushrooms in a scramble to mashed potato...

For my third birthday, all I wanted was to take a horseback riding lesson. My mom arranged a lesson with a local barn, having no idea the impact it would have on my life. My first lesson became my second, and my second became my third until I competed in my first show when I was 5 years old. Even when I subsequently broke my arm, I couldn’t wait to get back on a horse. For the past 14 years of my life, riding has been what has put a smile on my face, kept me sane during school, and provided me with some of my best friends. No matter what is happening in my life, I always feel like I belong at my barn, and with my horse.  In March,  I got my horse Earnie. He’s a chestnut, with a unique liver-colored main and tail, four white socks, and a striking white blaze on his face. Undoubtedly he’s an arresting horse, only amplified by his textbook-perfect jumping form. Most importantly, he has the best personality. Whenever I walk into the barn, he perks his ears up and preens h...