A student who uses her passion to volunteer

Aside from being a passionate horse-rider, Kirsten Gray is also a talented artist.

Fifteen-year-old Kirsten Gray is setting a good example for her peers as she believes in volunteering and, at the same time, uses her passion and skills to serve the community.
Gray, a student of GEMS FirstPoint School, has been volunteering at the Al Marmoom Initiative, which provides free therapeutic riding classes to people of determination. She started getting involved in the initiative in May 2018 on a weekly basis and since then, she has helped many children and adults.
Speaking about the  initiative, Gray said: "Al Marmoom Initiative provides recreational and therapeutic riding classes for people of determination in Dubai free of charge. The initiative thrives on volunteers who wish to be part of this community, and I am one of those. I want to do my bit to give back to the community."
Gray has been a keen horse-rider since the age of two, when her family first bought their own horse in Scotland. "This has been a hobby and passion that has remained with me through the years. Coupled with the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award, I wanted to give back to the community in some way that incorporated my interest."
Talking about her passion for horses and horse riding, she said: "The delight and serenity horses bring to people with determination is beautiful. The majestic and calming influence of different horses is magical."
Volunteering has also taught her a lot of things, she said. "I've learned the importance of consistency and patience, and I have built my own self-confidence in working with the riders.
"This has widened my interest in the outside world, appreciating self-discipline and rewarding results when you see that the riders are happy with their achievements. I will continue to devote my time at Al Marmoom initiative."
Also having a keen interest in art, Gray has created a colourful mural, which is on display in the Al Marmoom stables.
She is set to be recognised by GEMS as part of the GEMS of Kindness initiative, which  encourages the youth to engage in acts of kindness.
Lauding her efforts, Al Marmoom Equestrian Club sent a letter to her school, stating: "She has done a beautiful piece of art in the stables on her own. She has spent a lot of time on it and it has come out perfect! This mural brings a lot of joy and colour to our stables, not just for the students and the trainers but for the horses as well. I kindly request that you share her efforts with the rest of the school and with her arts teacher in particular. She is a perfect example of a student who is selfless. You should be really proud of her."
saman@khaleejtimes.com