Class of 2030 student Ashlynn Gonzalves reflects on a year representing the Quarter Horse industry and the lessons she’ll carry into medicine.
For Ashlyn Gonzalves, a student in the Class of 2030 at the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine, the past year has been a balancing act between two important pursuits: medical education and her role as the 2025 All-American Quarter Horse Congress Queen. Throughout her reign, Gonzalves traveled across the country, representing the Quarter Horse industry and connecting with audiences at youth events and industry gatherings. Recently, she returned to Columbus, Ohio, where her journey as queen began, to fulfill her final responsibilities and pass the crown to her successor.
“It was definitely bittersweet traveling back to a place that has played such a significant role in my life,” Gonzalves said.
After attending the Congress for 10 years, returning to a leadership role offered a different perspective. She also drew previous experience coaching Special Olympics equestrians and volunteering with the show’s Equestrians with Disabilities program.
“Both of these experiences taught me the reward of contributing to something bigger than yourself,” she said.
Balancing Commitments Beyond the Classroom
Serving as Congress Queen while beginning medical school required careful planning and discipline. During her first block, Gonzalves traveled to Oklahoma for appearances at the organization’s World Shows and made the nine-hour drive between North Carolina and Ohio for Congress. She learned to make the most of her downtime while recognizing when her responsibilities as queen or her medical education needed her full attention.
She credits the School of Medicine’s support with helping her navigate both commitments.
“Starting medical school is a major transition in itself, and having an institution that recognizes the importance of experiences and commitments outside the classroom has meant a lot to me,” Gonzalves said.
Lessons for a Future Physician
Beyond time management, Gonzalves believes her year as queen strengthened a skill that will be essential in medicine: communication. Interacting with industry executives, governors, and other leaders challenged her to introduce herself confidently, speak to large audiences, and connect with people from different backgrounds.
“As physicians, we are going to interact with patients from all walks of life and being able to communicate effectively and make someone feel comfortable is just as important as understanding the science behind their care,” she said.
With her reign complete, Gonzalves is looking forward to dedicating even more time to medical school and becoming involved in her local community. Although she has passed the crown, she plans to remain connected to the equine industry through breeding and raising Quarter Horses. Her advice to other students balancing personal passions with academic commitments is simple: “You don’t have to put your life on hold to become a physician.”