Last Updated on July 4, 2016 by Editor
Rachel VanDeusen is a good student and altar server, loves playing sports and watching YouTube videos and enjoys spending time with her friends. But her real passion involves tall, four-legged creatures. Rachel is a lover of horses and really loves to spend time riding them.
How and when did you start riding horses?
I started taking lessons in second grade when I was 7. Since I was very young, I have always had a love for horses. My Dad’s friend owns a horse and she was nice enough to let me ride her horse, and now her daughter is my trainer.
Why do you like horses so much?
Horses bring me to a happy place. If I’m having a bad day, seeing of the horses brightens my day. I find horses to be amazing animals and one day I hope to pursue a career which involves horses.
Do you have a favorite horse?
I have a few favorite horses, Pink Floyd and Moe. Pink Floyd was the first horse I learned to ride, but he had to be put down, and Moe is the horse I ride now; although I have to say, all the horses I am around and ride I love.
What kind of music do you listen to and what kind of YouTube videos do you watch?
I will listen to almost any kind of music. My favorite kind of music is pop. A few of my favorite groups are Troye Sivan, Pentatonix and Adele. I watch makeup tutorials, or videos that are just for entertainment.
At school, you’re a hard worker and will be taking four advanced courses. Is that a lot of work and do you like doing it?
During the 2016-2017 school year, I will be taking four advanced classes – English honors, AP world history, trigonometry and chemistry. Taking these classes is a lot of work and very time consuming, but I like that I have the ability to advance and it’s rewarding to be ahead.
You’re an altar server at Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament. Why did you want to become a server?
I became an altar server because I liked watching the servers during Mass when I was younger. Once I was old enough I joined and I had a great serving team when I first started, so that was a bonus.
What’s your favorite part about serving?
My favorite part is knowing that I am helping the church. It is great that we have Father Cesta as our priest because he’s a great guy, kind, funny and good to be around.
What do you like best about our parish?
I love the beauty of our parish; the artwork is beautiful. All of the paintings and stained glass are amazing to look at.
In the future, how would you like to continue to serve in the parish?
I will continue to volunteer at the parish festival for years to come. I will continue to attend Mass as I get older and maybe will even get married there as I am the fourth generation to attend Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament.
Is faith a big part of your life?
Faith is a good part of my life. I have attended the religion classes at Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament since first grade and I have always attended Mass with my family. I think about my faith quite frequently.
What would you like people to know about you?
My family and friends are a great part of my life and I cherish the time I spend with them. I work hard on everything I do. My education is very important to me and I think ahead to try to plan my future. I plan to go to college for something in the medical field. I am thinking about radiology or equine therapy. I love to travel and plan to travel all over the world. I like to take pictures so I am able to see all the moments of my life journey.
RACHEL VanDEUSEN
Age: 14.
School: Will be a sophomore in the fall at Westmoreland Central.
Family: Mom Sandy, dad Rob, brother Mark and a large extended family.
Things you like to do in your spare time: Be with friends and family, listen to music, watch YouTube videos and horseback ride.
Favorite movie: “Flicka.”
Favorite TV show: “Grey’s Anatomy.”
Favorite musician or entertainer: “Troye Sivan.”
Favorite book: “The Fault in Our Stars.”