Slice of life writing challenge - Day 4

7:42 PM Posted In , , Edit This 3 Comments »
I have taught skating every winter for the past 11 years of my life. When I started I was more of an assistant, getting the instructor things and just helping out. Then at the end of my own skating career I took over as coach and really created my own little club. It was my entrepreneur attempt that made me some really great cash. Then they built the new rink and started charging me ice rental and my profit was $0! But I did it really because I love it. Skating is in my blood. If Justin and I could we would get married on ice! :) I only got to teach skating starting in January this year instead of September because of internship and I just realized today that I only have two weeks left and it will probably be the last two weeks of skating I teach because I will hopefully have a real school teacher job that will not allow me to keep doing this.
I have really enjoyed these last 2 sessions of skating. I have had many challenges to overcome and when I reflect on what I can do now on the ice compared to even just a few years ago it is incredible.
Teaching skating is one of the reasons I wanted to become a teacher. I loved working with kids and passing on my knowledge and love of a great sport. It is also so rewarding to have them improve so much in the time you teach them. I remember I had triplet girls in my own class and at the beginning they would not come onto the ice by themselves, they were so scared and could barley stand up, and really didn't want to continue. But I was determined to make them LOVE skating and make them great skaters and now they are all playing hockey and skating circles around the other players. It makes me smile. I can't wait to have my own classroom and watch my students grow into their full potential.

3 comments:

Jen Barney said...

how wonderful!!! i started skating at age 5 and continued until high school. it was like losing a best friend when i stopped. i am happy you are creating these wonderful memories for your treasures. i still have the same excitement when i am on the ice with my children that i had when i was younger! good luck.

Jane said...

Such good writing! I look forward to reading all your slices.
~jane S

GirlGriot said...

What a great story! How fabulous that teaching skating inspired you to teach more than skating. I hope when you have your 'real teacher job' you will still find a way to get out on the ice and teach!