A Story of Riding Horses, Playing Polo and Studying on Your Own Schedule

By Leslie Cranford, Section Manager

Whatever Sara Holland does when she finally chooses a career, it will certainly involve horses. She is an avid polo player and a freshman at Texas Tech University High School, now in her second year with TTU K‑12.

Sara has only been riding a few years, but she has loved horses since she was very young, said her mom, Jody Holland. Her dad, Dick Holland, played polo and grew up with horses.

"My favorite part of TTU K-12 is the flexibility," Sara said. "I am able to do school whenever and wherever, according to my schedule. I'm able to do what I want during the day with only a couple hours of school and without teachers telling you what to do."

Jody says Sara had a wonderful experience her first year.

"As a parent, I've watched Sara grow academically and personally in ways that may not have been possible in a standard setting," she said. "Sara has been afforded the ability to play polo due to taking classes through TTU K-12. She loves polo."

Sara rides almost every day, but she keeps a fairly predictable schedule.

"Every morning I wake up at around 8 a.m. and go feed and work out the horses. By the time I'm done it's about 11, so I go home, eat and start on school," Sara explained. "I work on courses from about 1-3 p.m., and then I head back out to the barn to stick-and-ball or play. I feed the horses and go home after all the barn chores are done." Stick-and-ball is individual polo practice in the saddle to build up essential hitting skills and style.

Sara does make time to hang out with her friends and is a member of Young Life.

"I also like to fish and hike, but what most people don't know is I love to ride Western even though I ride English every day," Sara added. "I also am fascinated with barrel racing and hope to give it a try someday."

Jody agrees with her daughter that the convenience of making your own schedule tops the list of the benefits of taking courses through TTU K-12.

"To me it seems if kids or young adults can discipline themselves to complete these online courses, they can certainly prosper at college," she said.

Sara hopes to go to Texas Tech University and play polo for the Texas Tech team. Beyond that, she says she may want to be a professional polo player, a horse trainer or even a horse therapist.

Right now, Sara's best advice to other students would be for them to make sure they have a hobby they want to focus on, and that it is perfectly OK to take a different path than their friends or siblings.

"TTU K-12 really helps with being responsible," Sara added. "I have loved the program so far."

As a parent, Jody says she would absolutely recommend TTU K-12 to anyone.

"It has been fantastic for Sara and our family. The administration and teaching staff are incredible to work with."