It's time to meet the Auburn equestrian freshman class as we bring you Q&As with the newcomers.
We're starting the week off with Washington, D.C., product and Jumping Seat rider Alexis Seiden!
Q: Why Auburn?
A: "I chose Auburn because of the how at home I felt here the minute I stepped on campus. The academic support Auburn provides is great, and of course, the team is incredible. I felt like I belonged at Auburn and like I was welcomed into the Auburn Family as soon as I got here."
What is your major and what do you hope to do with it after college?
"My major right now is biomedical sciences, but I'm hoping to change to global studies soon. I want to center my career around helping people, but more so in the global sense by working on large issues around the world."
What is your favorite Auburn tradition so far?
"My favorite Auburn tradition would have to be when we fly the eagle before football games. Everyone knows what it means, and you can really feel the spirit in the crowd."
What are you most excited about this season?
"I'm most excited to continue to see how we come together as a team as we take on our upcoming meets, and SECs and nationals. I can't wait to see all our hard work pay off!"
How are you managing being on the equestrian team and your class load?
"Managing schoolwork and riding has always been something I've had to deal with, so it hasn't been that hard to get used to. We have so much here to make sure we don't feel too overwhelmed with our workload, which has helped create a nice balance between class and the team."
What is your favorite thing to do in Auburn?
"My favorite thing to do in Auburn is go to all the different sports events we have here with my teammates. We've been to all different types of games, which has been fun to help us really get into the school spirit."
What was your favorite class you took this past semester?
"My favorite class I took this past semester was probably Ethics in the Health Sciences. It touched on a lot of really interesting topics, and I got to hear about them from many different perspectives."
What horse is your favorite to ride for Auburn?
"My favorite horse to ride at Auburn would probably have to be Herbie and Neto."
What is your favorite memory with the equestrian team thus far?
"My favorite memory with the team so far is when we won our meet against Oklahoma State. It was right before we all went home for Thanksgiving Break, so the energy was really high, and we were all able to go home on a great note."
What does 'War Eagle' mean to you?
"To me, 'War Eagle' embodies the Auburn Family. It is a saying that keeps the community of Auburn together, and its one that I've heard no matter where I am. I've heard it at home, in airports, and anywhere in between. 'War Eagle' means that Auburn lives on even when you are not on campus."
What is your favorite hometown (D.C.) attraction (museum, monument, etc)?
"My favorite DC attraction would probably have to be the Museum of Natural History. It's a museum I've been going to since I was really little, and it has turned into a great activity to do with friends on a rainy day. We also have an incredible food market called Union Market, that has all different kinds of food vendors. It's a go to spot for me and my friends."
What has been the best advice you've received, and who was it from?
"The best advice I've received is from my dad, and that's to learn how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable. This is something he has instilled in me from a young age, because there are always going to be things in life that make you uncomfortable. It's up to you to know how to respond positively in those situations and use them to your advantage."