It’s that bittersweet time of year again when you say goodbye to old friends and hello to new experiences. For some it means going off to college and being on your own for the first time. For others, it’s time to go out into the world and become the person you have studied your whole life to be. Here are just a few of the many who will be taking that giant leap this summer.

Ginger Chant

Chant graduated from All Saints’ Episcopal School in Fort Worth, Texas. In August she will be attending Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where she plans to ride on the school’s equestrian team. Chant has a love for children and is considering a career in teaching, she also dreams of building a family of her own some day.

“I hope to get a great education from Baylor and look forward to building my life and family,” says Chant. “I intend to always be around horses and introduce my children to horses, as well.”

Olivia Turner

As a recent graduate from the Greenfield School in Wilson, North Carolina, Turner has known what she wanted to be when she grows up for most of her life. Her father, Lee Turner, is a very successful defense attorney and Olivia has always been interested in what he does.

“I hope to be as successful as he is and follow his footsteps pretty soon,” says Turner.

In order to reach her dream career Turner will attend North Carolina State University this fall where she will major in political science.

Hillary Roberts

Hillary Roberts of Edmond, Oklahoma, had a picture perfect high school career at the Oklahoma Christian School.

“I will definitely miss how small my class was,” Roberts says. “I loved the fact that I knew everyone in my class.”

Roberts will be attending Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, where she would like to study Business.

Carey Nowacek

This San Antonio, Texas, native is returning to her roots after acquiring a Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Texas A & M University. Nowacek will begin student teaching this fall with second grade students at Stubing Elementary School in San Antonio.

“I chose to go into teaching because I love helping people and I love children,” Nowacek says. “I had so many great teachers and coaches throughout my life that I wanted to influence young people’s lives in a positive way.”

Indy Roper

After a very successful youth career Indy Roper joined the NCEA National Championship Auburn Equestrian Team. Since joining the team Roper has led the War Eagles to an additional two NCEA National Championships in 2011 and 2013. While at Auburn she majored in Finance and graduated this year with a Bachelor of Science in Finance. She is not quite done with academia and in August she will attend Valparaiso University Law School in Valparaiso, Indiana, in hopes to one day soon obtain her Juris doctorate.

Laura Brainard

Canadian native, Laura Brainard graduated this year after four long years of studying at Texas A & M University in College Station, Texas, with a degree in Agriculture Economics. However, this is just the beginning for her as she is planning on returning to A & M in the fall to further her education by studying for her Master’s Degree in Agriculture Development. Brainard was also a pivotal member of the Aggie Equestrian Team during her tenure at the University.

Lauren Blankenship

Through distance learning California native Lauren Blankenship just finished her Associate’s Degree in Health Information Technology.

“My schedule got really busy so it was easier for me to complete the degree through online classes,” says Blankenship.

Blankenship is currently interviewing for positions and studying to take the National Certification Exam, which will help open many more doors for her.

Jess McMullen

While working hard as a leader on the Texas A & M University Equestrian Team, Jess McMullen never lost sight of the real reason she was there, to get a top-notch education. This Pennsylvania native received her degree in Animal Science and is currently putting her degree to good use at PDM Insurance Agency where she works with Horse Mortality and Farm Insurance.

“When I have some time off I will continue to show my two horse, Skys Back In Black in Hunter Under Saddle and Slip On My Hilfigers in Western Pleasure,” explains McMullen.

Lauren Michelle Kelly

Lauren Michelle Kelly can now officially call herself a Certified Dental Assistant (CDI). She graduated from Lewis and Clark Community College in May with her CDI Degree and will now go on to get her Dental Hygiene Degree. With any luck she will graduate in December 2014 with that degree as well.

“By far the most rewarding thing about the program is working with the patients to improve their oral health and watching their health in general improve over the course of our time with them,” says Kelly. “I never thought I would enjoy working in someone’s mouth, but now I can’t picture myself in any other profession.”