Every little girl dreams about their senior year of skating. What's my ice show theme going to be? Who will I be graduating with? What kind of jumps and spins will I have? You never think about how that's really your last year (if you choose to not continue). The last time you'll be in every ice show number or the last time you'll spend quality time with these people. If I could go back in time, this is what I would say to my younger self and current younger skaters.
1. Suck it up buttercup.
Skating really does have its ups and downs. There are days when you don't want to go to practice and ask yourself "why am I still doing this?" and there are other days where you wanna say screw it and go do a double that you have never even thought about attempting before. You get so used to being at the rink so much that you don't fully appreciate what you're doing sometimes. Stop it.
2. Let some people go.
Sometimes coaches or pairs partners can only do so much for you. Don't hold onto someone because you don't want to hurt their feelings. They have a job to do and you are the client. Or you guys are a team out there on the ice. Move on if you're not happy but thank them for what they did help you with. There is someone for everybody.
3. Find your style sooner rather than later.
Mary Moss
Go out there and be a queen. You're a sassy skater? Blow a kiss to the judges. You're a graceful skater? You go out and kill that swan lake. You like both? You do you. I was a sassy skater so I know all about blowing kisses and serving looks.
4. Ball on a budget.
You don't have to have the most expensive dress or outfit out there. If it fits your song and you like it, strut your stuff. Same goes for practice clothes. Target's athletic line looks just as cute as Lululemon does.
5. Try.
As simple as it is, just try. Don't be afraid to try something knew. Everything you do out there is going to be scary. Our bodies don't naturally jump into the air and rotate one and a half times but, it's pretty sweet if you can.
6. Don't be afraid to find a new rink.
Moving to a new rink is definitely the scariest part of skating. I moved around from three different rinks before I found my fit at my current rink. I'm not saying you should be a rink hopper but, sometimes change is for the better. I was fortunate enough to meet my best friends at my first ice show tryout at my current rink.
7. Save the drama for your llama.
You're not going to like everyone you skate against or work with during ice show but, just remember why you are there. You are there because you love being under the spotlights or because you love the feeling of competing. Be there for that reason, not for drama.
8. Keep going if you want.
If you want to become an adult skater, do it! If you want to take a break after your senior year, do it. Skating has no age limit. Fight for your dream.
9. Don't be afraid to cry.
Skating is hard. It's okay to be disappointed in yourself or your scores. Just take it all in and fight the fight harder next time.
Skating is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I want to thank my family, past coaches, friends for supporting me along the way. I'm going to miss skating dearly but I can't wait to see what the future holds for all of the younger skaters out there. I hope you all believe in yourself and have fun.
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