THE NEXT RIDE: Jaana Rasmussen
May 25, 2018
THE NEXT RIDE — Jaana Rasmussen
With the 2017-18 season now complete, it’s time for the Gamecocks to bid farewell to 11 incredible seniors who have each impacted the Carolina program in their own special way. But for these 11 women, the end of their collegiate careers marks the beginning of a new journey, where each of them will make their mark on the world. GamecocksOnline.com is proud to present The Next Ride, spotlighting each senior’s time at Carolina and looking ahead to the next chapter of their lives. Today’s Q&A features Jaana Rasmussen.
Graduation Date, Degree, Major(s):
May 12, 2018 – Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
What was your hardest class at Carolina?
My Hardest class was back when I was a Marine Science major and it was Calculus II. To this day I do not know how I passed that class on the first try. Integrals will forever be an enigma to me, and I owe my tutor big time for meeting with my freshman self twice a week to help me better understand the algebra behind the calculus.
How did you pick your major?
After discovering I hated to physically handle fish while I was a marine science major, I decided to make a change. I found myself more interested in drawing marine life than studying the material while I was attending class. So when I learned graphic design was a major here at Carolina, I knew that was what I wanted to study with the rest of my time here. I love blending fine art, business, and technology together. Graphic design is the perfect balance of all of those things.
How did the Carolina Equestrian family help you during your academic career?
If it weren’t for BT (academic advisor Bridgett Tabor) in the Dodie Anderson Academic Enrichment Center, I firmly believe I would still be struggling to earn a diploma. The academic help and advisement have been a massive help. I will be forever thankful for all the help they have provided in my four years here.
What competition will you remember most from your time as a Carolina Equestrian student-athlete?
If I were to pick one competition, it would have to be from my freshman year involving the spring senior meet. The seniors I had as a freshman were really inspiring and helped me figure out what kind of leader I wanted to become as I went through the years here. It was a bittersweet moment to see them with their parents and hearing all the stats of each one.
What’s the one phrase you’ll remember most from the coaches?
It would have to be Coach Sorrel’s “no horse left behind” slogan. It always really resonated with me. Because without the horses, this sport would not exist, and they deserve every ounce of care they get.
What do you plan on doing after graduation?
I have decided to become certified to teach English as a foreign language this summer. I plan to find a teaching job somewhere in Asia, and while teaching I also plan to do freelance graphic design.
What’s your advice for young riders interested in joining the Carolina Equestrian program?
Coming from someone who walked onto this team as a freshman, if you have the opportunity to ride different horses, take advantage of it. As a teenager, I spent all my time when I wasn’t at school at a stable somewhere in North or South Carolina. I would literally ride anything that a trainer or friend would let me sit on. I didn’t have a massive showing resume, but I did have real-life experience working with horses that weren’t always perfect, which is amazing for college riding. I was still able to jump massive courses back then even though it wasn’t in a show ring. I learned to love each and every equine I was able to meet and work with. The horse always comes first, and good riding creates great equitation. I wish the best of luck to girls looking to join Carolina Equestrian.
