Over the summer Kareem Rosser’s book, Crossing the Line, arrived in my mailbox. It was highly anticipated. I had watched it dominate the Amazon ranking in the weeks leading up to the release of my book, Stories from the Barn Aisle (and in the weeks after!).

To be honest, I was unsure if I’d like the book. I find myself putting down more memoirs than I finish due to slow storytelling, disgustingly graphic details, or truly unbelievable facts. Crossing the Line grabbed my attention from the first page. I devoured it like my favorite fantasy novels. When I read the final words, my brain was spinning. 

The book was so good, I wrote a blog post about it you can read here. I also immediately looked Rosser up on Instagram to see if he would chat with me for the LiveRideLearn Podcast. 

It took a few months, but we were finally able to connect for a chat!

Our conversation was the highlight of my week! After reading the memoir, I knew Rosser’s story, but I wanted to know the important details about the guy. What does he eat for breakfast and what’s his favorite color horse? 

Rosser is a celebrated polo player, so we of course spent time chatting about the sport that captured my heart. I had the opportunity to play in college, and it’s hands down the most fun sport I’ve ever played. 

Our conversation also moved to more difficult territory. While his story chronicles his growth from a young barn rat who’s afraid to ride to becoming a top collegiate polo player, it also talks about the struggles of home. He was born and raised in West Philadelphia in an area known as “the Bottom.” He’s lost friends and family to violence, and the heart-breaking cycles of poverty and desperate decisions.

I normally avoid these conversations. They’re difficult and there’s no easy answer. I’m afraid I’ll say something callous and hurt people’s feelings, and in the end, what can I even do to help solve the problem? During our chat, I decided to dive in headfirst, and I may never be the same. 

Rosser and I talked about the issue, and what helped him break the cycle for himself. He talked about the simple gift of exposure to other places, and how, thanks to the Work to Ride program and polo, he was able to see that there was more to life than what he knew in “the Bottom.” I talked about my personal growth journey, and the belief that we become like the people we spend the most time with. Kareem said, “Sarah, just put a couple of kids on a bus and take them to the barn!”

The scheming has begun. 

What if something as simple as taking some kids like young Kareem to the barn with me could change their world and their future?

What if just being a friend with someone could change their circle of influence? 

I think we overcomplicate the power of friendship and sharing the resources we already have.

I challenge you to listen to this episode. Laugh with us, dream with us, and scheme with us. Let’s change more lives.