Nina Karas
Inaugural Parade Horse Rider
To most kids, looking back to their first day of fourth grade does not seem so memorable, but for me it was one of the scariest days of my life.
Walking into a classroom full of energetic kids who have known each other all of their life, being the new girl was intimidating. The fact that I had a thick Russian accent did not give me the easiest passage into the society of the American kids.
I grew up in a small city near the Black Sea, Zeleznavodsk. The neighborhood was dirty and poor. The life of a Russian child growing up in Zeleznavodsk could not compare to the one that most American kids have. The toys were limited, the number of safe playgrounds was low, and team sports were not an option.
When I was nine years old, I came to America (through adoption). My life had changed overnight, and it was very overwhelming. As I continued to grow up, I realized the opportunities that were coming at me at a fast pace and I could hardly keep up. My parents were my mentors, and they pushed me to always do my best, and to never settle for anything less.
Seventh grade was the first time I visited the Culver Academies. I was very curious about the famous summer camps, and begged my mom to take me for an open house. We took a tour of the campus and the moment I stepped into the castle-style riding arena, my mouth fell to the ground.
The stable was full of over 100 beautiful black horses, and I had the opportunity to ride them all. At that moment, I realized that a few weeks in the summer at this magical place would not satisfy me. On that day, I made up my mind to attend the Culver Academies for high school.
I have dreamed of riding in the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Parade since my seventh grade year, and this could not be more of a dream come true. As Barack Obama says “America is a land of big dreamers and big hopes”. I have always had big dreams that are finally coming true as I prepare to ride down Pennsylvania Avenue in one of the most memorable Inaugurations in history of the United States.
| Larry |
January 17th, 2009 3:00 pm ET I always enjoy the extraordinary teamwork of horse and rider as one. The most magnificent parades I've had the privilige to view took place in Mexico City and in Madrid. Best wishes to all participants:) |
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| Rev Denise Michel |
January 17th, 2009 4:04 pm ET Nina; What a wonderful opportunity for you!! Your parents must be beside themselves with love and pride! Good luck on this very special day. I hope your parents videotape and take still photos of every step of the journey for you. We will watch for you on the TV, since we can't be there in person. ;~} {{{hugs}}} Rev Dee In Love and Light... |
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| Sylvia |
January 17th, 2009 6:06 pm ET Another thrill for America. Where else could a youngster find a home and a glory path. You must be an outrageous girl! Brava, brava to you and your parents. (birth parents and adoptive) |
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| Ann-Marie |
January 17th, 2009 7:01 pm ET Hi Nina, Congratulations! |
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| KIm |
January 17th, 2009 10:15 pm ET Oh my ...beautiful ! This is going to be great and what a wonderful story ! Pretty cool there is going to be a parade and we'll be watching. Sounds like an awesome school and love that horse ! Congradulations & heels down ! Stay in the saddle and lean with the trees ! Go Nina ! |
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| Annie Kate |
January 18th, 2009 12:52 am ET Nina Enjoy your ride – this will be you will always remember and treasure. I'm so glad you have this opportunity. |
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| Kum George and Kuma Helen |
January 18th, 2009 12:57 am ET Kumica Nina, |
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| Linda Newton |
January 18th, 2009 6:20 am ET Nina, We are so excited for you. You are quite the inspiration to so many both young and old. Your perserverance and kind heart will take you far in your journey of life. We will be watching your movements down Pennsylvania Avenue from Martina Franca, Italy. We are so proud of you. Have a wonderful time. |
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| Jen |
January 18th, 2009 8:03 am ET Congratulations on realizing your dream. |
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| Bernhardt family |
January 18th, 2009 9:43 am ET we are waiting to see you ride your dream...you are a special young lady and we are all behind you! you're parents are so proud of you...go girl go |
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| Tricia, Mike - Michael & Kaitlyn |
January 18th, 2009 10:07 am ET Oh, Nina! The path that God has chosen for you and your very proud Parents, is one that is truly a miracle! We will be watching for you as you so proudly ride in this historical moment. We remember so well the moment your Mother found you, "this is our daughter." With love, pride and joy, we share with all of you this incredible life God has put you in. We can't wait to hear and read more...With love, Tricia |
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| Joyce Stauffer and the Girls |
January 18th, 2009 10:12 am ET Dear Nina, Good luck and have fun living your dream! We will be watching for you and enjoying the experience along with you. What a great opportunity! Enjoy this historical event, write down everything you can in a journal for surely you will want to remember all of it and tell the story for a long time to come. Can't wait to hear it! Love |
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| ashok choudhury |
January 18th, 2009 11:33 am ET Hi Nina, |
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| Donna ( Nada and Mike's friend) |
January 18th, 2009 2:24 pm ET Dearest Nina, Brava !!! I know your mom is overwhelmed with Pride. Love Donna |
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| Stacey Mikler |
January 18th, 2009 7:29 pm ET Nina – WOW! Remarkable – Sincerely remarkable. I am at a loss for the right words to say which believe me just doesnt happen very often. Enjoy the moment as it truly is an accomplishment and yikes to your resume when you put one together.........(hee hee) OMG! |
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| JQQQ |
January 18th, 2009 7:50 pm ET Congratulations! Again, Congratulations! |
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| NM |
January 18th, 2009 11:17 pm ET There are many stories of inspiration to be found at the Culver Academies. One of the instructors for the boys Black Horse Troop is an Army Reservist who has already been deployed once to Iraq, is about to deploy on his second trip away, only this time to Afghanistan. Robin Seims, who has been to 4 inaugurals since he began instructing horsemanship at Culver, will be riding with the troop down Pennsylvania Ave just weeks before his second deployment, Mr. Seims is a great example of why this Academy ranks at the top of the College Prep Schools in this nation. He truely embodies the Academy's slogan of "By Example". His selflish sacrifice is greatly appreciated, and admired, and we wish him well as he serves our country. Godspeed. |
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| Djuro Bajic |
January 19th, 2009 2:35 am ET Nina cestitam ti i zelim ti da istrajes ,da ti se ostvare sve zelje koje si smislila,budi uporna jer samo tako ces uspeti .Pozdravljam vas sve zajedno,javi te se. cao |
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